“I’ve spent my life exploring how story and psychology shape who we are and how we connect.”
You can read what's below, but the truth is, this picture of the archway at my grandma's house, the one that led into the kitchen where we swapped stories, probably tells you more than any words could.
I often stood under that curve and listened to the tales passed back and forth until they felt like mine.
That threshold taught me how memory lives in places and people.
It showed me what it means to feel seen, heard and valued.
That is why my work centers on story, the senses, and connection.
I design experiences and spaces where people can cross their own thresholds, share what they carry, and leave with something stronger.
NOW, THE FANCY, EXPANDED VERSION
What if stories weren't just entertainment, but tools we could use to ease transitions, build empathy, and preserve what matters most?
That question has guided my career as a media psychologist, social gerontologist, and experience designer. I study how story and sensory design shape memory, identity, and connection across generations.
I hold a PhD in Media Psychology, an MA in Psychology, and a Master of Human Services in Social Gerontology. Over the last 25 years, I've worked at the intersection of aging, mental health, and storytelling, designing programs and experiences that support families, care teams, and communities through grief, legacy, dementia, and end-of-life.
I'm the founder of Senstoria, a studio dedicated to immersive empathy experiences. Our projects include The Empathy Experience, Storyfeeling Lab, AgeLink, GenLens, and the Library of Lived Experiences. These programs blend research and creative design to build bridges between generations, reduce stigma, and strengthen emotional connection.
I also host the Stories of People podcast, where everyday lives and legacies are shared with curiosity and care. My work as a speaker and educator has taken me across the U.S. and Europe, where I teach on media, empathy, aging, and emotional design.
Alongside this applied work, I lead the Immersive Experience Psychology Lab, developing case studies and research on how media and design can shift inner stories, build empathy, and support wellbeing. My approach is simple: combine science with lived experience, and always start with dignity.
Whether guiding a care team through end-of-life reflection, developing sensory storytelling kits for families, or creating intergenerational workshops in the Netherlands, I hold the same core belief:
If you'd like to explore working together, whether through speaking, workshops, consulting, or collaboration, please reach out.