Credentials & Experience

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

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Historic Preservationist, Architectural Historian, and Independent Researcher with an MA in Historic Preservation and professional experience spanning historic preservation, architectural research, cultural heritage documentation, federal preservation compliance, community development, and property research. Founder of Heritage Matters, providing historic preservation and cultural heritage consulting services with a specific interest in Caribbean, Atlantic World, and diaspora histories. Experienced in archival and historical research, historic resource documentation, and cross-sector collaboration. Combines a background in architecture and historic preservation with community engagement, cross-cultural communication, research, writing, visual documentation, and project coordination. Particularly interested in the relationship between historic places, cultural landscapes, family histories, migration, memory, and heritage preservation.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

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HERITAGE MATTERS – Lady Lake, FL, USA          
Founder / Historic Preservation Consultant | January 2016 – Present

• Provide architectural and cultural heritage consulting services through an independent historic preservation practice.
• Conduct historical research and support preservation projects through documentation, analysis, and research-based recommendations.
• Research historic properties, buildings, communities, and cultural resources using historical and archival sources.
• Collaborate with government agencies, community stakeholders, and other project partners on preservation and heritage-related work.
• Provide research, writing, documentation, and preservation support tailored to individual projects.
• Manage the firm’s digital presence, branding, communications, and information-technology systems.
• Develop independent research interests focused on Caribbean, Atlantic World, diaspora, family history, and cultural heritage.

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA), REGION IV – Orlando, FL, USA
Historic Preservation Specialist, Branch III | November 2017 – April 2018

• Participated in and documented Exploratory Calls, Recovery Scope Meetings, and Site Inspections associated with disaster-recovery projects.
• Evaluated and communicated Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) concerns and compliance requirements to applicants and project stakeholders
• Prepared detailed Recovery Scope Meeting Reports and Site Inspection Reports documenting project information and preservation-related concerns.
• Produced photographic documentation, GIS points, and floodplain/wetland maps for inspected sites.
• Collaborated with Program Directors, Managers, Site Inspectors, Applicants, Environmental and Historic Preservation Specialists, and EHP Leads 

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE: NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES – Washington, DC, USA
Historic Preservation Intern | June 2015 – August 2015

• Updated the National Register’s Section 7 Architectural Style and Form Guidelines, incorporating architectural illustrations, floor plans, descriptions, and web-accessible materials.
• Collaborated with State Historic Preservation Offices to obtain vernacular architectural imagery and supporting information.
• Reviewed and evaluated National Register nominations and applications associated with Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives Program.
• Reviewed a Section 106 case involving Wentworth Lime Cave in Trimble County, Kentucky, a site known locally as a historic route associated with the Underground Railroad.
• Attended National Park Service departmental meetings and Advisory Council on Historic Preservation meetings.
• Supported National Register outreach and Latino community engagement in collaboration with the Hispanic Access Foundation.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE – CONTINUED 

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BOVONI SPRINGS MANAGEMENT, LLC – St. Thomas, VI
Administrative Assistant & Property Manager | June 2020 – Present

• Provide administrative and operational support for a real estate management business.
• Prepare sales and rental contracts, agreements, correspondence, invoices, reports, forms, memoranda, and other business documentation.
• Manage bookkeeping and accounting activities, including account reconciliation.
• Coordinate travel and meeting arrangements, maintain filing systems, business records, contacts, and telecommunications.
• Support day-to-day organizational and administrative operations.

A & J PROPERTIES, LLC– St. Thomas, VI
Administrative Assistant & Property Manager | August 2015 – Present

• Provide administrative support for a real estate management business.
• Prepare sales and rental contracts, agreements, correspondence, invoices, reports, forms, memoranda.
• Manage bookkeeping and accounting activities, including account reconciliation.
• Coordinate travel and meetings, maintain business records, and contacts.

DVERGSTEN COMPANY, INC.– St. Thomas, VI
Contract Architect | April 2012 – January 2013

• Historic Preservation & Federal Tax Incentives: Conducted historical research and documentation for the Historic Preservation Certification and Federal Tax Incentive Program nomination of 63 Dronningens Gade, and early 18^th century Danish West Indian residence in Kongens Quarter, St. Thomas.
• Prepared architectural plans, elevations, and design proposals for proposed modifications and renovations; consulted with the US Virgin Islands Historic Preservation Office (VI SHPO), Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR), and contractors.
•  Successfully submitted Parts I and II or the Historic Preservation Certification process.
• Environmental & Cultural Landscape Research:  Conducted environmental-impact research associated with Mangrove Lagoon in Bovoni, St. Thomas; consulted with DPNR, Coastal Zone Management (CZM), The nature Conservancy, and the St. Thomas East End Reserve (STEER).
• Collaborated with land surveyors to establish GIS points documenting wetland and upland delineations.
• Prepared a grant and three (3) proposals for a mixed-use community environmental-education project incorporating a nature reserve and community space.
• Property Research & Mapping: Conducted property research and mapping for Dvergsten-owned properties in Charlotte Amalie in coordination with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Tax Assessor Division; researched deeds, contracts, tax information, and related documentation.
• Community Development & Grant Writing: Researched community garden and farm models, conducted comparative research, consulted with local farmers, cooperatives, restaurant proprietors, community members, and grant committees, and prepared and submitted a grant and proposal.

FAB – New York, NY, USA
Production Coordinator | October 2011 – April 2012

• Completed presentation graphics and photo editing; prepared sale designs for a design-focused e-commerce website.
• Collaborated with designers, suppliers, editors, and buyers.

US Peace Corps – Jamaica 
Community Health Advisor / Grade 6 Teacher | March 2009 – May 2011

• Supported community health and education programming in Western Jamaica and conducted community needs assessments.
• Facilitated partnerships among Peace Corps, Jamaican governmental agencies, NGOs, schools, and community organizations.
• Served as a community liaison between the Westmoreland Parish Health Department, three (3) rural primary schools, and two (2) health clinics.
• Developed electronic and physical filing and archival systems for local health clinics.
• Assisted the Seaford Town Historical Society with historical tours and community programming.
• Wrote grants, developed budgets, and coordinated local development and infrastructure projects, including roads, housing, water tanks, and community-development initiatives.
• Provided architectural and graphic design services to fellow volunteers, Food for the Poor, and community projects. 

EARLIER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

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ALLARD ARCHITECTURE – Amsterdam, Netherlands
Architectural Intern | February 2008 – July 2008

• Contributed to landscape, urban planning, residential, furniture design, commercial, mixed-use, master-planning, and hospitality projects.
• Worked directly with clients on assigned projects from initial concepts through design development.
• Conducted research into project concepts, regulations, site constraints, structural systems, and material selections.
• Prepared construction drawings from Huis Rutten and Modemstraat.
• Produced 3D models and renderings for the Vondelpark Competition and ADC Micro Master Plan.
• Produced 3D modeling and renderings for the Al Garhood Bridge Competition in Dubai, UAE.
• Supported office public relations through press write-ups and portfolio style publications.

APARE – Caromb, France
Heritage Construction Volunteer | June 2003 – August 2003

• Received training in local heritage and conservation guidelines.
• Assisted with construction and renovation work at Pre Fantasi, the former residence of the Barberini brothers.
• Applied established conservation guidelines in hands-on heritage construction work.

EDUCATION

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SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN – SAVANNAH, GA, USA
Masters of Arts, Historic Preservation | 2014

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY – MIAMI, FL, USA
Bachelor of Arts, Architecture | 2007

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFIATIONS

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Secretary of the Interior’s Standards (SOI) Qualified – Architectural History 
National Park Service

LANGUAGES

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TECHNICAL SKILLS

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CORE PROFESSIONAL STRENGTHS

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Historical Research • Analytical Problem Solving • Critical Thinking • Cultural Sensitivity • Cross-Cultural Communication • Community Engagement • Collaboration • Adaptability • Attention to Detail • Project Coordinator • Technical Writing • Grant Writing

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