“The admin team plays an important role in shaping how things function at Kittelson, and it’s rewarding to know that our work makes an impact.”
What’s your background and how did you end up at Kittelson?
I was an elementary school teacher for five years before deciding that teaching wasn’t what I wanted to do forever. When I started looking for jobs outside of education, I wasn’t sure how my skills would transfer. I worried about what opportunities would be available to me since my experience was so specific—things like classroom management and phonics instruction.
I considered going back to school, but then I came across the job posting at Kittelson. Initially, I wasn’t sure about stepping into an administrative role, but during my interview, I saw the potential for growth. The team made it clear that I could follow my interests, and this role could be a jumping-off point for something bigger. That was really exciting to me. Three years later, that promise of growth has absolutely been true. I’ve had the opportunity to take on projects that interest me, and my role has evolved in ways I never expected.
Outside of work, I love birdwatching! Anything that gets me outside and exploring nature is something I enjoy, whether it’s identifying plants, foraging mushrooms, or observing wildlife. I’m also a big fan of creative projects. I love drawing and have dabbled in a lot of different crafts, basket weaving, spinning yarn, you name it. I always have a hobby or project that keeps me busy.
I’m originally from Nebraska, and living in the Pacific Northwest has been incredible. The biodiversity here is amazing, and I love that I can explore mountains, forests, the ocean, and even the desert all within a relatively short drive. Plus, being in the Pacific Flyway means I get to see so many different birds migrating through the area, which is really special.
What do you find most interesting and/or rewarding about your work?
I love the variety in my work. No two days are the same, and I get to take on a lot of emerging needs within the firm. The admin team plays an important role in shaping how things function at Kittelson, and it’s rewarding to know that our work makes an impact.
One of my favorite parts of my job is working with hiring and onboarding. I like helping candidates navigate our interview process and ensuring that when they join Kittelson, they feel welcomed and included. Especially in the Portland office, which is one of our largest, I want new team members to feel excited about being here. That means paying attention to the little things, making sure dietary needs are met, keeping the office stocked with essentials, and even working on decor improvements to create a more inviting space.
What do you think are the most important skills for an Administrator?
Time management is huge. There’s a lot of variety in our work, and we get interrupted frequently—not in a bad way, but as part of the job. Taking on last-minute requests and managing multiple projects at once requires good problem-solving skills.
Effective communication is also key. So much of what I do involves keeping people in the loop, coordinating efforts across the firm, and making sure everyone has the information they need. And finally, adaptability is essential. The admin team often steps in to handle emerging projects, like facilities management, that don’t necessarily have a dedicated person yet. Being flexible and willing to take on new challenges makes all the difference.
What advice might you give to a person who wants to switch careers/industries?
Be open-minded! When I was transitioning out of teaching, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do. I realized that instead of searching for the perfect job title, I should focus on finding the right company with a culture and environment where I would be happy.
I think it’s important to ask yourself: Do I want to do this work every day? Is this a place where I can see myself spending 40 hours a week? Finding a company that aligns with your values and work style is just as important, if not more, than the specific role you start in. Opportunities will grow from there.
What about Kittelson inspires you?
The people at Kittelson inspire me. I work with so many different people across the firm, and it’s rewarding to know that I can help make their experience at work better. I think this comes from my teaching background—I always wanted to create a positive and productive learning environment for my students, and now I want to do the same thing at Kittelson. I want people to feel supported, whether they need help navigating the firm or just a place to brainstorm ideas.
Beyond that, I really believe in the work we do. The projects Kittelson takes on make a difference in communities, and I want to support the people doing that work in any way I can. Whether it’s professional development through Kittelson University or just making sure the office runs smoothly, I enjoy being a part of a team that’s doing meaningful work.