About Me
I was raised to be a maverick.
This is pretty easy to live into, being autistic and from Silicon Valley. My mind loves systems and I easily detect friction. (Predictably,) I became a designer, a philosopher, and an entrepreneur with a lot to say.
The below is a collection of values, traits, and facts that shape how I think and work.
5 careers so far
I got into tech in 2015 by teaching myself to code. Then quickly realized that I am better at writing requirements for new experiences than coding them.
Lived in 6 cities in the US
(You can ask or guess if this is interesting to you.)
Silicon Valley Native
I didn't know how cool this was when I was growing up. Living in other cities has helped me see it.
Autistic
A superpower. I ask a lot of "why" questions, and often actually answer it. Then document it, and share the knowledge with others.
Honest
Often, too much for allistic humans. But great for design thinking.
"Creative"
I train designers to think logically and work well in teams.
Lover of systems
Systems are the only way for a person with one goal after another to actually achieve at least some of them.
Hater of waste
Waste only along the path to sustainability. Not out of laziness.
Ideas + Strategy person
I want things to be easy and not wasteful. But the friction in daily life is an unlimited source of business ideas.
Testimonials
Wayfinder Energy
Alison has a unique ability to step into complex or unfamiliar spaces and bring clarity fast. She takes messy workflows and maps them in a way that makes everything visible and easy to follow... Blind spots surface quickly: friction points, hidden risks, and major gaps no one realized were there... Suddenly, everyone can see the full picture, understand how the pieces fit together, and contribute more strategically.
Wayfinder Energy
Polly
Alison is a talented designer who prioritizes understanding the core objectives of a project. She has an aptitude for identifying subtle nuances and harmoniously combining design elements to create cohesive, impactful designs. Alison approaches every project with enthusiasm, and her excellent communication skills make her an invaluable asset to any team.
Polly
LNQ
I have had the privilege of closely collaborating with Alison. Her strategic thinking, creativity, and analytical skills set her apart. Alison consistently brings innovative ideas, challenges the status quo, and fosters a collaborative environment. She excels at turning ideas into actionable solutions and approaches challenges with meticulousness and curiosity. Alison's inclusive leadership style, effective communication, and genuine care for team members' growth make her a valuable asset. I highly recommend Alison as a top-tier product lead for any team.
LNQ
Alison is of a rare breed. She is not only extremely efficient, but she blends critical thinking and outside-of-the-box ideas to create something from nothing. Her analytical mind makes for top-tier conversations and brainstorming. With her inquisitive nature, she brings the best out of her team with ease. I've always felt she is approachable and respectful to those that work for her. Whenever I am given the chance to work with or for her, I take it. Alison never leaves an idea on the table; she unpacks it and builds with ideas from others until the problem becomes a solution.
Things other people said along the way...
“I think you are the most amazing design person I have ever worked with.”
- QA developer
“I've also personally learned more about design, and user experience from working directly and indirectly with you!”
- Front end developer
“I am grateful that I've learned a lot working with you and practicing/building clean interfaces. Great experience, valuable for me. .. Thank you for this and for that great design docs collection, really nice work!”
- Full stack developer
“You were amazing in your role and I know will be successful in whatever you do next. Thank you for everything you have given to the development of [this company].”
- Full stack developer
Want to know more about me?
Read my Thoughts →