My name is Lea Gainer. I am an entry-level User Experience Designer passionate about helping others through psychology and creative design. Over the last few months, I have completed the Google User Experience Design Certification through Coursera, where I learned the fundamentals of UX design and applied them in completing apps for fictional clients. More recently, I began completing independent pro bono projects. I have consulted on the website design for one company, completed designs for one business’ website, and am currently working with a non-profit organization to update their website.

In 2022, I moved to New York City to study for my Master’s Degree in Psychology. During this time, I began working as a Management Consulting and FinTech Researcher for a boutique recruiting firm in New York City called the Tayler Group. My role includes conducting market research and analyzing the competitive landscape for specific clients, identifying competitors and target companies tailored to the roles that need to be filled, sourcing candidates, and creating templates for company documents to maintain brand consistency with clients and candidates. 

Throughout my undergraduate studies and prior studies, I worked in many roles. From 2017 until 2022 I worked every Spring and Summer at Sesame Place progressing from a lifeguard, to an assistant supervisor, finally to a supervisor level where I had the opportunity to teach and certify classes of 10-50 people in American Red Cross lifeguarding and first aid courses, oversee and staff 50-100 employees within the amusement park on any given day, interact with guests and resolve any disputes, and sign off on and manage paperwork for employee trainings and daily operations. 

During my time at Sesame Place, I also had the opportunity to fill a variety of other positions that each gave me unique experiences and taught me different things. I conducted funded psychological research under my advisor at Penn State Abington, where I had the opportunity to be the lead investigator on a 3-year project about Good and Evil. I also worked with children and adults at different YMCA’s, teaching private and group courses in the Arts & Humanities and Aquatics departments. Finally, I worked as both a one-on-one Direct Support Professional and an in-class Paraeducator for individuals with disabilities. 

I want to combine all that I have learned through these past experiences with my love of psychology and design to create accessible and unforgettable user experiences for everyone. I have always wanted to pursue a career in improving the lives of others, but I never imagined there would be a way for me to do this using my love of art and design. I also have a passion for learning. One thing that excites me most about User Experience Design is that there will always be some way to enhance or improve your work. 

I am interested in finding a role as a user experience designer where I have the opportunity to learn from other designers and I can practice, hone, and improve on the skills I have learned so far. 

Thank you for taking the time to look at my portfolio.