Recommendations

“Ilyssa was a part of our studio for two years and single-handedly made more of an impact on inclusive practices, especially in design research, than anyone else had previously. Ilyssa is a thorough researcher and a great storyteller, using this skill to lift up the voices we don't always hear and tell the stories that need to be told. She proved time and time again that she’s someone who is willing to put in the work. If she sees that there is a gap or that people could be helped by something, she’ll create it.

Every team needs someone like Ilyssa to hold them to the things they say they care about. She pushes her teams and her clients to be better in a field that can have a real and true impact on people. While Ilyssa joined our team as a design researcher, her skillset and interests expand far beyond the confines of any single discipline and any team would be lucky to have her.”

— Jessica Gamache, former Executive Design Director,
NA Design Research Practice Lead, and Head of Studio at frog Philadelphia

“Ilyssa is an outstanding Senior UX researcher and shines in combining her technical research expertise with a deep understanding of accessibility, which allowed her to create inclusive and user-centered design solutions. Ilyssa is a truly thoughtful and hardworking researcher who consistently goes the extra mile to ensure the success of her projects. Her dedication to her work and her ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams make her a valuable asset to any organization.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Ilyssa is also an accomplished author who has published two volumes of her captivating series, 'Campfire Stories.' This demonstrates her creativity, passion, and dedication outside of the workplace. I have no doubt that Ilyssa will continue to excel in all her endeavors, and I highly recommend her. She's a true standout researcher and a wonderful person to work with.”

— Christa Herchek, former Associate Design Director, Service Design at frog

“Ilyssa is not only a talented design researcher, but she's also a fierce advocate for inclusion and accessibility, an amazing teammate, and somehow has time to publish books on the side! I had the pleasure of working with Ilyssa during her time at frog. She is an experienced design researcher who really takes the time to understand a client and their needs to ensure she is getting the best insights and recommendations. She can light up the room during any workshop or presentation, and people are always engaged while she's speaking.

She also spent some of her time at frog running inclusion and accessibility talks and workshops, spreading her vast knowledge to those eager to learn. Not only will Ilyssa make a great teammate wherever she lands next, she'll also continue to be a strong advocate for inclusion and accessibility for years to come.”

— Alison Glancz, Associate Director of Program Management at frog

“Not only is Ilyssa an all around fantastic human, she's one of those people who's able to get sh*t done—a wildly valuable attribute in any set of circumstances. She's focused, dedicated, and able to take ideas and turn them into realities, as evidenced by the Amble program she conceived and invited me to build alongside her. Her ability to integrate and be considerate of diverse perspectives into the program, build strong, trusting relationships with community members and partners, and bring a program to life from zero to one is unparalleled. The pandemic squashed a 100% in-person experiential program, which is a shame, because this thing had so much potential in a world where our National Parks need more resources and people are feeling burnt out by their work.

Ilyssa's vision paired incredible creative talent with the problems faced by park leaders. Her skills enabled effective problem scoping and project delivery that led to tangible impact for the humans and parks involved. Her collaborative intelligence is high, as she excels at understanding problems—which is largely what the job of a designer is—and bringing people together to create and prototype solutions.

Any team would be lucky to have Ilyssa's skills, expertise, and talent, as would any problem.”

— Mike Tannenbaum, Director, Optimization and Sustainability Solutions at GreenBlue Org

“I have had the real pleasure of working with Ilyssa for the past several years at frog. She came to us with a deep passion for and mastery of research work, a creative and optimistic approach to life and work, and a magical ability to abide any and all turbulence that comes with consulting life in a calm and measured manner. She does this effortlessly, making us all feel like everything is going to be just fine. She improves all that she encounters - the work, the clients, the relationships, and raises others up with herself. She is also an accomplished author, a change agent for inclusivity, and a very funny human being. Lucky is the team that gets to benefit from her bright mind and many gifts!”

— Suzann Crumbock, Senior Design Researcher at frog

“I had the pleasure of managing Ilyssa for over two years during our time together at frog.

Ilyssa is an asset to any team, both because of her creative, inquisitive problem-solving and her excellence in design research skills, especially facilitation, interviews, synthesis, and storytelling. Celebrated most for her empathy and authenticity, she pushes for inclusive practices and safe spaces where everyone can thrive. This benefits not only her collaborators, but also the clients who benefit from her conscientiousness and care.

If given the chance again, I would love to work alongside Ilyssa.”

— Karah Salaets Young, former Director of Design Research and Manager at frog

“Ilyssa is an exemplar when it comes to user research, and her devotion to ethics in the design and research process continues to inspire me and our peers.

I have the chance to work with her on consulting programs and internal initiatives for inclusivity and accessibility, and I am always learning so much from her. I am always impressed by her ability to guide discussions, for her team and/or clients to rethink and improve processes for more ethical outcomes and positive impact.

I believe that she is part of a movement that will bring ethics on the front and center of the human-centric design process, and I cannot wait to see what she will do next.

Everyone should have an Ilyssa on their team to be able to build a better world!”

— Lucie Bolé, Senior Interaction & UX Designer at frog