I’m excited about SVP’s new direction and look forward to re-engaging as a Partner (I joined SVP way back in 1998 and served on its board from 2011-17). I hope to use my photography skills to help tell the stories of the vital work the organizations we support are doing in our community.
After a few years in tech marketing, I founded Merrill Images with my husband John in 1996. We create images to evoke joy and wonder, inspire action and strengthen communities. I love the creative challenges of visual storytelling and am grateful for the opportunities to connect with and learn from the people I photograph. These days I’m doing a lot of photo education, via Zoom and on Seattle-area photo walks. I enjoy “paying it forward” and helping others nurture their creativity. Later this year, John and I will partner with Seattle-based UnCruise on photo adventures aboard small ships in Alaska and Baja.
I believe in the power of play-based early learning to transform lives, and recently served on the board of Tiny Trees Preschool, where 150 children play and learn outdoors in Seattle and King County Parks. It’s an SVP Fast Pitch winner which combines a few of my passions – early learning, equity, and environmental stewardship.
Nature and outdoor recreation are sources of deep pleasure and renewal for me, and I especially love hiking, skiing, cycling, kayaking, and whitewater rafting.