Employee background:

I was born and raised in the City of Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. I have had experience as a property manager, real estate sales assistant, and valuation administrator. I decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Real Estate at Central Queensland University so that I could become an appraiser. I worked as a trainee appraiser for three years and then a Certified General Appraiser for Herron Todd White, which is the largest independent property valuation and advisory firm in Australia. In 2021 I relocated from Australia to the United States and joined the Valbridge team in Chicago.

What is your title and what do you do at Valbridge?

I am currently a Real Estate Analyst working towards obtaining my General Appraiser Certification in Illinois. I work directly with my supervisor on appraisal assignments and provide necessary support including assistance with property inspection, data research and entry, and report writing.

How did you become a part of Valbridge and VWC?

After resigning from my job in Australia, one of the directors/board members from my previous job fervently insisted that I pursue a career with Valbridge. He had spent some time with some of the Valbridge team at a conference in Charleston a few years back. He put me in contact with Laird Goldsborough who connected me with Gary DeClark and Anthony Mulé in Chicago. I joined the Women’s Council within a week of working for Valbridge and just recently joined the DEI committee.

What are your specialty areas?

Since working as an analyst with Valbridge, I have worked on a variety of property types including multi-family, churches, retail, residential, industrial, and independent living. In Australia, I specialized in residential development which included complex project development feasibilities and cash flow analysis. I also spent a few years doing rural residential property.

What are some of the most interesting projects you've worked on at Valbridge?

I haven’t really worked on anything unique yet, but at the moment I have enjoyed the multi-family work the most.

What do you like most about working at Valbridge and being a member of the VWC?

I have enjoyed connecting with other women across the country in the industry. There have been some steep learning curves with the industry and cultural differences from moving countries. Being in a new country has meant starting friendships and professional networking relationships from scratch. Joining VWC has allowed me to seek help and advice (both career and personal related) from other women who I have met through the Women’s Council.