About Me

My journey into the world of special effects and makeup began in Germany, where I grew up, as a theatre kid, always involved in some form or another—whether performing on stage, building sets, sewing costumes, or applying makeup. My passion for storytelling led me to the U.S., where I earned a BA in Theatre Play Production from Albion College, MI, and an MFA in Film Production from NYFA in Los Angeles. Since then, I have worked across the entertainment industry as an actor, producer, and in various roles within production, management, casting, and distribution.

While working as a scare actor during the Halloween season, I discovered my true passion: makeup and special makeup effects. After several years in the beauty industry, I advanced my education at Cinema Makeup School, specializing in character and airbrush makeup, and completed an Honorary Fellowship with renowned makeup artist Leonard Engelman (Cher’s personal makeup artist, Witches of Eastwick). Since then, my work has been published in multiple magazines, and I have contributed to commercial shoots for brands like State Farm and Claire’s/Icing.

As a makeup department head and special makeup effects artist, I have worked on numerous short and feature films. My creature design, fabrication, and makeup for The Mean One (currently on Starz) gained recognition in The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, Bloody Disgusting, and Fangoria. Most recently, I designed creature makeup and effects for Joker’s Wild, a fan film starring David Howard Thornton. Additional projects include intricate temporary tattoo applications for The Crow Comic-Con Activation Event and hair and makeup for three Awolnation music videos. I also provided hair and makeup for Them Magazine’s photoshoot featuring Kristen Stewart and Katie O’Brian, working with seven featured models.

I am the founder of Valley Girls FX, a special FX lab specializing in custom prosthetics, props, specialty costumes, creature design, and creature suits. Alongside my partner / co-owner Mandolyn Raine-Gorneau, I strive to bring imaginative, high-quality special effects to life in film, television, and live events.