Born and raised in "The Region" (also known as NW Indiana), Lydia graduated with a degree in Journalism Graphics and minor in Digital Publishing from Ball State University. Before joining Smallbox, she was a graphic designer for Model Aviation magazine and then Indianapolis' alternative newspaper NUVO Newsweekly, dabbling in the web products for both publications. Lydia is a sort of Jill-of-All-Trades, with the ability to design, web develop/program, and manage the big picture while remaining cognizant of the small details. If you've got a problem, yo, she'll solve it. In her free time, she enjoys walking (and hiking with) her dog Isabel, cooking, learning new languages, reading, traveling, and rock climbing. She dislikes peas.

Lydia's Top 5 Strengths in StrengthsFinder 2.0

• Input :: Lydia is inquisitive and collects things. Whatever she collects, she collects it because it interests her. And Lydia's is the kind of mind that finds so many things interesting. She finds the world is exciting precisely because of its infinite variety and complexity. When something has so many possible uses, Lydia really doesn't feel comfortable throwing it away. So Lydia keeps acquiring and compiling and filing stuff away. It's interesting. It keeps her mind fresh.
  
• Connectedness :: Things happen for a reason. Lydia is sure of it. She is sure of it because in her soul she knows that we are all connected. Yes, we are individuals, but nonetheless we are part of something larger. Lydia gains confidence from knowing that we are not isolated from one another or from the earth and the life on it. Lydia's awareness of Connectedness informs her value system. She is considerate, caring, and accepting. Certain of the unity of humankind, she is a bridge builder for people of different cultures.
  
• Restorative :: Lydia loves to solve problems. Whereas some are dismayed when they encounter yet another breakdown, Lydia can be energized by it. She thoroughly enjoys the challenge of analyzing the symptoms, identifying what is wrong, and finding the solution. She finds great satisfaction in bringing things back to life. Lydia relishes the rush she gets from identifying the undermining factor(s), eradicating them, and restoring something to its true glory.
  
• Intellection :: Lydia likes to think. She likes mental activity. She likes exercising the "muscles" of her brain, stretching them in multiple directions. Lydia's need for mental activity often focuses itself on solving a problem or developing an idea or understand another person's feelings. This mental hum is one of the constants of her life.
  
• Learner :: Lydia loves to learn and the process is especially exciting for her. She is energized by the steady and deliberate journey from ignorance to competence. The thrill of the first few facts, the early efforts to recite or practice what she has learned, the growing confidence of a skill mastered—this is the process that entices her. It enables Lydia to thrive in dynamic work environments where she is asked to take on short project assignments and is expected to learn a lot about the new subject matter in a short period of time and then move on to the next one.