Across my work as an educator, military officer, civic leader and creative placemaker, one thing has remained constant: I am most energized by work that creates meaningful experiences, strengthens connections, and helps people find a deeper sense of belonging.

Over time, that thread became a philosophy—and eventually, Keystone Civics.

People. Place. Purpose.

Each has shaped my journey, and together they shape how Keystone approaches our work.

PEOPLE

Every meaningful community begins with people who feel seen, heard, and valued.

My career began in the classroom, where I saw firsthand the impact authentic relationships can have on a person’s life. I had the privilege of teaching thousands of students and creating spaces where creativity, confidence, and belonging could flourish.

Being named Bay District Schools’ 2016 Teacher of the Year and being awarded the Florida Governor Shine Award was an incredible honor, but its greatest reward was joining passionate and creative educators from across Florida who shared a commitment to making a difference. That experience taught me something that has shaped every chapter since:

Meaningful impact is amplified when passionate people come together around a shared purpose.

PLACE

Places shape our memories, our identity, and our future.

The passionate teachers and precious students I worked with inspired me to conduct my doctoral research on an innovative school model: Community Partnership Schools which reimagines what a school site can be. Rather than operating as a stand-alone institution, the school became a hub where previously siloed community assets were brought together around the needs of children and their families. What stayed with me was not simply the individual services—it was the power of people to transform place into something far greater than its original function.

When Category 5 Hurricane Michael devastated Panama City in 2018, my understanding of community changed forever. During the recovery, I helped connect families with essentials while coordinating with nonprofits, military partners, and volunteers from across the country.

Amid extraordinary devastation, I witnessed extraordinary resilience—and learned that rebuilding a community isn't simply about replacing buildings or restoring infrastructure. It's about restoring hope and connection.

Every place has a story worth honoring—and a future worth shaping with intention.

PURPOSE

Purpose is what keeps calling us forward.

After Hurricane Michael, my work expanded from serving students and families to strengthening and building community systems. With the U.S. Census Bureau, I conducted research, built partnerships and developed strategies to increase participation among historically underrepresented communities across Florida. When I was called to work at the City of Panama City, I was able to draw on all of those experiences to shape how people experience their community. That work deepened my appreciation for public service, multidisciplinary problem-solving , and the responsibility of helping communities navigate change.

At age 37, I decided to enlist in the U.S. Army Reserve and fulfill a lifelong dream. The experience has been nothing short of amazing, offering extraordinary adventures and opportunities. I have worked alongside extraordinary organizations and individuals across the country and built lifelong relationships with exceptionally talented, selfless soldiers and professionals both nationally and internationally.

Through my civilian leadership with the City of Panama City and my experience as a Civil Affairs Officer, I became increasingly drawn to work that crossed traditional boundaries and brought together fields that too often operate in silos.

The projects that inspired me most brought together planners, artists, educators, historians, engineers, parks professionals, civic leaders, and residents around a common goal.

And over the years, many of those colleagues became trusted collaborators.

That became the foundation for Keystone.

Rather than building a traditional consulting firm around a fixed roster, I envisioned one built around trusted relationships—assembling exceptional multidisciplinary teams whose expertise fits the unique needs of each community and each opportunity.

WHY KEYSTONE

At Keystone, we believe meaningful work is measured by more than plans completed or projects delivered.

It's measured by communities strengthened, lives enriched, places that inspire pride, relationships built on trust, and opportunities created for future generations.

Every project gives us another opportunity to bring exceptional people together in service of something meaningful. Our teams are built not only on expertise, but on trusted relationships, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to the communities we serve.

People. Place. Purpose.

They aren't simply Keystone's values.

They're the journey that led us here—and the philosophy behind where we're going.

—Dr. K