How would you describe what you do at Houzz?
My team works to protect the security of our systems, products and the people who use them. 

Security touches a lot of different areas, from application security to internal processes and compliance, so I spend a lot of time looking at how things are built and asking, “Is this the most secure way we could be doing this?”

I understand you’ve been working closely on Houzz’s use of AI internally. Can you tell us more about that?
Implementing AI has already significantly enhanced productivity at Houzz, and we’re being very intentional about how we scale its use. We have a comprehensive company-wide policy for internal AI use and a structured evaluation process for any new tools, so we can make sure we’re using the technology responsibly while protecting our systems and data.

I like to think of AI like a guest at a backyard cookout — we’re happy to have it help grill the burgers or set the table, but we’re not handing it a spare key to the house. It’s about making sure we’re getting the benefits of AI while keeping boundaries in place and prioritizing data integrity and customer trust.

I’ve also had the opportunity to host Tech Talks on AI security for Houzzers, sharing potential risks and helping teams understand what to look out for. It’s really rewarding to help people feel more confident and aware, so we can all work together to keep things safe.

What do you enjoy most about your role?
I genuinely love security. I live and breathe it. One of the most rewarding parts of the job is helping build a more security-conscious environment, and I enjoy working with teams across the company, to make sure we’re putting thoughtful processes in place. It’s great getting to share that passion with others.

A big part of the role is learning to look at things from multiple perspectives. I think of it like solving a puzzle, where some of the pieces are hidden and you have to find them before you can see the full picture. I’ve always enjoyed puzzles, and in many ways, security is about finding those missing pieces and making sure everything fits together to protect our platform and community.

What’s your favorite thing about working at Houzz?
The opportunity to keep learning. Cybersecurity is a huge field with many different specialties and Houzz encourages me to explore and expand my skills. 

I’m encouraged to take on new projects I feel are important for the company, attend webinars and conferences, and stay up to date with new tools and approaches. Houzz has also supported my educational goals – last year I was able to earn two new certifications, and this year I’m working toward completing my Master’s degree in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance.

In a field that changes constantly, that kind of support makes a big difference.

What brought you to Houzz?
Before joining Houzz, I spent nearly a decade working in a data analytics role, where I also served as a security champion. Ultimately, I realized that I wanted to focus completely on cybersecurity.

When a security role opened up at Houzz, a friend who worked here encouraged me to apply. I submitted my application with my fingers crossed and thankfully, it turned out to be a great fit.

What advice would you give to someone joining Houzz?
Come in with an open mind and be ready to learn. Houzz has a true startup mentality where things evolve quickly and there’s always something new happening. Being flexible and curious really helps you thrive.

Do you have a favorite Houzz feature?
I love the Houzz Pro 3D Floor Plan tool. It’s a really powerful way for people to experiment with ideas before committing to them, whether that’s trying different layouts, materials or design choices.

Being able to visualize a space and make decisions with more confidence is incredibly valuable, especially on complex projects where small changes can have a big impact. It helps bring clarity to the process and makes it easier for teams and clients to stay aligned.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I spend a lot of time with my three kids — they’re 11, 9 and 6 — and they’re already getting interested in computers and cybersecurity.

Outside of work, I’ve been working on a project to create a cybersecurity awareness website for kids. The idea is to make learning about online safety fun and approachable through a “spy school” theme, where kids learn how to recognize when someone might be trying to trick them online.

I also enjoy gardening and working on my home. Recently, I spent a whole weekend planting rows of French lavender and painting my front door purple.