While my professional career has centered on project and program management in the technical world, Vanadis Hearth represents something different - a space where I can channel my other passions and interests that don't always get to shine in my day-to-day work.

As I approached 40, I spent time reflecting on all the things I wanted to accomplish outside my professional life. I made a list of everything that popped into my head without constraints. While I didn't get to all of it, giving myself space to breathe and think big was an accomplishment in itself.

What Vanadis Hearth is about

Vanadis Hearth is my creative outlet - a place where I can help others with projects that tap into my love of history, arts, genealogy, and community. It's where I get to use different parts of my brain and skillset that complement my technical expertise.

By definition, a hearth is a centralized location that provides warmth and a place to prepare food. Throughout human history, hearths have been where people gather to keep warm, share ideas and stories, prepare and enjoy meals, and create the heart of a home. That's what I want to create - a warm, welcoming space where ideas can be kindled and projects can come to life.

My creative passions

When I'm not managing technical projects in my day job, here's what I love to do:

Develop and share my passion for history and heritage. Whether it's helping you trace your family tree, understand the historical context of an heirloom, or incorporate meaningful traditions into an event, I bring both knowledge and enthusiasm to heritage projects in sourcing what can help to communicate the vision.

Connect people and ideas. One of my favorite things is bringing together just the right people for a project. Need an artisan who specializes in traditional techniques? A venue with the perfect ambiance for your charity event? I probably know someone who can help, or someone that knows someone. I am always willing to chat with you about your own journey in your career, and perhaps connect you with resources or opportunities that will help you make meaningful change in your daily life.

Turn creative visions into reality. From concept to execution, I enjoy helping others bring their ideas to life - whether that's planning a meaningful event, launching a passion project, or creating something that honors your personal or family history.

The meaning behind the name

The name Vanadis Hearth combines two elements that perfectly represent my vision.

The name "Vanadis" is another name for Freya, the Norse goddess of war (among other things), who receives half of those who die in battle while the other half go to Odin in Valhalla. Not much is known about what criteria Freya uses for who she picks, but they are brought to Fólkvangr, a meadow or field that houses her hall, Sessrúmnir.

While we know that Odin and his half of the battle-slain fight and feast in preparation for Ragnarök, the historical records don't tell us what happens in Freya's hall. This sparked my imagination - what would she do with those in her care?

Vanadis Hearth is my interpretation of what Freya would do in her hall with those she has chosen. Like anyone inviting someone into their home, she would utilize her resources to nurture and care, to create new things, and help make everyone's lives a little bit better.

By definition, a hearth is a centralized location within the home that provides warmth and a place to prepare food. What happens around a hearth? People are brought together to keep warm, ideas and stories are shared, food is made and eaten, and it is considered the heart of the home. The hearth has been a part of our human existence, with or without fire. We've always created a space to gather, and provide something for the benefit and support of ourselves and others. It is rare that what comes from the hearth is not shared.

Pre-industrial age hearths would be centralized in that "heart" of a space and open to the sky through a hole for the smoke to vent, and later on in the form of large fireplaces with chimneys to provide more controlled use. Regardless of their placement in the home, the hearth would still remain part of our daily lives, even if we are not always needing one for heat or cooking. We gather around a comfortable table, kitchen island, or in front of a fireplace that may or may not be functional. What remains the same is what we do around the hearth, whether that is celebrate holidays, entertain others, or relax and recharge.

Just as Freya welcomes those she's chosen into her hall, I created Vanadis Hearth to welcome people and their ideas, providing a space where we can work together to bring those ideas to life. Whether we plan an event for charity, launch a product, dive into research conundrums, mentor and coach, help others develop skills, or just provide a space to relax - it all happens around our metaphorical hearth.

I've devoted my professional life to helping organizations modernize and transform their technology, process, and teams. Now, with Vanadis Hearth, I'm creating a space where I can help individuals and communities honor tradition, celebrate heritage, and create new memories - all while having a bit more fun than my day job sometimes allows!

What project has been on your mind that we might bring to life together?