Whether it’s a small website or a major grant proposal, I love creating masterpieces with a purpose. I seek to understand the end goal and then dive right in to work magic in the details. It all began way-back, when I went to the Lilleth Fair and won a contest for a Bondi Blue iMac computer, jumpstarting my self-guided tour of the Internet and exploration of html, php, pixels and Pantones. Combined with my lifelong love of reading and writing, I’ve found my niche in helping others show off their best side.

Write Content — I write, copyedit, research, and submit proposals and reports.

Design Stuff — I design websites, graphics, ebooks, flyers, and email newsletters.

Develop Strategies and Systems — I think strategically and act methodically.

Tinker, Tweak, and Maximize — I make it all come together, and step it up a notch.

I have an undergraduate degree in Business Administration, a Masters of Science in Human Resources, and am an AGWA Certified Grant Writer.

Center for Economic Education, University of Kansas, 2000 to present

Freelance Graphic Design, 2003 to present

Small Business Development Center, University of Kansas, 1996 to 2000

University of Kansas Medical Center, 1996

Lester and Bryant Law Firm, 1994

John L. Scott, Attorney, 1991-1994

Writer and editor for 7.8 million dollar grant awarded to Kansas Department of Health and Environment from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, June 2013.

Editor and researcher for a 14 million dollar GEAR-UP grant to the University of Kansas from the U.S. Department of Education, August 2011.

Writer and editor for a highly competitive public health grant–one of only 5 recipients nationally–on behalf of the Shawnee County Health Dept. and KDHE, September 2010.

Received fourteen grant awards from the Council for Economic Education resulting in over $130,000 for teacher professional development, student programs, and research in economics and personal finance. Responsible for concept development, writing, submission and post-award grant management.

Primary writer for awards from private foundations including the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, Calvin K. Kazanjian Foundation, and the Cloud L. Cray Foundation.

{ Click the circles for samples of my websites }

{ Click the circles for sample logos, banners and ebooks }

The Strengths Finder test says Shala is:
Deliberative, Strategic, a Maximizer, Focused, and Analytical

Paula Onysko, Coach & Consultant www.paulaonysko.com, says:
“Shala is a dream to work with. From graphics to ebooks to websites, I’ve trusted her with designing my most treasured projects for over 7 years now. She’s intuitive and incredibly talented. She’s open to feedback and a collaborative process that ensures high quality and true reflection of the essence of what we are working on. Part of me doesn’t want to share her with the world and the wiser part of me knows she’s the gift more people in this world need to know about. I highly recommend her!”

Mellissa O’Brien, www.mrsmindfulness.com, says:
A very professional designer with a great eye. Listens very well to what you desire and is able to create something really special!