Case Study
The Garrison Institute is a non-sectarian retreat center in a former monastery located in Garrison, NY, on banks of the Hudson River, whose initiatives aim to bring contemplative tools to educators, climate advocates, and front-line care professionals.
Communications at Garrison Institute
My Role
Beginning as an intern in the communications department, and later continuing as a consultant, I contributed communications assets and technological upgrades that supported various areas of Garrison’s mission, including event and retreat attendance, promotion of the initiatives, fundraising across a variety of platforms.
Working Environment
Working with TGI, I participated in the operations of a mid-size non-profit environment with diverse stakeholders, challenges and approval systems. The organization had an established structure, including brand guidelines and key creative partners; this meant adapting content clearly and consistently rather than developing it from scratch.
I was also included in internal meetings and retreats, gaining insight into how programs were developed, communicated, and delivered across the organization, as well as how budgets and funding operated.
Projects and Work Samples
(Note: Samples shown on this page reflect design standards and technology current for the time period.)
Graphic Design For Print & Digital
My Role
It was my job to customize assets for specific outcomes, in particular:
- event flyers and posters,
- banners and graphics for the website,
- event page content,
- HTML email marketing layouts/templates,
- early graphics for social media,
- a multi-page print layout for an annual report.
Website Development & Upgrades
My Role & Impact
I worked on various website projects with Garrison, including
- technological upgrades to the content management system
- upgrades and cross-platform integrations between the website and customer relationship manager/event registration tools
- developing a targeted WordPress website for one of the organizations key initiatives: CARE – which aimed to provide contemplative tools for educators and others in the field.
Photography - Events and Staff Headshots
My Role
I captured engaging event photos that were then used for promotional purposes, as well as shared with attendees via web galleries and email marketing.
In addition, I was responsible for updating employee headshots for the staff page on the website.
My Approach Today
This experience continues to shape how I approach communication work — focusing on clarity, consistency, and adapting content effectively across formats within real organizational constraints.
It also strengthened my ability to work within complex systems and collaborate across teams, applying a range of skills to support diverse initiatives within an organization – which is where my work is most effective today.
Interested in similar work?
If you’re looking for support with translation, storytelling, or communication across languages and contexts…
Communications at Garrison Institute
About Garrison Institute
The Garrison Institute is a non-sectarian retreat center in a former monastery located in Garrison, NY, on banks of the Hudson River, whose initiatives aim to bring contemplative tools to educators, climate advocates, and front-line care professionals.
My Role
Beginning as an intern in the communications department, and later continuing as a consultant, I contributed communications assets and technological upgrades that supported various areas of Garrison’s mission, including event and retreat attendance, promotion of the initiatives, fundraising across a variety of platforms.
Working Environment
Working with TGI, I participated in the operations of a mid-size non-profit environment with diverse stakeholders, challenges and approval systems. The organization had an established structure, including brand guidelines and key creative partners; this meant adapting content clearly and consistently rather than developing it from scratch.
I was also included in internal meetings and retreats, gaining insight into how programs were developed, communicated, and delivered across the organization, as well as how budgets and funding operated.
Projects and Work Samples
(Note: Samples shown on this page reflect design standards and technology current for the time period.)
Graphic Design For Print & Digital
My Role
It was my job to customize assets for specific outcomes, in particular:
- event flyers and posters,
- banners and graphics for the website,
- event page content,
- HTML email marketing layouts/templates,
- early graphics for social media,
- a multi-page print layout for an annual report.
Website Development & Upgrades
My Role & Impact
I worked on various website projects with Garrison, including
- technological upgrades to the content management system
- upgrades and cross-platform integrations between the website and customer relationship manager/event registration tools
- developing a targeted WordPress website for one of the organizations key initiatives: CARE – which aimed to provide contemplative tools for educators and others in the field.
Photography - Events and Staff Headshots
My Role
I captured engaging event photos that were then used for promotional purposes, as well as shared with attendees via web galleries and email marketing.
In addition, I was responsible for updating employee headshots for the staff page on the website.
My Approach Today
This experience continues to shape how I approach communication work — focusing on clarity, consistency, and adapting content effectively across formats within real organizational constraints.
It also strengthened my ability to work within complex systems and collaborate across teams, applying a range of skills to support diverse initiatives within an organization – which is where my work is most effective today.
Interested in similar work?
If you’re looking for support with translation, storytelling, or communication across languages and contexts…