Erica Carrasco

Senior Technical Writer & UX Designer

USDA Forest Service

Oct 2025 - Current (1 year 1 month)

Returned to the USDA Forest Service to continue supporting the CIAO (Check In and Out) safety platform and contribute to the ArcGIS Pro Modernization & Workflow Optimization initiative. My work spans technical documentation, UX design, and user enablement for two modernization efforts aimed at improving efficiency and accessibility.

Key Contributions:
- Develop user guides, onboarding content, and knowledge base articles for CIAO
- Write technical and user documentation for ArcGIS Pro Modernization & Workflow Optimization
- Collaborate with developers and SMEs to simplify complex workflows for end users
- Contribute to UX design for user flows, UI wireframes, and help content
- Ensure all deliverables mee

Marketing Strategist

Cynerge

Apr 2025 - Current (1 year 7 months)

After the Forest Service contract ended, I transitioned into a marketing-focused role to help Cynerge grow its commercial presence and product awareness.

Key Contributions:
- Manage content for Cynerge.com, including blog strategy, site updates, and SEO
- Lead Cynerge’s LinkedIn presence, including post scheduling, ghostwriting for leadership, and engagement
- Developed the CIAO LinkedIn page and its brand voice
- Support sales and marketing strategy through weekly planning meetings and collateral development
- Design and order promotional products for CIAO, Kalpa, and LocalHop

Product Designer

Cynerge

Oct 2023 - Current (3 years 1 month)

I lead UX for Cynerge's CIAO enterprise web application and support UI/UX efforts across all digital products and marketing sites. My design work focuses on accessibility, clarity, and quick adoption. After a brief pause in Forest Service work earlier this year, I rejoined the agency in October 2025 to continue supporting the CIAO (Check In and Out) platform.

Key Contributions:
- Designed the CIAO marketing site at checkinandout.com using Figma and Replit
- Created UI flows, wireframes, and onboarding content for both internal and customer-facing tools
- Collaborated with developers and stakeholders in daily scrums and

Senior Technical Writer

Cynerge

Oct 2023 - Current (3 years 1 month)

I write and edit high-visibility content that bridges the gap between developers, stakeholders, and end users. My writing spans product documentation, support resources, marketing content, and executive ghostwriting.

Key Contributions:
- Create user guides, onboarding materials, and chatbot scripts for the CIAO (Check In and Out) web application
- Build and migrate the CIAO Help Center, writing knowledge base articles and video scripts
- Contributed to Cynerge’s CMMI Level 3 and ISO 9001 documentation efforts
- Write case studies, blogs, and internal documentation that clarify value for both clients and staff
- Support proposal development by writing and editing RFP responses and capability statements

Stakeholder Communications & Agile Support

Cynerge

Oct 2023 - Current (3 years 1 month)

I serve as a connector between teams, ensuring projects stay aligned and messaging stays clear—internally and externally.

Key Contributions:
- Act as communication liaison between Product Owners, Scrum Masters, and stakeholders
- Contribute to agile ceremonies across multiple teams, offering content and UX insights
- Assist other product teams with process documentation and internal alignment
- Attend regular sales calls and strategy sessions to ensure our voice stays user-focused and outcomes-driven

Stakeholder Communications & Vendor Management

Custom Birdie

Dec 2018 - Current (7 years 11 months)

I coordinate between clients, suppliers, and partners to ensure projects are delivered on time and on brand.

Key Contributions:
- Source and manage vendors within the SAGE distributor network
- Negotiate pricing, fulfillment, and logistics for custom orders
- Maintain clear communication with clients throughout project lifecycle

Marketing Strategist

Custom Birdie

Dec 2018 - Current (7 years 11 months)

I guide small businesses, nonprofits, and creators on how to maximize visibility through strategic branded merchandise.

Key Contributions:
- Advise clients on product selection, branding strategies, and campaign alignment
- Develop marketing collateral and merchandise for launches, fundraisers, and awareness campaigns
- Help nonprofits and small businesses extend their reach through creative visibility strategies

Product Designer

Custom Birdie

Dec 2018 - Current (7 years 11 months)

I design custom merchandise concepts that align with client brand voice and audience appeal.

Key Contributions:
- Create product mockups for giveaways, events, and internal marketing campaigns
- Design promotional items with unisex and inclusive appeal
- Translate client brand guidelines into physical products that reflect identity and values

Owner & Brand Strategist

Custom Birdie

Dec 2018 - Current (7 years 11 months)

I help small businesses, nonprofits, and creators bring their brands to life through custom merchandise and strategic branding consultation.

Key Contributions:
- Source and fulfill branded merchandise and promotional product orders
- Provide strategic branding advice for events, launches, and long-term visibility
- Design product concepts for giveaways, events, and internal marketing campaigns
- Manage vendor relationships, pricing, and fulfillment timelines
- Oversee Shopify integration and private app development for automated SAGE product imports (in progress)
- Delivered branded merchandise solutions for nonprofits, real estate, and professional organizations nationwide

Clients include

Ecommerce Business Owner & Product Designer

Achy Smile

Aug 2018 - Current (8 years 3 months)

I launched Achy Smile as a personal blog in 2018, which evolved into a product-based wellness business for people living with chronic illness. Today, Achy Smile, LLC offers a unisex product line including wellness journals, awareness apparel, and supportive resources designed to help individuals better understand and advocate for their health.

Key Responsibilities:
- Designed and published a Physical & Mental Health Tracker sold via Amazon
- Created inclusive apparel and accessories that raise awareness for migraine, mental health, and chronic pain
- Manage end-to-end ecommerce operations via Shopify: product development, SEO, customer service, and analytics
- Oversee branding, content writing, packaging, and

Branch Communications Team Member

US Forest Service

Oct 2023 - Apr 2025 (1 year 7 months)

In addition to writing newsletters and updates for two CIO branches in application development, I proposed and launched the groundwork for a full Internal Communications Plan—including surveys, stakeholder feedback, and content strategy. While the program didn’t fully launch due to the end of our contract, the foundation was built and progress was being made.

Other work included:

- Supporting other Forest Service teams by developing survey tools to evaluate legacy apps targeted for shutdown (cost-saving initiative)
- Helping update and maintain the Drupal websites for both branches
- Organizing and improving SharePoint libraries and Teams channels for easier navigation and better knowledge sharing
- Work

Senior Technical Writer

US Forest Service

Oct 2023 - Apr 2025 (1 year 7 months)

I created technical documentation that supported everything from app onboarding to help desk support. My work included:

- User Guides for internal tools and public-facing platforms
- Knowledge Base Articles (KBAs) written for both end users and support teams
- A GitHub wiki to help teammates learn how to draft, structure, and submit KBAs properly
- Ongoing support documentation for Agile product teams and software releases

I worked closely with developers, testers, and SMEs to translate technical processes into straightforward, practical content that anyone could follow.

Product Designer

US Forest Service

Oct 2023 - Apr 2025 (1 year 7 months)

I worked on several internal platforms where I handled everything from early-stage research to post-launch feedback. My UX contributions included:

- Designing wireframes and UI flows in Figma
- Collaborating with dev teams through GitHub
- Writing microcopy, UX copy, and error messages
- Conducting user interviews, surveys, and usability testing (1:1 and group sessions)
- Creating personas, journey maps, and reporting on insights
- Handling front-end content that supported marketing and onboarding efforts

I pushed for accessible, intuitive design and always advocated for user feedback as part of our decision-making process.

Consumer Reviewer

General Dynamics Information Technology

Jun 2020 - Dec 2023 (3 years 7 months)

I serve as a dedicated Consumer Reviewer for General Dynamics CDMRP, actively contributing to the evaluation and prioritization of research proposals in the field of combat casualty care. Leveraging my unique perspective as a consumer impacted by the conditions under study, I provide valuable insights into the potential impact of research on patients and their families. Through rigorous review processes and active participation in advisory committees, I help ensure that research projects are patient-centered and align with the real-world needs of those affected. My commitment to fostering patient-centered research and my role in facilitating funding decisions demonstrate my dedication to advancing the field of combat casualty care.

C

Director of Marketing

Chronic Migraine Awareness Inc CMA

Jan 2019 - Jul 2024 (5 years 7 months)

In my capacity as the Director of Marketing at Chronic Migraine Awareness, Inc., a distinguished 501(c)(3) nonprofit, I have orchestrated a dynamic range of responsibilities that span the marketing spectrum. As a strategic leader, I am responsible for the strategic procurement of promotional products, curating an impactful brand identity, and ensuring seamless website functionality through diligent maintenance efforts. Collaborating closely with the social media team, I contribute my expertise to the creation of compelling social media content, while also steering the successful execution of engaging Facebook live events that foster community engagement. Beyond my marketing expertise, I provide invaluable contributions by offering insights

Computer Science Lab Instructor

Midland College

Jan 2016 - May 2017 (1 year 5 months)

Proficient Midland College Computer Science Lab Instructor with expertise in guiding students in programming languages such as JAVA, C++, HTML5, PHP, Javascript, SQL/Oracle SQL, and Android. Adept at supporting Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), resolving common queries, and maintaining classroom computers. Skilled in performing weekly computer updates and installing approved software. Committed to fulfilling additional responsibilities as assigned by supervisors and administrators.

Professional development

Career Break

Aug 2013 - Jan 2016 (2 years 6 months)

During my employment gap due to illness, I proactively invested in my personal and professional growth by enrolling in educational programs. This period allowed me to not only focus on my recovery but also acquire valuable knowledge and skills that are directly applicable to my field. I leveraged this education and rejoined the workforce with a strengthened foundation.

Principal Information Engineer

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions

Jul 2011 - Aug 2013 (2 years 2 months)

Lead a team of information security professionals in the development of security policies, procedures, and security certification & accreditation (C&A) packages and FISMA Annual Reviews for a variety of commercial and government activities worldwide. Utilized DIACAP and NIST methodologies to develop analytical and computational IT techniques and methodologies for problem-solving within information assurance function areas. Oversaw the development of System Security Authorization Agreements (SAAs). Performed enterprise wide strategic network/ computer system planning, business, information planning, and business analysis, and threat vulnerability assessments; provided security test and evaluation support; provided technical support in the ev

Senior Security Consultant

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions

Jul 2009 - Jul 2011 (2 years 1 month)

Dedicated member of an information security team, contributing to the development of security policies, procedures, and security certification & accreditation (C&A) packages for diverse commercial and government projects worldwide. Conducted threat vulnerability assessments, provided technical support in security product evaluation, and authored comprehensive information system security studies and reports. Leveraged business process improvement practices for critical methodologies and process modernization projects. Proficient in data and business process modeling, ensuring system compliance with standards like DIACAP or NIST, and conducting risk analyses. Skilled in coordinating IT development team activities and consulted on various info

Subject-Matter Expert, Technical Editor, & GUI Designer

Evolvent

Dec 2008 - Jun 2009 (7 months)

Information Security Subject-Matter Expert (SME) and skilled Graphic Designer contributing to a software development team specializing in health-related management software applications. Collaborated closely with developers to enhance and paginate essential System Engineering and Software Development documentation, encompassing Software Design Specifications, ICDs, Test Plans and Reports, CI Schema/Structure, and Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM). Instrumental in designing visually appealing graphic user interfaces (GUI) for software screens, and played a key role in co-developing the Neurocognitive Assessment Tool (NCAT) final logo, aligning with specific client requirements.

Information Security Engineer

Evolvent

Oct 2008 - Jun 2009 (9 months)

Contributed as a valued member of an information security team at the United States Army Medical Information Technology Center (USAMITC) in Fort Sam Houston, Texas, actively involved in developing security policies, procedures, and security certification & accreditation (C&A) packages. Conducted threat vulnerability assessments and provided essential security test and evaluation support. Conducted Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) site visits to numerous Army medical clinics and hospitals. Offered administrative and Incident Response support as needed and played a key role in creating standardized Army forms for assessments. Proficiently utilized Retina scanning tools to enhance security measures.

Proposal Coordinator

The Newberry Group

Sep 2007 - Sep 2008 (1 year 1 month)

H

Documentation Control Coordinator

HyBon Engineering

Jan 2006 - Jan 2007 (1 year 1 month)

P

Project Specialist

Portage Environmental

Jan 2005 - Jan 2006 (1 year 1 month)

Proposal Writer

Computer Sciences Corporation CSC

Jan 2004 - Jan 2005 (1 year 1 month)

Technical Writer

Northrop Grumman

Jan 2002 - Jan 2004 (2 years 1 month)

Staff Writer/Graphic Designer

Midland Reporter Telegram

Jan 1999 - Jan 2000 (1 year 1 month)

About

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Erica Carrasco

About

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Behavioral traits