Carolyn, originally from the New England area, has lived in Atlanta since 1972. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design from Georgia State University and immediately fell into what she loved most: working with people and exploring new places. In 2004 she started her own firm, blackdog studio, which specializes in high end hotel construction and renovation for brands such as Westin, Sheraton and Marriott, often drawing upon nature for design inspiration. As a business owner, she managed an internal team of fourteen and collaborated with Architects and Engineers nationwide. Her projects have taken her to many cities within the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean.
In 2021, Carolyn decided to pursue a long-time desire and enrolled in the Master Birder Program offered by Georgia Audubon (now Georgia Birds). Through that program, she heard that the Wild Nest Songbird
Rehab was looking for volunteers. She eagerly signed up and was fortunate enough to be mentored directly under Nancy Eilen, founder of Wild Nest. Fast forward to 2024; Carolyn is currently leading baby bird care workshops, organizing monthly “Woodland Walks” and working to obtain her wildlife rehabilitation license. In addition to her interior design work and volunteer duties at the Wild Nest, Carolyn also volunteers with Trees Atlanta and occasionally hosts a walk along the Northeast section of the Beltline. She and her husband reside in Ansley Park and travel extensively in their Airstream; in 2023 they visited nearly every state within the continental United States (birding, of course!). Visiting National and State Parks is always a favorite activity as well as spending time with friends, family and their two dogs: Minnie and Piper.