I am a Long Island native, growing up in Deer Park. After marrying Jim Thompson, owner of Upgrade Construction, we moved to East Patchogue and we have lived here since 1980. Our daughter, Natalie Ryan, graduated from Bellport High School. So our involvement in and love of this community is long standing.

I have always been deeply rooted in the Arts. I started my career as a technical illustrator for military manuals. I have worked with many corporations, including Underwriters Laboratory and Dayton T. Brown, using my artistic skills to create initiatives for their Sales Teams and to enhance their branding efforts. My technical background allowed me to understand the importance of balance in an overall presentation. In addition to managing artistic endeavors, I have also been responsible for event planning projects such as: laboratory tours for overseas clients, Employee Appreciation Day, Bring Your Children to Work efforts, among others. In addition, I designed and executed mentoring programs for students from the across the US and abroad.

As an entrepreneur, I have owned and operated an independent, custom framing business in the heart of Bellport for over 10 years. Both my artistic background and technical approach have come in handy as I consult with clients about achieving the optimal design for their space. Like many entrepreneurs, I started my business from home, and grew it organically, step-by-step, by solidifying relationships with local artists and galleries. This staged-approach and my association with the Bellport Chamber of Commerce, South Bay Art Association, and the Village of Bellport have allowed me to service clients and use all the skills and talents I’ve honed over the years. Today, my suppliers tell me I’m one of their largest accounts with consistent order levels. Only after 6 years in business, the Small Business Development Center helped me apply for an SBA loan, and I now own the Main Street building I work out of and the gallery space next door.

Community involvement has always been a strong focus for me. Your community will always embrace your business when you contribute your time and effort to making it the best place to live and work. I have served on the Bellport Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for 8 years, as president from 2012 – 2014. I have always been actively involved with the South Bay Art Association as well as the Event Committee for the Boys & Girls Club of the Bellport Area.

I am always flexing my creative muscle – working on my own fine art and photography projects, which have been exhibited by major galleries in the Hamptons and at International Art Fairs. I have won awards and ribbons for my own artwork locally.