I founded Pixel Story Studio in sunny San Diego in 2015. In Germany, I had studied psychology and obtained a stipend to "build a bridge between the US and German psychology practice" by going for a master's degree in family therapy.
In the US, I was fortunate to dive head first into the new work era of digital natives in startups and technology-oriented businesses. These context are an ideal fit for my creative take on putting people first and giving back my empowering insight and interventions.
As a human-centered and design-minded coach, I now create in-depth systemic interventions in work and organizational settings. As a German bicultural professional, I approach issues of diversity sensitively, and am in a wonderful flow of making things happen (see recent interviews). And lastly, as a relentless optimist, I strive to empower people, their companies and product & services so we can all plough through to the next level.
“Julika embodies a rare powerful juxtaposition of boldness and vulnerability, of spontaneity and organization, of wisdom of an old soul and creativity of a young fearless heart.”
Current Projects - NOW
Design Thinking for Mental Health & Wellbeing - International Consortium - US, Italy, NL - website coming soon
Design Coaching & Therapy for Couples & Individuals
TU Delft Diversity & Inclusion Team - Team Member and Design Research - TU Delft, Netherlands
“Design Your Life” workshop series in Northern Europe - Design Your Career, Design Your Life for More Happiness, Face Your Dreams
Design Thinking X Systemic Psychology Workbook - coming in 2020
Work Experience
Pixel Story Studio - Founder | Mar 2015 to present
Design Therapy for Individuals & Couples in Private Practice at Design Therapy
Design Research & Thinking on Knowledge Sharing & Team Culture at UNStudio
Content Sourcing & Creation of urban challenges in Amsterdam for AMS Institute
Community liaising between lab & designers, research, and video documentaries made for UC San Diego Design Lab
Service Design Project in clinic-based health care
Design strategy and research education with Hopscotch Labs
Behind the Scenes visit at creative agency Optimist Inc., Los Angeles
Project Skylon for DFFRNT Media | Nov 2019 to June 2020
Senior Explorer & Experiential Learning Designer for Future-Readiness & Creative Confidence digital platform plus Women in Leadership
Udemy, San Francisco, CA | Apr 2017 to August 2017
Business Development for DACH market & Content Acquisition
Playpower Labs, San Diego, PA | Aug 2014 to present
Structured interviews with parents about tablet use in the home and business development
Coveymom LLC, Pittsburgh, PA | Sept to Dec 2014
Structured interviews with early adopters using structured interviews, focused groups and paper prototypes
Duolingo LLC, Pittsburgh, PA | Nov 2011 to May 2014
German Language Specialist and Head of Company Culture
Content development for the German language experience, management of German data content, and continuous improvement based on online community feedback
Family Links, Pittsburgh, PA | Dec 2009 to May 2011
Mobile therapist in families. Structural and experiential systemic approach.
Co-therapist in addiction treatment group in outpatient setting.
Athenaeum – Music & Arts Library, La Jolla, CA | Jan – Jul 2008
Internship with research focus on artist’s books; art education outreach to local elementary schools
Max-Planck Institute for Cognitive Brain Science, Leipzig, Germany | May – Oct 2007, Nov 2003 – Feb 2005
EEG research assistant of Dr. T. Gunter focusing on gestures and imitation
My Education
M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy | 2008 - 2011
Seton Hill University, Greensburg, PA
M.A. in Psychology | 2002 - 2007
University of Leipzig, Germany
My Teaching
Couples During Pandemic - Online Masterclass | May 2021
Design Your Life Workshops at the Student Hotel, Amsterdam | Fall 2019
Design Your Career Workshop at Weserwork Co-Working im Hafen | July & August 2017
Design Your Life Workshop Series in team work with Hopscotch Labs | Oct - Sept 2016
Hot Flow Yoga Rivierenbuurt | Amsterdam 2018 - present
Vinyasa Flow Yoga Instruction | Pittsburgh 2009 - 2013