Education
B.A. in Art Education with Senior Thesis in Painting from Xavier University
Philosophy
First and foremost I want my students to know that I genuinely care about them as individuals. Secondly, I want my students to know that I am passionate about being an artist and creating art. And thirdly, I want my classroom environment to be a place where my students can feel safe to express themselves honestly. Overall, I want to inspire my students, just as my art teachers and the work of other artists have inspired me.
“Ideal teachers are those who use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross, then having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create bridges of their own.”
-Nikos Kazantzaki
I was raised in Cincinnati, Ohio and earned my Bachelor of Arts degree at Xavier University. I majored in Art Education and completed my Senior Thesis in Painting. I have experience teaching art with all grade levels, 1st through 12th grade; However, my true passion lies with teaching art to high school students! Through the years, I have integrated a variety of art media within my art classes, and have experience teaching drawing, painting, AP art, college prep portfolio, design foundations, printmaking, fiber arts, sculpture, and ceramics.I recently moved to California three years ago with my husband and four children from Cincinnati. I have also lived in Chicago, Illinois, Fayetteville, Arkansas, as well as overseas in London. I consider myself very fortunate to be teaching in a school district that I call home, as well as where my children attend. As a parent to four teenagers, ages 19, 17, and twins that are 15 years old, I understand the pressures and demands of juggling school, work, sports, extracurricular activites, and family! I try to be a good role model for my students and my own children, by showing that hard work, good time management skills, and a little laughter can get you far in life!
Dougherty Valley High School 