A Bit About Me
I hold a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from the Maine College of Art. Originally from Connecticut, I grew up in and around the New Haven art scene. I earned my Bachelor's at Southern Connecticut State University in Studio Art with a concentration in ceramics.
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In my professional life I have run a small home studio, participated in New Haven's annual City Wide Open Studios, was the Upper Art Director at the Audubon Arts Summer Theater Program, taught as a private tutor, and was a middle school art instructor at the Engineering and Science University Magnet School.
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My interests range from dinosaurs to architecture, from martial arts to opera, but above all I enjoy a warm cup of tea and a good story.
My Philosophy
What Really Matters
I believe that empowering my students with artistic skill is the key to a rewarding class. Mediums and techniques should always be challenging and subjects should always spark curiosity. I want to provide students with skills that help them express their point of view and think analytically. I want my art room to be a place where students can feel like themselves and for art to become the gateway to greater discovery.
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As an educator it’s my responsibility to foster a student’s natural progression toward understanding. I implement curricula that adapt to student needs, respect and encourage their interests, and foster ingenuity. I aim to create meaningful bonds with my students through honest critique and open discussions. I model the spirit of collaboration so that students feel they can connect with their school and larger community. I constantly channel my passions to focus on relevant subjects, novel approaches, and equitable inclusive practices, so every student has a chance to be successful.
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I believe my students will come away from my class having gained a better understanding of world culture, achieved a greater level of technique, and obtained a wider skill set for not just art, but for their future as lifelong learners.
Education
I am a ceramic sculptor and artist dedicated to the excellence of teaching and creating visual art.
Master of Arts in Teaching
2020
Maine College of Art
Portland, ME
Bachelor of Science in Studio Art
2013
Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, CT
2010-2013
University of Hartford
West Hartford, CT
2008-2010
Teaching Experience
March 2016 - 2019
Middle School Art Instructor
ESUMS: Engineering and Science University Magnet School West Haven, CT
Responsible for the instruction of various art techniques with a wide range of mediums and art history contexts for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. Create a syllabus, prepare daily lesson plans, and assess student projects on a quarterly basis. In addition, I manage classroom behavior, keep the room organized/clean and order supplies, working within my budget. I participate in parent conferences on a request basis. Curated the annual showcase of middle school student work.
Summer 2014 - 2018
Upper Art Director
Audubon Arts, Neighborhood Music School New Haven, CT
Responsible for guiding participants, ages 11 to 17, in the design and creation of scenery, props, and costumes for five musical productions created during the six-week summer arts program. Also design and teach the daily Art Intensive class for ages 13 to 17 focusing on thematic skills and techniques, culminating in a nArt Show during the third and sixth weeks of program. Other duties include working within a budget, following instructions from the Theater Directors and Program Director, and delegating tasks to assistants and counselors.
November 2015 - March 2016
Program Developer
The Clay Date New Haven, CT
Responsible for developing the summer arts and after school program for grades 6th to 12th, including homeschooled students. Primary instructor for wheel throwing lessons. Also handled daily needs of the studio such as customer service, inventory, and operating the ceramic studio equipment.
Summer 2011 - 2013
Lower Art Director
Audubon Arts, Neighborhood Music School New Haven, CT
Responsible for guiding participants, ages 6 to 11, in the design and creation of scenery, props, and costumes for seven musical productions created during the six-week summer arts program. Also design and teach the daily Art Intensive class focusing on thematic skills and techniques, culminating in an Art Show during the third and sixth weeks of program. Other duties include working within a budget, following instructions from the Theater Directors and Program Director, and delegating tasks to assistants and counselors.
Summer 2007 - 2010
Group Counselor
Audubon Arts, Neighborhood Music School New Haven, CT
Job entailed managing a group of approximately 15 children, ages 7 to 11, through a multitude of creative tasks each day during a six week summer arts program. Responsibilities included tracking health issues, conflict mediation, and organizing group activities.
