Educator Statement:
Education in the Arts has the unique opportunity to allow students to explore and expand upon their individual thoughts.  Whether through movement on the dance floor or with paint on canvas, the arts allow students to conceptualize in a way no other subject can in K-12 education.  This world is constantly changing.  Students now more than ever need to be able to adapt, collaborate, think critically and problem solve so that they may be successful in the future.  We need to encourage creative thought, innovation and allow students to express themselves.
 

Personal Bio:

I was born and raised in Coos Bay, Oregon.  It was a beautiful place to grow up with the giant pine trees, lakes, rivers and Ocean beaches all around. Art have been a part of my life for as long as I could hold a pencil in my hand.  I had my first work of art for sale at the Coos Art Museum when I was in the 3rd grade, a little watercolor of a tree.  

I received my BA in Art at University of Oregon.  My focuses in art at U of O were mostly within the sculpture department using materials like wood, plaster and found objects.  I also took Drawing, Painting, Film Photography, and Printmaking.  

After earning my BA I continued with a Master of Arts in Teaching at Western Oregon University.  I have a love of learning and constantly want to try new forms of art.  I also knew that I wanted to share my love of art with others.  Teaching was the only career path for me. 

in 2010, upon earning my MAT I obtained a position teaching art at Memoiral Middle School in Albany, OR.  I taught 6th, 7th and 8th grade art for a wonderful year.  At the end of that year, with budget cuts hitting school districts all over, the middle school art position was cut.  I would not be returning.  I took a moment to assess my options and there was always a part of me that wanted to give back, to volunteer, so I looked into AmeriCorps and was offered a position on the Federal Way Public Schools AmeriCorps Team of Washington State.  I served for 2 years at Federal Way High School in this amazing program where I met some incredible kids, who despite having some major life challanges that no person should ever have to deal with,  had such a love of life,  learning  and a openhearted acceptance of people and the world around them.  I 'served' them as an academic/AVID Tutor, but they taught me so much more.  Each one of them will always hold a special place in my heart and as I continue my career in education each new student I have will be added to that place.

 

At the end of my second year of service I was fortunate enough to receive an offer to teach at my 1st choice school back in Oregon.  I am now in my second year teaching art at West Albany High School.  In my first year at West I taught Basic Design and Pottery classes.  I am now jumping right in and teaching Basic Design, Drawing, Acrylic Painting, Watercolor, Fashion Illustration, Jewelry Making and Metals, Sculpture, and Printmaking!  I am so excited and look forward to each new experience this path has to offer.

 

 

updated 8/2014         

​