I am an artist and educator based in Milwaukee. Originally rooted in fine arts and illustration, my path took a transformative turn as I delved into art education. I continue to explore my passions for soft sculpture and character design while developing my strengths as an educator.
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With my undergraduate degree in Art Education and Fibers from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, I weave my dedication to teaching with my love for art. Guiding students through fiber arts, illustration, character design, and the reinterpretation of jointed dolls, my artistic expression strengthens and informs my teaching philosophy, nurturing my students' creative growth.
teaching philosophy
In my classroom, I focus on three core ideals: intention, self-advocacy, and growth.
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Intention
We are intentional in our work to develop ourselves as learners and community members. We are intentional in the way we speak, act, and create. Doing things with intention encourages learners to reflect on the “why” of art. By leading with a thoughtful attitude, I help my students set their own intentions for what they want their futures to look like, and solidify how they plan to get there.
Self-advocacy
We are becoming meaningful communicators, through art but also through finding our own voice. Self-advocacy is a key skill that students across the spectrum of abilities and interests can develop through repeated practice and with teacher support. The goal is to foster a deep sense of self-knowledge that is reflected in the ability of the student to advocate for themselves. If they are uncomfortable, unsafe, or just needing a little bit of extra help, students are encouraged to speak up. I cultivate this skill by offering multiple opportunities throughout projects and lessons for students to ask questions, providing examples of common issues with clear solutions, and tangibly rewarding students for communicating their needs in a respectful way.
Growth
Our goal is always focused on growth towards thriving as artists, learners, and people, in ways that build on our previous knowledge and expand our worlds. For my students, I want to emphasize the diversity of growth, and how it can occur in the classroom in multiple ways. At the end of a year, term, or day, I hope that my students can identify areas in which they have grown, while still retaining the desire to keep improving every single day.