I’m an artist and an educator working in Chicago with a passion for making messes and helping my students grow through Art. I graduated from School of the Art Institute in 2009 with a BFA in Art Education and Fiber and Material Studies. While studying at SAIC I developed a love of contemporary art, weaving, and scientific illustration. My time at SAIC showed me that art is everywhere- from a quilt, to food packaging, to the sound a sculpture makes moving in the wind- I love sharing that broad idea of art with my students. Im passionate about exposing my students to a wide range of contemporary art so my students can see themselves in art, and also see themselves as artists.

In 2012 I had the privilege to join Courtenay Language Arts as their first art teacher and the opportunity to build an art program from the ground up. After a year of teaching mostly educator directed lesson plans to K-8 students, I knew there had to be a better way. I began researching Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB) and slowly implementing Choice Art in my classroom. After a summer of researching the benefits of TAB, I rolled out a full studio centered TAB art curriculum using the 8 Studio Habits of Mind framework to guide student learning. The authentic student work being produced in the art room speaks volumes to the power of TAB.

Not only do I teach art in open studio classes, I also frequently collaborate with classroom teachers to intentionally infuse arts integration into their units. One of the most satisfying teaching moments this year was when one of my 2nd grade students discovered a sophisticated geometry concept, trying to sew a sphere while working on his original game. 

I have also worked diligently to expand opportunities for my students through various partnerships and grants. Past grants include: Chicago Foundation for Education Grant 2012-13, Oppenheimer Family Foundation Grant 2014-15, Ingenuity Creative Schools Grant 2017-18. In the fall of 2017 I built an online shop selling archival quality prints of student artwork to serve as a fundraising platform for art teachers. I am currently seeking nonprofit status for my organization ShopStudio303.com and hope to expand its reach to four additional schools in the 2018-2019 school year. 

When I'm not making messes with my students, I can be found experimenting with new recipes, planning my next travel adventure, or spending a day with a book at Montrose Beach.

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