What do you think of GHS so far?
I think GHS is filled with really great people, both students and staff. Everyone has been very welcoming. It has certainly helped me settle in during an unusual time. I’m excited for the future of the art program and what the students will accomplish

How has teaching through a pandemic been different?
In some ways it has limited what we can do, but in other ways it has created opportunities to do things I never would have done or had to figure out. On days when it feels daunting, I try to remember to take it one day at a time and that we’re all in it together. My professional priorities this year are 1. Keep my students as safe as possible. 2. Make sure I am available to my students and make connections with them. 3. Make sure they learn some new art skills.

The most important thing to me is that we’re all here when this is over …and that we’re okay.

What do you like to do outside of school?
My family is still incredibly isolated and staying home, so for the last 7 months I’ve enjoyed making art at home, baking, and spending time in the woods. In non-pandemic times, I spend a lot of my time outside of school volunteering, going to concerts, traveling, and gathering with friends.

What is an interesting fact about you?
I’m really into music. I think music is proof that magic exists. One of my favorite things to do is see live music or listen to records at home… and I love a good “Top 5” list that has to do with music.

Do you have any superstitions?
I’m not sure if karma is a superstition, but I believe in that. While bad things happen to good people everyday and the world isn’t fair, I do believe that if you put good out there, good will come back to you.

Where is your favorite place to travel?
National Parks

What’s your favorite food?
Cheetos

What made you decide to become a teacher and why did you pick the subject you teach?
I’ve always loved art and when I first started college, I thought I would be an art teacher, but then I changed my mind. After I graduated I did social work for 7 years. I mainly worked with at-risk youth in Michigan and then the Chicagoland area. During that time, I kept coming back to art and often relied on it to connect with my clients. This led me back to grad school and teaching in 2008. My path to teaching wasn’t a straight line and I 100% believe that all those experiences, specifically my years in social work, helped make me a better teacher once I got around to it.

There’s a sort of “outsider” vibe to being an artist and being involved in the arts that always appealed to me. It requires courage, openness, and constant growth. I like that.

Do you have any secret talents?
Hitting a baseball. I’m not so great at fielding, but making contact when I’m up to bat and being able to pull the ball. I’d have made an excellent DH.

Do you have any Pets? If so, what are their names?
A 4 year old dog name Elwood (that we adopted from Safe Haven)
A 15+ year old shark named Brother Man
My kid has 2 African Pygmy Frogs named Coral & Jet, but I take care of them so I claim them as mine too.