Masters in Art Education

CSU, Sacramento

Curriculum and Instruction

Single Subject Teaching Credential Program

CSU, Sacramento

Bachelor of Art, Fine Arts

CSU, Chico 

Associate of Art, Liberal Arts

Sierra College 

Other Art and Art Education Workshops Attended

California Consultancy for Arts Education, Summer Art Institute

Standards Based Instruction from Works of Art

Summer 2005, 2006, 2007

International Baccalaureate 15 Hour Workshop

Middle Years Program (Technology)

April 2007

I have been a teacher for over two decades.  The first decade of my teaching experience was not in a classroom.  I worked in the outdoor industry as a whitewater raft guide, a ski instructor, and a whitewater kayaking instructor.  I also worked in the fitness industry teaching kick-boxing and indoor cycling classes.  Through those experiences I taught a variety of skills to a wide range of abilities and age levels.  I enjoyed watching people acquire new skills and experience the joy that comes from learning something new.  These were my first experiences teaching people.

My first experience in the classroom was as an aide for an art teacher at a private school in Roseville.  This was when I decided to go back to school and get my teaching credential in art, as I discovered how fulfilling it could be to work with kids and art.  I loved seeing children create art and take pride in their creations.  I felt that I could make a positive impact on children through art education.  

I have been teaching at Lyman Gilmore Middle School for nine years.  I still enjoy watching kids be creative, learn new things, and gain self-confidence through their art experiences.  I continue to grow as an art teacher and an artist, as the kids are constantly teaching me new things about art and about myself.  I have experienced the students at Lyman Gilmore as exceptionally creative and talented individuals.  They never cease to amaze me with the art that they produce.  Check out our photo gallery and see for yourself!