2023-2024 begins my thirty-third year teaching adolescents and I LOVE this age group.I know my profession is my purpose in life; and I am thankful for the opportunity and mindful of its responsibility. As your child’s teacher, you can expect my personal commitment that your family’s art study will be both educational and fun. I model for my students the excitement and benefits of learning something new each day. And, I encourage inquiry, community and high expectations.
As a former gifted & talented teacher, I embrace differentiated practice and understand gifts are sometime unseen and/or must be nurtured. I understand the teacher's role in building resiliency to manage an individual's growth. I am also the sponsor for the Ames Middle School's chapter of the National Junior Art Honor Society, lovingly referred to as the Nin-JAHS.
My passion for talent development has also pushed me outside the classroom and community. I earned a PhD from Drake University and serve the National Association Gifted Children's (NAGC's) as Past-Chair of the Arts Network. I am also a member of National Art Education Association's (NAEA's) Professional Learning through Research (PLR) Working Group representing middle level art educators. I have a long history of service and continue to actively engage in both my state and national professional associations (AEI & NAEA / ITAG & NAGC respectively).
Please know that I care a great deal about my students, education, and the visual arts. I am easily accessible and welcome your visits, calls and emails. Thank you for entrusting me with the opportunity to share the world of art with your child.