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Intermediate Art Specialist
Phone: (414) 482-8477

Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts; Minor in English - UW-Oshkosh

                   Certification in Art Education - Alverno College

                   Masters in Education, with an emphasis in Art - Mount Mary College

                   Post-graduate work - Alverno College; Mount Mary College; Viterbo College;

                   Cardinal Stritch University

Originally from Oshkosh, I grew up in a visually stimulating environment. My father was a photojournalist and instilled a sensitivity for composition and form. Family vacations were spent exploring the beauty of northern Wisconsin where my lifelong love of nature began.

The 2011-2012 school year will mark my 17th. year in the St. Francis School District: 10 years at Willow Glen where I taught K5 through 8th. grade, and 7 years at Deer Creek Intermediate.

I believe it is important for every student to be involved in the visual arts. Today's workplace requires that individuals be independent, critical thinkers, and creative problem-solvers. They must be able to draw upon ideas from a variety of resources in order to solve problems encountered in the performance of their duties. These are all skills developed in the visual arts.

Art not only provides a unique method for students to express meaning and to discover personal identity, it is also a way to connect with our past, to understand other cultures, and to communicate to the world in which we live.

As an art educator it is my job to demonstrate techniques and to help students develop skills; but it is my desire to teach my students how to express their thoughts and ideas in a way that is uniquely their own. This can only be accomplished in a respectful environment where students feel safe enough to learn new skills, to explore new ideas, and to create meaningful work that reflects who they are.