from Holbrook Middle High School — Holbrook, Massachusetts

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Biography

I have been teaching for over twenty years, as a Special Education teacher and as a Visual Art teacher. Before I became a teacher I worked as an Illustrator, Paste up mechanical artist for the TAB newspaper, and a Computer Graphic Artist for a Dun & Brad Street company.

I have been an artist all of my life. I feel lucky to have been supported by my family and educators, who acknowledged my interest in the Arts. I enjoy everything art, but some highlights are photography, multi-media, ceramics, knitting, crocheting, sewing, embroidery, and most importantly illustration. At the age of 13, I won a Globe Scholastic Blue Ribbon and National Gold key for one of my illustrations.

I think it is important to introduce my students to art contests and other avenues of publication to celebrate their efforts. Throughout my time teaching at Holbrook Middle-High School, many of my students have won awards for their artwork and several students have gone on to professions in the Arts.

Professionally I have participated in the development of the National Arts standards assessments for grades 2, 5, and 8. I piloted the development of these standards assessments in my classroom in 2014/2015 where my students participated in this process. At the time my classroom consisted of all students with complex profiles and disabilities. I participated and presented my findings in a national webinar published by the NAEA. Two of my 8th-grade student's work, from the pilot, can be found on the NAEA website.

I also participated in volunteer work with the Department of Education in revising the 1999 Mass Frameworks for the Arts (2017/18/19). I acted as the Equities Facilitator and advocated for the Historically disadvantaged, ELL, and Special Education populations. I worked side by side with many Massachusetts Arts educators and I consulted on the development of Arts standards for all student’s success in the Arts.

I am very passionate about art and the impact it has on emotional health, one’s confidence, and the idea that skills learned in the Arts are translated into other areas of life. I am so very happy to be creating art with the students at the Holbrook Middle-High School.

Personal Art Gallery