I graduated with a bachelor’s of fine art from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art and Architecture. My college education was comprised of a rigorous concentration in fine art in drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking and art history. In addition to studying in Philadelphia, I also attend the Rome, Italy campus where I took studio classes and studied art history and Italian language. It was amazing to see works of great masters on almost a daily basis and meet with other students around the city to simple draw famous sites. Weekends were spent at different cities throughout Italy and trips to France and Spain. It was a life changing experience, so much so that I returned years later to backpack around Europe. However despite my love for fine art, specifically oil painting, I decided to major in graphic design concentrating on typography, illustration, package design and the then-emerging interactive design.

I graduated from Temple with a print design portfolio, but surprisingly started working as a web designer. The internet was just starting to become a “thing”. Internet design was just taking off. I immediately stepped out of the print design world and into interactive design and coding. I remained as the business changed locations (and names) throughout the years, from a basement in Villanova, to an old mill in Gladwyne (above the Boyz II Men recording studio) eventually moving to an old factory building in Manayunk. My fellow coworkers and I remodeled the interior mill and factory spaces ourselves.

My employer encouraged exploration into new technologies. Along with web, I was now designing print, dabbled in video, illustration and even a bit of animation. I also frequently took on a roll as project manager and freelanced in the evenings. I traveled often, my favorite trips being to Taipei, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

I moved back to New Jersey when I started raising a family and worked in districts throughout Cape May County as a paraprofessional and substitute teacher. It was at this point that I discovered a love for teaching and decided to change my career to teach the subject that I’m passionate about - art. I wanted instill that passion in young people so that they can consider a career in the fine or commercial art world.

I started the teacher certification process through Stockton University and decided to continue on for a master’s in education, of which I am currently working on obtaining a MAEd. I am back to my fine art roots, teaching drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, illustration and design. I am thrilled that I found a “home” in Oakcrest High School that holds art education in such high regard and recognizes the impact it has on young people. I stress to my students the subject is vast and that your never know where your creativity will take you!