Teaching Philosophy

I believe the role of an art teacher is to nurture the whole student, technically, creatively, emotionally, and personally, by creating a studio environment where every student feels safe, valued, and capable of growth. My classroom is a place where technical mastery and authentic personal expression develop together.

I am committed to teaching strong foundational skills in drawing, painting, composition, color theory, and anatomy, alongside contemporary practices in digital illustration, frame-by-frame animation, video production, and visual storytelling. Students learn through consistent practice, direct observation, live demonstrations, and iterative projects. I emphasize that real artistic growth comes from persistence, risk-taking, and learning from mistakes.

As a working professional artist, I model this process for my students. I recently wrote, directed, and animated my short film A Knock in the Dark, which was selected for the Denver Film Festival (2025) and Brussels Independent Film Festival (2026). Combined with my ongoing projection mapping installations and my children’s book You Are an Elephant, I bring current, real-world experience into the classroom. Students see firsthand how ideas move from sketchbook to finished work and public audience.

My personal journey overcoming an eating disorder and raising a daughter deeply informs my teaching. These experiences strengthened my commitment to building resilience, self-acceptance, and creative confidence in young people. I create an inclusive, supportive studio where students of all skill levels and backgrounds can thrive. I differentiate instruction to meet diverse needs, provide individualized feedback, and use peer critique and exhibition opportunities so students experience the pride of sharing their work with others.

Ultimately, my goal is for every student to leave my classroom with stronger technical skills, a professional-quality portfolio or reel, and the resilience and creative confidence to pursue their own ideas — whether they continue in the arts or apply their creative thinking to any future path.