Resume
Bio
I currently teach visual arts at Franklin Middle School in north Minneapolis. I also teach college courses at various institutions in the Twin Cities. I have been teaching for over 20 years as an educator as well as a teaching artist in the community. Most recently I was invited to be part of an advisory committee for the Minnesota Department of Education's Culturally Responsive Arts Education Program. In this position I have presented to arts educators from across the state at the summer conference and will be advising on other aspects of the program throughout the next year.
When I am not teaching, I have a practice in freelance illustration, community projects, murals and gallery work. Through this work I have completed over 70 murals in the Twin Cities and in Jamaica, and have illustrated 9 children’s books.
Education
2006
Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minneapolis MN
Bachelor of Fine Arts- Illustration
2017
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis MN
Certification- Project Lead the Way, Design and Modeling
2020
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis MN
College of Education and Human Development
Masters in Arts Education- Visual Arts K-12
Skills
ADOBE CREATIVE SUITE
Photoshop
Illustrator
InDesign
OTHER SKILLS
Photography and Video
Graphic Design
Ceramics
Printmaking
Sewing
MEDIUMS
Acrylic
Watercolor
Ink
Gouache
Collage
Paper Mache
Graphite
Charcoal
Pastels
Digital
Work
Experience
2015-Present
Minneapolis Public Schools, Franklin Middle School
Visual Arts Teacher 6-8 grades
2023-Present
Minnesota Department of Education
Culturally Responsive Arts Education Program
Advisory Committee
2021-Present
Augsburg University
Adjunct Faculty / Education Department
2021-Present
Metro State University - St Paul Campus
Community Faculty / Fine Arts Department
2021-Present
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Adjunct Faculty / CEHD
2009-2020
Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minneapolis MN
Adjunct Faculty, Continuing Education, Community Outreach
2016-2017
Perpich Center for the Arts, Golden Valley MN
(Contract) Outreach Program SW MN Region: Arts Integration Mentor
2013-2015
PYC- Plymouth Youth Center, Arts and Technology High School
Visual Arts Teacher and Arts Integration Specialist
2008-2010
The Minnetonka Center for the Arts, Wayzata MN
Instructor- Youth, Teen, and Adult
Painting, Watercolor, Drawing I, Drawing II, Illustration, Design, and Building a Portfolio
2007-2009
Breck School, Minneapolis MN
Substitute Teacher, Art Department
2004-2005
Osseo Area School District, Osseo MN
(Contract) Consultant and Arts-Integration Curriculum Coordinator
2002-2004
Medtronic, Inc, Shoreview MN
Customer Service Training Coordinator
1992-1993
St. Francis School District, St. Francis MN
Summer school program- visual arts and Spanish
Languages
Some Spanish
Recognitions
and Awards
2022
Minneapolis Educator Leadership Award
2020
Minneapolis Educator Leadership Award
2017
Educators for Excellence (E4E) Teacher Leader Awards- Finalist
2009
Teachers’ Choice Award (Colorful World)
Teachers’ Choice Award (You Are Important Board Book Series)
Mom’s Choice Award (Colorful World)
Mom’s Choice Award (You Are Important Board Book Series)
2008
Moonbeam Gold Medal Award- Music & Theatrical Category (Colorful World)
2004
Society of Illustrators LA- Illustration West 42 (5 pieces)
2003
Society of Illustrators East- (1 piece)
Grants
Minneapolis Educator Leadership Project Grant, 2020
Oral Histories Grant- City of Minneapolis and ReCAST, 2019
Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation Innovation Grant (on behalf of Franklin Middle School), 2017
Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation School Grant (on behalf of Franklin Middle School), 2016
Gullickson Family/ Minneapolis Foundation Grant (annual), 2015-2019
Minneapolis Foundation 612 Youth Engagement Project Grants, 2015 and 2017
Carolyn Foundation Grant, 2017
Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Grant, 2017
RBC Foundation: USA Grants, 2016-2018