Tell us a little bit about you and your background.

Both art and teaching have been a part of my life since I was very young. I started taking art classes when I was just six years old and I still remember my first ever art project was a fun little pastel flower, and pastels are one of my favorite art materials now! I started assistant teaching at an art studio when I was a teenager, and I was immediately hooked on teaching art. I have always known that I wanted to be an art educator, which led me to Ithaca College, where I studied and got my BA in Art Education. From there, I had some amazing opportunities managing studio spaces, teaching elementary and high school art, and exhibiting with different galleries. I have always been and will always be extremely passionate about art education, and I am so grateful that I have been able to follow that ambition all the way to One River!

What attracted you to work at One River School?

In my past professional experiences, I have been very discouraged by the number of educational spaces that do not value art. I was beyond thrilled to find One River because I knew I found a space that valued art as much as I do. I’ve always wanted to be involved in a space that sees how art can be used to express yourself, to bring people together, and to provide you with skills that can be instrumental to future success. Art is such an integral part of our world and I am so happy to be a part of a community that truly sees that.

How would you describe your team?

My team is truly my second family. Each day that I walk into the studio, I am greeted by the most wonderful people and I couldn’t be more grateful. I know my team has my back with every single task I take on and to say I feel supported is an understatement. I go to work everyday knowing that I am going to be working with a team that not only cares just as much about art and education as I do, but is also extremely motivated and caring. Seeing our teachers share their artistic knowledge, build relationships with their students, and grow as artists and educators is truly moving. I could write a crazy long lists of amazing qualities my team has, and I will…they are all intelligent, hardworking, passionate, skillful, talented, compassionate, inspiring people. I’m simply so lucky to work with my Hartsdale team!

What do you think we do best at One River?

I think that One River thrives on creating a welcoming environment for both our team and our students. Artists and art spaces are meant be inclusive spaces, and One River is just that. Each of our team members and students feel safe and comfortable to be their true, authentic self in our space, and that is so incredibly beautiful.

Who or what motivates you?

I was very lucky to have been a part of a space that valued art at a very young age, and that space molded me into the person I am today. Whenever I get discouraged or stressed, I am motivated by the fact that my team and I are creating a space for growing artists to find themselves the way I was able to. I think about six year old me trying pastels for the first time, or fourteen year old me teaching for the first time, or college me trying abstract art for the first time, and I am motivated to create a space for other students to have these firsts. Every young artist deserves to explore art and use it to help them grow, and I find motivation in knowing that I help create that space for them everyday.

Is there a special One River moment that stands out for you?

A special One River moment that stands out to me is my first student show opening. I have been with One River for a little over a year now, and my first student show was the 2022 Winter Student Show. We had over 200 artworks up in our gallery, the outcomes were gorgeous, and the turnout was amazing. I had a moment of such pride as I thought to myself ahhhh we did it! We created an event where our students had the opportunity to celebrate their artwork, growth, and accomplishments. An absolutely huge amount of work goes into the student shows, and seeing it all come to fruition was such a special moment for me.

What do you enjoy outside of One River?

Outside of One River, I spend most of my time working on my art, watching new shows and movies, or spending time with my friends and family. Although it is difficult, I work really hard to find time to continue my own artistic growth and education. I think it is so important to continually find new educational opportunities for myself because even as adults, we never stop learning. Whether it is reading a book, trying a new art material, or learning about new artists, I am always trying to keep my education alive. On a more fun note, I love watching sitcoms and I am a big Disney nerd. I also really love burritos, which feels like an important fact to share about myself.