Tell us a little bit about you and your background.

I received my BFA in Illustration at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia. Since 2017, I have been arts educator and freelance artist. I love playing with all mediums in art but often find myself working digitally on illustrations and short animations. A lot of my personal work delves into themes of memory, home, and identity. I like to approach these topics with humor and sensitivity.

What attracted you to work at One River School?

Something that struck me most upon discovering One River School was seeing the resources available to the students and teachers – both in the studio arts department and digital. The classrooms reminded me of my time in art school and had immediately gotten me excited to apply as a teacher. During my initial tour of One River Middletown, I had the opportunity to see student work hung on the walls as well as the works in progress in the studios and knew there was real care going into these pieces.

How would you describe what it is like to teach here?

One River Middletown is a pleasure to teach at. The staff at our location are so welcoming and down to earth, I always know they’re there to help if the need ever arises. The students are all so unique and fun to work with- all approaching art pieces with their own original flair. The atmosphere at our school is very supportive, open, and inspired.

What has been your favorite project to teach and why?

One of my favorite projects from the year has been the Zagnoli Food Collages we did in our Art Start class. Art Start is our youngest group and I felt like this project was perfect in addressing the fundamentals of art in an approachable, fun way for the age group. The students practiced breaking down their subject matter into basic shapes, exploring color without worrying about staying within the lines, and experimenting with the possibilities collaging can bring. I remember the students feeling especially proud of the pieces, which was very special to me!

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

A memory from One River that stands out to me was at one of our annual events. Students of all age groups, their family and friends had come together to participate in mini art projects being held within each studio. One room had a huge sheet of drawing paper pasted onto the wall meant for everyone to draw on. Something about seeing the wall get filled with drawings throughout the night was very sweet to me. I saw kids helping their younger siblings draw animals on the wall, teens giggling over the ridiculous doodle they made, and parents concentrating on the pen drawings they’re making – even though they don’t see themselves as “artists”.

What do you enjoy outside of One River?

Outside of One River I also am a teaching assistant at a local elementary school resource room where I help students with reading, writing, and math. I love spending time outside, shopping for vintage novelties, and reading with my tuxedo cat.