Tell us a little bit about you and your background.

I started in web development and client support over 12 years ago at a small NYC marketing firm as a stop gap position between retail and that elusive tenure track teaching gig. My skills developed through that position allowed me to bring my talents to One River over two years ago, supporting a mission I’m passionate about, unlike urban residential rental real estate. I hold a BFA in sculpture from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and an MFA in studio art from Stony Brook University. I’m also mom to Ida, a proud Focus On Making K-2 student of One River Montclair.

What attracted you to work at One River School?

I had been looking for a new career start for awhile, yet blind to the marketing and web support skills I gained until I saw the Web Support Specialist job posting. It seemed a little unbelievable how much the role aligned with my marketing and support skills all in service of art education. It’s always inspiring to be around creative, service driven folks who love what they do. 

How would you describe your team?

We’re a group of creative, thoughtful, insanely talented folks who strive to serve One River in the best ways possible. And I think we have a pretty good time through it all! It’s gratifying working with all of the school teams, supporting them in any way possible so they can excel in their roles.

What do you think we do best at One River?

From the interview process throughout my early days it was evident that One River really values people, not as viewed as just customers or employees. Rather every person, our interns, part time admins, TAs, teachers, directors, everyone is integral to the success of One River. Great care is taken to ensure our colleagues are the best for their particular position, so they grow in their role, supporting families and students.

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

I really enjoy anytime we have system wide in person meetings. One that comes to mind was a recent ADOMS meeting. Shayla did a great job defining the meeting while allowing all concerns and questions to be addressed. It was just a really great meeting highly collaborative, and a super fun time! I always leave those meetings in awe of how motivated and passionate our teams are. 

Who or what motivates you?

I mean this in the most non-sappy, twee way as possible:  I’m motivated by my colleagues, I’m at my best when I’m part of a team. My art background really informs this perspective, contrary to the solitary, toiling artist trope, art-making is really a collaborative process. Art and artists flourish through authentic dialogue, reflection, critique, and exhibition. 

What do you enjoy outside of One River?

I maintain a studio practice focused on tracing maternal creativity through the fabrics passed down by my mother and her family. My work calls on the recent history of commercial textile surface design, reaching back to the turn of the 20th century feed sack fabrics. Cloth feed sacks were printed with flowery patterns that could be repurposed into quilts and clothing. The visual language born in those feed sacks can be seen in contemporary quilting fabric surface design, and the very fabrics passed down to me. Outside of the studio I enjoy distractibaking, volunteering with the Girl Scouts of North New Jersey as a Brownie troop leader. I recently returned to ice hockey, playing with the Quarry Cats. Who knew there are enough women in the nearby area to form three teams across varying levels of play?!