Tell us a little bit about you and your background.

I was born and raised in New Jersey and am the proud daughter of a Colombian mother and Costa Rican father. My culture played a big role in my upbringing, and because my parents never had the opportunity to practice or learn about art in their own lives, I ironically didn’t know much about art at all until I got to college. I was hooked from the first time I ever stepped foot in a museum as part of a class requirement when I was a freshman, and ended up double majoring in International Studies and Art History in undergrad and studying Museology in graduate school. Prior to working at One River, I worked at the Morris Museum and had a few odd jobs – (paralegal was definitely the weirdest) – but always knew I wanted to be somewhere that enabled me to be around artists in some capacity.

What attracted you to work at One River School?

The focus on contemporary art, the exhibition program with local artists, the student-centered approach to art making, and the commitment to fun for both the members and the employees.

How would you describe your role here?

Being Assistant Director of Member Services allows me to wear a lot of different hats, but my role essentially boils down to ensuring the school is running effectively day-to-day and that the members needs are being met.

What do you think we do best at One River?

I genuinely believe that we create a safe environment for students to both explore their art practice and to foster community outside of their everyday classroom. I’m consistently moved by the deep connections that the students forge with our teachers in such a short amount of time. My favorite moments are always when parents tell me their kids are having a hard time finding their “place” in life, and we end up providing that very place for them to thrive.

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

So many. One time that always sticks out in my head is when Corianne and I were trying to finish hanging the Spring Student Show the night before the opening and it was super late. We were so exhausted, but blasted music, danced around, and made it a celebration. The show came out great!

What do you enjoy outside of One River?

Live music, breweries, board games, movie nights, and trivia. I’m also in the thick of wedding planning for my reception in September and recently bought a house with my fiancé, so it’s a busy, fun time!