Tell us a little bit about you and your background.

I grew up on the south shore of Long Island, New York. My adolescence consisted mostly of roller hockey matches in the driveway, soccer tournaments and the beach. I was drawn to art at an early age and remember watching my mother make jewelry and my father create shadow boxes in the garage. I was very interested in being creative and participating in sports and dance. I eventually became enamored with painting and wanted to make a difference so I pursued a BFA in Art & Visual Culture Education at the University of Arizona, as well as a Graduate degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at ASU. During my time in Arizona I became immersed with teaching Fine Arts in public schools, galleries, and privately, while also continuing my painting practice. Currently, I live in Queens, New York and am an abstract mixed-media painter focusing in acrylic, ink, spray paint and various dry mediums. 

What attracted you to work at One River School?

I think I was most attracted by the ability to teach classes to a diverse member based community that had the opportunity for growth. I was excited that I would get to work with multiple age and skill levels throughout the week while also recommending different artistic pathways in the form of focus and/or advanced classes. Within Secondary Education, it is rare that you get the opportunity to steer student artists toward trajectories that hold depth and weight for their individualized artistic journey.  Here, I am able to do that while supporting more of a community-based program. 

How would you describe your team?

I would best describe my team as steadfast. Since we have opened, we have been resolutely dedicated to growing our school and enriching our learning community. Madison, our Assistant Director of Member Services, does an outstanding job keeping up with our members while ensuring their needs are met in relation to our programming and I have had the pleasure of getting to work with and know a dedicated staff of teachers who are passionate about their craft and our school’s mission. Overall, our ability to stay goal driven has made all the difference.

What do you think we do best at One River?

I think we are the best at providing a safe space for artists to grow outside of traditional learning environments. Our students are able to flourish in classes with others who are of like-minded drive, enabling them to hone their craft with the benefit of artistic community and feedback.

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

I think my favorite moment so far was our first Birthday party event. The event was for a charismatic K-2 student that has been with us from the beginning. She loves Pokémon (particularly Eevee) and themed her party as such. It was so wonderful being able to facilitate an event for her that her whole family could enjoy and remember for years to come. It is a great joy to bring happiness into the lives of others.

Who or what motivates you?

Throughout my whole career I have been motivated by authenticity. I know that working with others creatively and letting them be their most authentic selves has always been a calling for me. In order to create spaces that foster that, it is important to be open to letting people see you while also radically accepting others. I try to approach each day with the mindset that each person has something unique to give to the world (including me) and that gets me ready to take the day head on.

What do you enjoy outside of One River?

Outside of One River, I enjoy working on my own art practice, playing my guitar and spending time with my pets.