When asked to write about myself, I am often at a loss as to where to start or what direction to go. I am passionate about many things - art, teaching, the environment, friends and family and so on. I am interested in so many things - gardening, running, reading, bicycling, cooking, dog agility, being outdoors, home improvement - the list goes on. So where to focus when doing a "bio" is always a challenge! So I will just begin.
I am from Shavertown, PA but have lived in many places in Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland. From the time that I was in 4th grade until I was a freshman in high school I never finished a full year in a school because my family kept moving so that my stepfather could find work. At this time the only constant in my life was my love of drawing, I was always a shy kid so having to make new friends so often was a challenge, but I could draw and people noticed, so I used that skill to open doors.
I was in the first graduating class of Hammond High School in 1979 and went on to attend the Maryland Institute College of Art. I was on my own as far as college was concerned and worked three jobs while going to school full time for three years. I ran out of money and energy and left school to work in the plant business - I loved greenhouses and growing things and my art background helped with display and design. I got caught up in getting by, taking the occasional art class but mostly just working.
I met my husband at work. We got married in 1985 and bought an old house in Mt. Airy on 3 acres where we live today. When I turned 30 I realized that I did not want to schlep plants all my life and went back to finish my BFA and MAT at MICA. I was fortunate to land a job at Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts in Baltimore County, MD where I taught for eight years. In order to get closer to home, I transferred to Howard County, first at Reservoir High School for two years, then in 2005 had the amazing opportunity to open Marriotts Ridge High School, where I currently teach. Throughout my career I have taught all levels of studio art, digital media, photography and even sociology. I am currently pursuing a second Masters degree in Arts Integration at Towson University.
I am from Shavertown, PA but have lived in many places in Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland. From the time that I was in 4th grade until I was a freshman in high school I never finished a full year in a school because my family kept moving so that my stepfather could find work. At this time the only constant in my life was my love of drawing, I was always a shy kid so having to make new friends so often was a challenge, but I could draw and people noticed, so I used that skill to open doors.
I was in the first graduating class of Hammond High School in 1979 and went on to attend the Maryland Institute College of Art. I was on my own as far as college was concerned and worked three jobs while going to school full time for three years. I ran out of money and energy and left school to work in the plant business - I loved greenhouses and growing things and my art background helped with display and design. I got caught up in getting by, taking the occasional art class but mostly just working.
I met my husband at work. We got married in 1985 and bought an old house in Mt. Airy on 3 acres where we live today. When I turned 30 I realized that I did not want to schlep plants all my life and went back to finish my BFA and MAT at MICA. I was fortunate to land a job at Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts in Baltimore County, MD where I taught for eight years. In order to get closer to home, I transferred to Howard County, first at Reservoir High School for two years, then in 2005 had the amazing opportunity to open Marriotts Ridge High School, where I currently teach. Throughout my career I have taught all levels of studio art, digital media, photography and even sociology. I am currently pursuing a second Masters degree in Arts Integration at Towson University.
Art is the common denominator in everything I do. Teaching, working on my 1883 house and 3 acre property, cooking, being with friends are all infused with art in some way. I believe that this is what has also brought me to arts integration. I see evidence that discovery through the arts leads to deeper understanding and joy.