CURRICULUM VITAE
HIGHLIGHTS
Dedicated creative who believes that creativity can play an important role in health and well-being
MFA + ten years college teaching experience (6 yrs full-time faculty) in graphic design, digital art, and visual communication
Two recent advanced certificates: Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts (FOAT®) Facilitation, and Arts in Health
Experience working for a non-profit supporting youth mental health and substance-use prevention
Currently guiding workshops supporting youth voice through creative expression
Interested in supporting people of all ages and situations as they explore and discover what their own unique creativity has to offer
2026 marks the beginning of developing my own business focused on workshops, individual sessions, and eventually artwork, books, and resources.
FORMAL EDUCATION
Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts (FOAT®) Facilitator Certificate 2025 Level 4 Focusing and Expressive Arts Institute
Focusing Professional w/ Specialization in FOAT® 2025 The International Focusing Institute
Arts in Health Graduate Certificate 2023 Lesley University, Massachusetts
Master of Fine Arts Degree in Art-Graphic Design (+ graduate teaching) 2001 University of Memphis
Double Bachelor of Arts Degree in Art-Graphic Design and Journalism & Public Communication 1996 University of Alaska Anchorage
Study Abroad Western Sydney University (Australia) – Art, Theory, Cultural Studies 1994
NOTABLE EXPERIENCE
Art & Design College Teaching:
Adjunct Faculty, Art + Art History Department, University of New Hampshire 2023-25
Adjunct Faculty, Art + Design Department, University of Massachusetts - Lowell 2022-23
Full-time Assistant Professor of Graphic Design + Director of AFA Graphic Design Program in Visual And Performing Arts (VAPA) Department, Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC, New Jersey) 2002-2008
University of Memphis, TN: Graduate Student Teacher, BFA Graphic Design Program 2000-2001
Art & Design College Courses Taught:
An Artist’s Life, Typography, Principles of Design, Graphic Design for Non-Majors, Graphic Design I, Graphic Design II, Typography, Digital Artmaking, Newspaper Production, History of Graphic Design, 2-Dimensional Design, Visual Thinking, Visual Communication, Computer Animation, Web Design
Program Guide: PhotoVoice & Well Creativity Workshops
PHOTOVOICE: 2023-present @ Tri-Town Council, Topsfield, MA
PhotoVoice is a youth-directed program in which photography, writing, and other arts are used to explore, create, and express youth voice about topics that matter to them. The process blends expressive arts with community engagement to support youth development, empowerment, and well-being. Offered for grades 7-12. http://www.tritowncouncil.org/photovoice
WELL CREATIVITY WORKSHOPS: 2025-present @ Tri-Town Council. Topsfield, MA
Well Creativity Workshops invite participants to explore the connection between creativity and wellness through guided prompts, time with various art materials, reflection, and discussions. No art or creative experience is necessary; these workshops are about the insight gained from the creative process, not a finished product. 2025 offered for grades 7-12; 2026 offering for grades 5-6.
Communications & Development Manager
2022-25 Tri-Town Council, Topsfield, MA
Support communications, programming, vision, outreach and fundraising for this local non-profit with a mission of helping youth live healthy and fulfilling lives. The organization helps facilitate youth empowerment, connectedness, healthy living and community education about mental health, positive norms, substance use prevention, the power of play, the science of the positive, and much more.
College Faculty + AFA Design Program Director
2002-2008 Raritan Valley Community College, NJ
Promote positive learning culture in a community college with students ranging in age from 18–100, with various backgrounds, life situations, skills, interests, and goals; creation of exercises and projects that develop: a) specific technical skills, b) certain design skills c) interesting creative skills; use of comprehensive rubrics for assignments, assessments, and beneficial critiques; management of Graphic Design Computer Lab / Design Studio; Student and Faculty Art/Design Exhibitions; Student Portfolio development and review; AFA–BFA Course Transfer Alignment; development of Course Outlines and Objectives; Evaluation Process: Self/Peer/Teacher/Student; Campus Newspaper (The Record) Production – a co-taught course; All-College Day Spirit Committee; Inter-departmental Faculty Mentorship; Nota Bene Excellence in Education website design; several student award ceremony presentations, numerous invitation / postcard designs; presented at two national community college conferences and attended several others in design, art, and higher education (AIGA’s Move, Revolution, Massaging Media, plus CAA, CCHA, NISOD, and League of Innovations).
Current Associations:
Member The International Focusing Institute (TIFI) since 2025
Member International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA) since 2022
Member Newburyport Arts Association (NAA) since 2022
Fine Art Exhibitions:
Faculty Solo Art Show: “All the Time in the World,” 2006, RVCC NJ; Faculty Group Exhibitions 2002-2008, RVCC NJ; Lakeshore Association of Artists Members Exhibition 2012, Montreal QC; Sherwood Forest Benefit Vernissage, 2011, Beaconsfield QC; MFA Thesis Art Exhibition 2001, Memphis TN; Various Student Exhibitions 1992-1996 Anchorage, AK and Sydney, Australia
Elected School Committee Member, Masconomet Regional School District (Middle & High Schools):
2019-2021 Boxford, MA
School Committee service, Chair of Community Relations Subcommittee, Antiracism Subcommittee member; production of SC Blog; hosted Community Forum and Listening Sessions (during Covid-19 Pandemic); development and adoption of Policy on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Antiracism; MASC (Massachusetts Association of School Committees) Conferences; collaboration with Student Council on Small Town Hero Awards
Executive Board Member, Boxford PTO (Elementary Schools):
2013-2020 Boxford, MA
Co-President Boxford PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) 2019-2020; Curriculum Enrichment Coordinator- over 20 programs annually, active member of Northshore Arts Council - support for arts education; Yearbook Editor + Designer + Photographer - seven years/13 books; PTO Blog + logos/identity + communication; implementation of new website/portal/messaging system; Room Parent / Teacher Support; Community Service Project Coordinator; Slideshow/Video Production; Books in Bloom project guide; Event/Fundraising volunteer
Home & School Organization Member, Sherwood Forest Elementary:
2008-2013 Beaconsfield, QC
Newsletter (The Quill) production; Art Vernissage exhibition + invitation design; video production; creative ed lessons
Graphic Designer:
Independent and employed graphic design work for various clients and purposes since 1993. Projects have included books, catalogs, newspapers, magazines, newsletters, logos, identity systems, brochures, posters, postcards, invitations, flyers, CD cover, packaging, signage, apparel, products, labels, websites, blogs, videos, animations, social media, emails, photography…
Software / Design Skills:
Knowledge and experience teaching Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Canva; experience in various other applications; understanding of design principles: aesthetics and vocabulary of visual form, design creative process, problem-solving, critical thinking and presentation skills