I have always been a fan of art.  As a high school student Art History became my escape to different cultures, places and times.  In my undergraduate work I divided my time between three universities (Purdue, Temple, and Arizona State) which introduced me to experts and museums coast to coast, to achieve a Bachelors in Art History (2001, ASU).  I even spent time in Italy with the Art and Culture in Rome program at Temple, as the only undergrad in the graduate program. 

 

Family life paused my career for a bit, but my children inspired me to educate other children and share my passion, even with the youngest (aged 3-8).  They in turn inspired me to get my Masters in Art Education (ASU, 2010).  While working on my masters I presented at many conferences and fell in love with research, finding ways to use art in and as research.  My thesis on digital art produced three additional articles published in the Australia, Hungary and the USA.  In 2011, I returned to teaching, middle school,  placing me face to face with many struggles art teachers face.  I also became a board member of Break the Mold, an organization responsible for funding art scholarships for young ladies in art and art education programs.

 

I continued my education at the doctoral level in England.  I received a second Masters degree (Exeter University,  Educational Research, 2013).  While in England I joined NSEAD (National Society for Education of Art and Design), together we completed two quantitative studies to present to the government at the House of Commons.  It was a wonderful opportunity to see art education research in action, while appreciating the common fight to include art in the core of every education program.

 

Since returning to the USA in 2015 I focused on finishing my dissertation, getting re-certified to teach, and appreciating the love and passion the art education teachers have here. I have been an active member of USSA since 2010 and received the Dissertation Award in 2019 and the Service award in 2024. 

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As the Art Education Faculty and Coordinator, I focus on how to improve the program not only to meet the certification requirements but to remain current (with advice from the advisory board).  Modifications to the program, curriculum and the addition of teaching courses for a study abroad consortium have not only challenged me, but solidified my passion for art education.

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My resume lists conference presentations, publications and a lovely recap of the last twenty years.  What it doesn’t show is my passion, love, support and eagerness to advocate for art at any and every opportunity.