Teaching art hasn't always been my passion, but being involved in the arts has.  I remember the only classes that grabbed my attention were the art classes, and if it were not for one art teacher in my high school career, my life could have gone in a different path. She told me I should go on to art school, and with her prompting, I pursued a career in Commercial Art.  I loved the creative process, but felt I was missing something significant, so I went back to post grad and received my teacher 7-12 Art Education Certification.  Then my Master’s at St. Mike’s for Arts Education, and focusing on At-Risk kids in the art room. I have always been drawn to students that struggle being in school, feeling like I could help them succeed in high school.  I have found this to be true throughout my career, although I love all kinds of students and love to see when they succeed, regardless of how they come in my room.  I have been teaching at Bellows Free Academy for my whole career of 35 years. I started as a part time teacher, and it quickly grew into a full time teacher. 

Arts Integration has been intriguing to me as my teaching career has continued, especially the past few years, when we have seen a higher drop out rate, higher needs, and our school moving toward flexible pathways, dual enrollment, and alternative options to reach competencies.  My biggest attribute is getting students to see their talents, their worth and their future. I have made long lasting relationships with students that have carried on for my whole career. That is what makes my time teaching significant and worth every second. When I have a student reach out years after graduation and thank me means the most. Making a difference in someone’s life that is remembered years later, whether I remember my gesture or not, it’s the fact that they remember what is the big difference between being a good teacher and a great one.