Why Me?

I attended 36 schools from grades 1-8. For years I had a wide variety of interests without a single favorite, although I have always liked the challenge of taking things apart and reassembling them correctly. I wanted to be a teacher before I settled on a subject because I was excited by the process of learning. I changed my college major at least twice each semester until I entered my senior year. I couldn't focus on a career path until I discovered my identity as a visual artist...after I had finished my BA studies!

My atypical environment helped mask a learning profile which today would be identified as ADD. I believe there are many others like me. I believe the arts saved me. I think the arts can save them, too. I've written a number of articles for publication which connect the Arts, issues of self esteem, learning disabilities, cross curricular learning, and combining traditional arts with new media. I also present workshops for educators and parents. Links to workshop topics are here. Here's one that leads to musings on the SELF curriculum.

I've been a visual artist for more than 25 years. As usual, I've got a resume and slides; and, like most artists, I've worked in a number of different professions. I began teaching in the K-12 environment in 1989. My prior teaching experience had been at the post secondary level. The change to K-12 was very rewarding! In addition to teaching I've worked as a technology administrator/advisor for schools which serve students with Language Based Learning Disabilities, and provided related assistance to NFP groups as a board member and volunteer.