Qualifications
My Credentials
Illinois-licensed K-12 visual arts educator with graduate training in secondary art education and studio practice across several media.
License and Certifications
- Illinois Professional Educator License, Visual Arts, K-12.
- Illinois Substitute Educator License, valid through June 2029.
- Illinois Licensure Testing System, Test 214: Visual Arts | Passed.
Education
Master of Education, MEd
Visual Arts Secondary Education, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois | 2025.
Master of Fine Arts, MFA
Interdisciplinary Arts and Media, Columbia College Chicago, Chicago, Illinois | 2014.
Certificate
Painting and Drawing Studies, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois | 2008.
Bachelor of Fine Arts, BFA
2-D Studio Art, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Illinois | 2005.
Study Abroad
Advanced Painting and Drawing, Lorenzo de' Medici Art Institute, Florence, Italy | 2004-2005.
Additional Studio Study
Portraiture, Moraine Valley College, Palos Hills, Illinois | 2001.
Teaching Experience
Student Teacher
Carl Sandburg High School, Orland Park, Illinois | August 2025-December 2025.
Applied Technology Educator
Carl Sandburg High School, Orland Park, Illinois | August 2025-June 2025.
Substitute Teacher
Consolidated High School District 230, Illinois | October 2024-May 2025.
Visual Arts Instructor
Park District of Highland Park, Highland Park, Illinois | May 2023-November 2024.
Chicago Teaching Residency Participant
Chicago Academy High School, Chicago, Illinois | September 2023-November 2023.
Teaching Associate and Guest Lecturer
Columbia College Chicago, Chicago, Illinois | September 2012-February 2014.
Related Professional Experience
- Theatrical Set Designer, Chicago High School for the Arts / Chicago Theatre Company | 2022-2024.
- Instructional Production Coordinator, Cinema and Television, Columbia College Chicago | 2018-2022.
- Budget Manager and Executive Assistant, Facilities and Operations, Columbia College Chicago | 2016-2018.
- Material Handling Specialist, The Merchandise Mart, Chicago, Illinois | 2008-2011.
- Construction Trades Professional, Walsh Construction / Nebor Construction | 2001-2008.
Selected Awards and Scholarships
- TEACH Grant Recipient, DePaul University, 2023-2025.
- AUSL Chicago Teaching Residency Scholarship, 2023.
- First Place, Citywide Painting Competition, Florence, Italy, 2005.
- Ruth C. Boyd-Cook Memorial Painting Award, 2004.
- Ruth C. Boyd Excellence in Fine Arts Scholarship, Eastern Illinois University, 2001-2005.
- Excellence in High School Portfolio, Rhode Island School of Design, 2001.
- Perfect Score, Illinois AP Studio Art Program, 2001.