I believe beginning the creative process at a young age allows children to be confident and eager with divergent thinking. Just like anything else, creativity takes practice. The more you practice, the better and easier it becomes. As an art educator, I encourage and develop this creativity through hands-on art-making. I strive to create a comprehensive curriculum that includes 2-D and 3-D art skills, experiments with various tools and materials and explores art theory and history.

I grew up in Winchester, KY, graduating from George Rogers Clark High School. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Maryville College in Studio Art, a Master’s Degree in Art Education with K-12 certification from the University of Tennessee, and an Educational Specialist in Leadership and Administration from Lincoln Memorial University. In 2008, I received my first teaching job at Lake City Elementary in Rocky Top, TN, where I designed an art curriculum for Kindergarten through 5th grade. In 2010, I received Lake City Elementary Teacher of the Year and Anderson County Teacher of the Year. After nine years, I accepted the art teacher position at Clinton Elementary School, teaching Kindergarten through 6th grade. I received Clinton Elementary Teacher of the Year and Clinton City Schools Teacher of the Year in 2019.

This is my 14th year teaching. I have the best job in the world and am blessed to be a part of such an excellent school system and community.