It all started when…

I was a toddler. My mom was busy doing the single mom thing and raising two kiddos. She learned really quickly that whenever I was making a fuss if she handed me a piece of paper and something to write with, I was set! I’ve been drawing, doodling, and art making ever since! And true to form, if I’m not making art I’m likely making trouble…but thats a story for another time.

Bio

Here is a little about me: I am an award winning interdisciplinary artist and educator working in illustration, digital art and new media. I have a background in a variety of disciplines including: graphic design, animation, video, photography, illustration, and performance art. I earned my BFA in Kinetic Imaging and Communication Arts at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2006. I spent some time after undergraduate school working in video editing, news production, advertising, animation, and web marketing. In 2011 I earned my MFA in Photographic and Electronic Media from the Maryland Institute, College of Art. I began full time teaching at the college level in 2012 and I have worked as a digital media and arts professor at Siena Heights University, Marietta College, and now Pierce College. I am so excited to be here and working with you all in digital design and new media!

When I am not teaching, I love to make my own digital and mixed media artworks. I’m currently working on a full length graphic novel, and learning a new medium: glassblowing! In my free time I love to check out thrift stores, antique shops, and yard sales. I’m always on the hunt for weird and quirky things! I love spending time at home with my 3 cats, watching horror movies, scrolling on TikTok, and hanging with family and friends.

I wear too much makeup, drink too much Diet Coke, and laugh too loudly. I seriously love being creative, and helping others find their creative voice and passion for making things.

Wanna stay up to date with all things in the world of Z? Follow me on social media or check out my News page.

Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy reflects my interest in an art education grounded in theory, praxis, and student empowerment. No matter what level the course, I favor an approach to instruction which incorporates concepts, requires multiple iterations, and prioritizes active student engagement in the learning process. Students are the crucial focus of the learning community; and I want them deeply engaged in the learning process because the skills they are developing in my courses are transferable and relevant far beyond the boundaries of my classroom, or even the discipline of digital design.

​​I believe that the importance of visual literacy as a part of any higher education curriculum cannot be overstated. For students to become competent, ethical, and purposeful members of our global community, they must understand the increasingly visual nature of our world, and be able to engage in that language. My classes are designed so that all students, regardless of major or level, leave the course as more critical consumers and producers of visual media.

Link to full CV

Looking for all the academic professional mumbo jumbo? You can check out my current CV here.