Constructive Creativity

Welcome to Constructive Creativity! I’m a certified art educator with over 15 years of classroom experience—and a mother to two daughters: one who is gifted and twice-exceptional, and one who is neurotypical, curious, and creative in her own way. I create curriculum that blends the rigor of structured thinking with the flexibility needed for authentic creativity. As both a teacher and a parent, I understand the challenge of finding materials that are: Thoughtfully aligned to standards, yet adaptable Academically rich, yet engaging for diverse learners Rooted in the arts, yet grounded in real cognitive development In addition to my work in education, I live and homestead in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with my husband—growing food, raising animals, and living close to the rhythms of nature. That passion for intentional, hands-on living influences my curriculum design. You'll often find lessons that integrate natural forms, sustainable thinking, and real-world relevance into the creative process. Here you’ll find resources designed for: Middle/High school and upper elementary art classrooms Homeschool families seeking depth, flexibility, and beauty Students who thrive when challenged to think critically, express meaningfully, and explore their world visually I specialize in creating tools that promote: Creative problem-solving Visual-spatial reasoning Social-emotional learning through art A grounded sense of purpose in every project Whether you’re in a public school, a co-op, or your living room, my goal is to support you in nurturing independent, thoughtful, creative thinkers—rooted in both imagination and intention. Thanks for being here—and for making space for meaningful, well-crafted art education.

My teaching style is grounded in the belief that creativity thrives within intentional structure. I design lessons that help students not just make art, but learn how to think visually, solve problems, and express complex ideas. I approach instruction the way I approach homesteading and parenting—with clarity, purpose, and adaptability. I believe in meeting learners where they are, while gently guiding them toward independence and mastery through scaffolded challenges and reflective practice. You’ll find my resources: Rooted in design thinking and real-world problem-solving Aligned to state standards, yet flexible enough for differentiated instruction Built to support executive functioning and critical thinking through creative processes Mindful of neurodiversity, offering supports for gifted, twice-exceptional, and SPED learners Infused with natural systems thinking, helping students connect art to the world around them Whether it’s a one-point perspective cityscape, a nature-inspired self-portrait, or a sketchbook prompt about emotion and environment, I strive to make every lesson both meaningful and manageable. My classroom—whether public school, homeschool, or hybrid—is a space where creative thinking is treated as an essential life skill, not just an elective.

Over the years, I’ve come to value the moments that may not always come with formal recognition—but reflect the heart, skill, and intention I bring to teaching. I’m a curriculum architect at heart. I’ve built original, standards-aligned visual arts curricula that blend creative thinking, SEL, and observation with the structure of design systems. My goal is never just to “teach art,” but to teach students how to think visually and solve problems with purpose. I’ve reached the kids most people write off. Whether it's middle school boys who claim they hate art, students with IEPs who need sensory support, or gifted learners hungry for depth—I create learning spaces where they feel seen, safe, and capable. That’s something I’ll always be proud of. I’m a trauma-informed, Handle With Care trainer. I’ve helped train teachers in de-escalation and supported neurodiverse students in navigating overwhelming environments. I believe structure and empathy go hand in hand—and I design systems that reflect that. I’ve turned student art into something more than classroom work. From organizing public exhibitions to guiding critique sessions that build real confidence, I’ve watched my students discover their voice and worth through creative expression. Those are the moments that stick with me. I bridge worlds that don’t often meet. As a homesteader, a mother of a gifted child, and a professional educator, I weave real-life systems—nature, sustainability, independence—into everything I teach. My lessons are grounded in lived experience and guided by purpose. I’m the colleague people come to for solutions. Whether it’s behavior strategies, classroom routines, or curriculum design, I’ve been trusted to lead with clarity and calm in even the most chaotic school years. And above all, I build thinkers. I create lessons that show students how to observe closely, reflect deeply, and believe in the value of their own thinking. That, to me, is the highest award.

I earned my B.F.A. in Art Education from Kendall College of Art and Design, where I developed a strong foundation in both studio practice and pedagogy. I later earned my Master of Arts in Teacher Leadership, a degree that deepened my focus on curriculum design, instructional coaching, and school-wide improvement. I’ve spent over 15 years teaching visual art in public middle and high school classrooms, where my passion for structured creativity and student-centered learning has continued to grow. I specialize in designing standards-aligned, cognitively rich art curriculum that blends creative exploration with purposeful thinking. For the last six years, I’ve had the honor of mentoring new and aspiring educators—helping them navigate everything from classroom management to curriculum development. I believe deeply in collaborative growth, and I find joy in helping teachers feel grounded, confident, and capable in their practice. Outside of school, I live and homestead in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where I raise animals, grow food, and homeschool my gifted child. These lived experiences have shaped the way I approach teaching—with adaptability, intention, and an understanding of how learning connects to the real world. Every lesson I create is rooted in this blend of formal training, practical wisdom, and a systems-thinking mindset—designed to empower both educators and learners.

I’ve always seen creativity as a way to solve problems—not just decorate outcomes. Whether sketching blueprints for ideas or translating complex thoughts into visual language, I’ve used art as a tool for thinking clearly and communicating meaningfully. My work lives at the intersection of structure and freedom—where strong systems support open-ended exploration. Whether I’m designing a curriculum or mapping out a garden bed, I’m drawn to patterns, purpose, and process. As a mother of two children with vastly different needs, I’ve seen firsthand how vital it is to adapt learning to the individual. My resources reflect that lived reality—balancing challenge with accessibility, and creativity with clarity. As a Native educator, I bring a deep respect for cyclical learning, land-based knowledge, and ancestral creativity into the classroom. These values influence my approach to art, community, and the learning process itself. Some of my most rewarding work has been with students who didn’t think they were ‘art people.’ I’ve watched skeptical, disengaged learners come alive when given a structure that made sense and a prompt that felt personal. Outside the classroom, I live on a working homestead in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula where I grow food, raise animals, and foster my children's education. That lived experience—balancing structure, adaptability, and lifelong learning—shapes every resource I create.