I’ve been creating art for as long as I can remember, with a deep love for painting and a passion for capturing the natural world. I’ve won various awards for my artwork, but winning awards doesn't feel half as good as earning a hug from an 8th grader in your first year of teaching. Beyond the traditional classroom, I’m passionate about environmental science and spend my summers and weekends as a naturalist, exploring and educating others about the world around us. I love blending art and nature in my teaching, inspiring students to create with both skill and meaning.