My teaching philosophy focuses on students' success through an innovative, safe, and inclusive learning environment. I believe that as a teacher with more than 25 years of experience in the Art Field, coupled with a strong foundation in computer technology, I deliver student-centered lessons that facilitate achievement, both academically and socially. I promote students' success through creativity, self-motivation, and resiliency, preparing them for the fast-paced and ever-changing world. As an artist, my work is a way of meditation, a way of slowing down time through the careful observation of overlooked slices of my environment and I love creating something new. It's not just about the end product, I like the journey, whether it is a drawing, painting or a sculpture. I have been an artist all my life, and on this journey, I have found that portraits are my favorite subject matter. My intention is to capture and describe a person’s presence and specific inner self. I portray not only the physical attributes, but more importantly the subject’s inner presence of life. All parts of a whole, telling a story about a human being.