About me
I grew up in Cincinnati, OH, the youngest of three siblings. I was lucky enough to spend lots of time outside, being creative and active. I began to study Art History, Painting, and Drawing, while playing competitive sports. I went on to study Studio Art at The School of The Art Institute of Chicago. After I graduated, I worked in an art research library and in arts education settings. I left Chicago to do Artist Residencies around the US, and moved to NYC in 2019. Since then, I have worked at museums and galleries throughout the city, and at an art and music school for kids.
I began babysitting as a teen, and have been doing childcare work for over a decade. I regularly babysat for a family for eight years–they would call me whenever they needed anything (two kids ages 2-10, 0-7). I also worked with a family for three years, multiple days a week, as an evening sitter for their infant daughter. I began when she was under a year old and watched her grow to be almost 4. I fed her, changed her diaper, played games, and read to her. Additionally, I regularly babysat three girls for five years, and nannied them for one summer. On top of playing and doing activities, I prepared meals and snacks, put them to bed, tidied the house, and ran errands when necessary. For many summers, I was also a lifeguard and swim instructor for kids. Once I graduated College, I began teaching workshops for girls and gender non-conforming youth, creating safe spaces for them to make art. While in New York, working at the art school, I would pick up kids via foot or subway, give them a snack, and assist with their after-school art class (ages varied 5-10, up to six students).
Regardless of age or interests, I try to encourage all of the kids I work with to use creativity in their daily lives, whatever way that may be, and to feel comfortable being their unique selves. I think it is important to foster environments for kids to feel confident expressing themselves, and knowing that their feelings and thoughts are significant. I have hope that if enough care and love is given to kids that we can all live in a better world!
