Humanity is on the cusp of a major paradigm shift, and my particular brand of pragmatic optimism tells me it will be more for the better. The proliferation of AI is already augmenting our ability to access knowledge, create, and communicate. As a life-long learner, I am particularly interested in exploring emerging technologies, such as AR, VR, and other mixed reality techniques, and their potential for immersive storytelling experiences as they relate to supporting education. I am also interested in the potential to utilize machine learning and AI to create differentiated and individualized learning experiences. My focus on the convergence of art and technology to support learning has inspired me to continue my education and expand my creative horizons to innovate new applications for use in this field.
My artistic vision is rooted in the belief that visuals have the power to captivate, educate, and inspire. I am passionate about crafting engaging visual stories that communicate complex ideas and emotions. Whether through intricate illustrations, captivating animations, or innovative design solutions, my goal is to connect with audiences and evoke a sense of wonder, curiosity, and empathy. Moving forward, I am eager to continue expanding my artistic skills and knowledge while contributing to the important work of the Children's Learning Institute. Specifically, I am interested in exploring the potential of mixed reality techniques, machine learning, and AI to support early childhood education. I am excited to continue growing as an artist and educator and to make meaningful contributions to the field.
I started my professional career in animation in San Francisco working for Colossal Pictures, Wild Brain, and for Skellington Productions (on James and the Giant Peach). During this period, I had the privilege of collaborating with talented artists from around the world. I began my journey in traditional 2D hand-drawn animation, but as the industry embraced digital art tools, I quickly adapted to this new wave of technological innovation. As digital art tools emerged as an integral part of production, I took it upon myself to master them. Through self-guided learning, I became proficient in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects. Embracing the possibilities these tools offered, I transitioned to a hybrid approach, blending traditional techniques with digital methods. This fusion allowed me to combine the best of both worlds, infusing my work with the organic charm of hand-drawn animation while harnessing the flexibility and efficiency of digital media.
Then, the events of 9-11 shook the world. It had a profound effect on people’s perspectives, including my own. I began to consider how and for what I was choosing to apply my skills. I returned to my home state to be near my family. After working as a freelance artist for a few years, I made the decision to return to college and pursue a bachelor's degree in Literature. This shift was driven by a desire to contribute directly to society, broaden my knowledge base, and enhance my writing and storytelling skills. Coming from a family of educators, with my aunt and grandmother as inspiring role models, I felt compelled to follow in their footsteps. Pursuing a degree in Literature allowed me to combine my passion for storytelling with a desire to make a meaningful contribution. Following the completion of my degree, I had the opportunity to teach 7th-grade English Language Arts for a year, followed by teaching Art and Yearbook for four years. This experience was both challenging and enriching, as I not only shared my knowledge but also learned valuable lessons from my students. Interacting with young minds fueled my passion for creativity and reinforced the profound impact that art and storytelling can have on individuals and communities. My years as an educator were transformative, as they reignited the spark within me and reminded me of the profound impact art can have on individuals' lives. Witnessing the power of artistic expression in my students, I realized the importance of embracing my own artistic path. Their enthusiasm and curiosity served as a constant reminder of the endless potential of art to affect change. Inspired by their growth and learning, I decided to refocus my career on my true passion—art.
Currently, I am a part of the Children's Learning Institute (CLI) at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, where I have the opportunity to use all my artistic skills to support the institute's mission. As part of the CLI, I have the privilege of contributing to a wide range of projects that support the professional development of educational coaches, teachers, and early childhood practitioners. My work includes creating online and in-person trainings, developing curricula, and working with families to support learning at home. Our focus is primarily on early childhood, pre-K, and kindergarten education, and we also offer child progress monitoring and have an Autism clinic. I am proud to use my artistic skills to contribute to the institute's mission of providing high-quality, evidence-based resources that support the growth and development of young children. Whether through creating engaging visuals for online trainings or developing visually appealing curricula, I am committed to ensuring that our materials are accessible and effective for all audiences.
Drawing upon my background in education and my artistic skills, I strive to create materials that not only engage audiences but also promote learning and development. I understand the importance of visual communication in early childhood education and work to create visuals that are both appealing and informative. Additionally, my experience in teaching has given me a deep appreciation for the importance of tailoring materials to the needs and interests of diverse audiences, which has been invaluable in my work with the Children's Learning Institute.