Origins & Education

Born 1972, Skokie, Illinois. Raised by a relentless entrepreneur and a gifted craftsperson, both with huge hearts.

BFA in Sculpture, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri 1994, where I learned to love the game of creativity.

Enthusiasims and Confidences

Positive Youth Development, elementary education, technical ed, digital literacy, digital fabrication (additive and subtractive tools), fine woodworking, metals, warm and hot glass, makerspace design and development, enterprising nonprofits, program design, youth-adult partnerships, strategic planning, major gift and grant solicitation, grant management and reporting, 

Work & Residencies

FutureMakers 
Lead Tinkerer 2011 – present

Founder of a hands-on mobile makerspace for grade and middle school students serving the Baltimore and D.C. metro areas. Staffed by a team of maker-educators, FutureMakers operates in partnership with community colleges, art centers, libraries, community centers, vocational centers, schools and homeschool groups. Learn more at www.kidsmakethingsbetter.com.

See Forever Foundation - Maya Angelou Academy 
Laurel, MD
Studio Art and Technology Instructor 2010 - 2012
Director of Career Institutes 2007 - 2010 

Developed and operated programming for students enrolled in general and special education at a nationally recognized school within the District of Columbia's residential juvenile detention center. Program tracks included visual art, 3-D design, applied and craft metalworking, shop-based woodworking, introductory carpentry, GED math and english. Supervised team of instructors covering a range of pre-vocational and humanities concentrations.

Covenant House Washington
Washington, DC
Director, Artisans Program 2001 – 2007

Developed and managed an earned income enterprise and pre-employment training program focused on traditional and fine woodworking, wood products and custom recognition items. Supported a staff of 4, a large team of volunteers, and over 50 young people annually as they transitioned from unemployment or homelessness to stability and brighter futures.

UNITY Center
Roswell, NM
Program  Manager & Assistant Director 1996-2001

Designed and implemented original programming in a community facility focused on visual art and youth-adult partnerships. Managed cultural programming and employment training for hundreds of rural New Mexico teens and young adults. Launched Phat Frames, a youth-adult manufacturing partnership that created tabletop and decorative accessories using reclaimed and recycled lumber. 

Roswell Museum and Art Center - Artist In Residence Program
Roswell, NM
Educator and Artist in Residence 1995-96

One-year visual art residency focused on community arts in southeastern New Mexico, involving youth and adults from marginalized economic and social groups.   Collaborative works presented in museum installation.  Led  workshops for families and children.

Washington University - Cité Internationale des Arts Paris Studio 
Paris, France
Artist in Residence 1994

Awarded Washington University's undergraduate class Paris residency. Focused on the intersection of food, visual culture and social services.