Get To Know Me
The Short Story
I am a passionate technology focused educator and researcher, who has been empowering and inspiring learners for over 12 years. I started my journey at Hope College, where I learned how to use art and technology as mediums for teaching and learning across disciplines and cultures. I then became an Elementary Art Educator at Grandville Public Schools, where I taught art to over 1,000 students, created a virtual art gallery, and was a leader during a technology integration initiative in the district.
I completed my Master’s degree online in art education through the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Through my Masters degree, I gained a comprehensive understanding of the research and practice of art and technology assessment, and helped developed a statewide art performance assessment tool for Michigan during this time.
My curiosity and passion for educational technology and assessment led me to pursue a doctoral degree in art and design education at Northern Illinois University, where I have been investigating how digital technologies influence learning experiences and the individual expression of learners, using various research methods and theories. For the past 5 years, I have been a lecturer at NIU, teaching courses on digital technologies, assessment, and elementary art methods, and won the 2018 Outstanding Graduate Student award.
As I am about to receive my PhD, I am eager to join industry and support the learning needs of employees that align with company missions, values, and initiatives. I look forward to using my expertise in learning theories and research to collaborate effectively with content experts and professionals to develop impactful and engaging learning experiences.
I completed my Master’s degree online in art education through the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Through my Masters degree, I gained a comprehensive understanding of the research and practice of art and technology assessment, and helped developed a statewide art performance assessment tool for Michigan during this time.
My curiosity and passion for educational technology and assessment led me to pursue a doctoral degree in art and design education at Northern Illinois University, where I have been investigating how digital technologies influence learning experiences and the individual expression of learners, using various research methods and theories. For the past 5 years, I have been a lecturer at NIU, teaching courses on digital technologies, assessment, and elementary art methods, and won the 2018 Outstanding Graduate Student award.
As I am about to receive my PhD, I am eager to join industry and support the learning needs of employees that align with company missions, values, and initiatives. I look forward to using my expertise in learning theories and research to collaborate effectively with content experts and professionals to develop impactful and engaging learning experiences.
The Whole Story
The Education Journey Begins
Helping and inspiring people has always been my passion. I believe that learning experiences can empower people to achieve their goals and live fulfilling lives. That is why I chose to study art education at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, where I learned how to use art as a medium for teaching and learning across disciplines and cultures. I graduated in 2012 and was honored to receive Hope College’s 10 Under 10 alumni award, which recognizes alumni who have made significant contributions to their fields and communities within the first 10 years of their graduation.
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Integrating Learning Technologies
After graduating from Hope College, I joined Grandville Public Schools in Grandville, Michigan, as an Elementary Art Educator. I had the opportunity to teach art to over 1,000 K-6 students each year, across five different schools in the district. I was also a leader in technology integration, as the district implemented a one-to-one technology initiative. I developed my own website to support a flipped classroom setting, where students could access art lessons and resources online, using iPads and Chromebooks. I also created a virtual art gallery, where students could showcase their artworks and receive feedback from peers and teachers. One of my proudest moments was when one of my students won a national art competition, thanks to the exposure and recognition he received from the virtual gallery.
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Mastering Technology Assessment
As a researcher by nature, I always seek out data to provide context and inform my decisions. That is why I decided to pursue my master’s degree online in art education with a focus on assessment through the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Through my online courses, I gained a comprehensive understanding of the published research on art and technology assessment, and how to apply it to my own practice. My studies helped me make informed decisions during the district’s one-to-one technology initiative, where I integrated various learning theories like the SAMR Model, digital tools, and resources to enhance the art learning experience. I also took a leading role in developing a statewide art performance assessment tool, as part of the Michigan Assessment Consortium, to measure and improve student learning and achievement in art. I completed my degree in the Spring of 2015 where I was selected to represent the 2015 Graduate College graduating class where I was recognized at the graduation ceremony and carried the Graduate College gonfalon.
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Finding Answers, Conducting Research,
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Entering Industry
As a doctoral candidate in Art and Design Education, I am eager to join industry and support the learning needs of employees that align with company missions, values, and initiatives. I look forward to using my expertise in learning theories and research to collaborate effectively with content experts and produce learning experiences and resources that can add immediate value to the company. I look forward to being able to use my expertise in learning theories, communication, creative problem solving, research methods, and project management skills to create engaging and effective employee learning experiences in a face paced industry setting.
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Please Reach Out
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