Certifications

• Connecticut Teacher’s Art Certification (K-12), Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT (2009)
  Qualified to teach art across K-12 levels, bringing pedagogical expertise to educational programs.

• Master Gardener Certification, University of Connecticut, Hartford, CT (2013)
  Equipped with extensive knowledge in horticulture, enhancing garden-based learning initiatives.

• The Science of Well-Being, Yale University, New Haven, CT (2020)
  Completed coursework focusing on psychological well-being and happiness, integrating insights into programs to promote holistic environmental education.

• Making Injustice Visible: Exploring the Complexity of Power and Participation, Harvard University, Project Zero Virtual Workshop (2020)
  Explored dynamics of power and participation, informing commitment to social justice in education.

• PZ Ideas in the Science Classroom, Harvard University, Project Zero Virtual Workshop (2020)
  Integrated Project Zero ideas into science education, enriching interdisciplinary teaching approaches.

• Reiki I Certification, Reiki Healing Connection, Wilton, NH (2020)
  Introduced energy healing practices, contributing to the holistic wellness aspects of programs.

Professional Development

• Responsive Arts in School Education (RAISE), Year 2: Healing-Centered Education – Young Audiences Arts for Learning (2024)
  Continued into Year 2 of the U.S. Department of Education-funded RAISE initiative, focusing on healing-centered education and contemplative practice. Facilitated in partnership with The Acosta Institute, the course emphasized slow work, emotional resilience, and inclusive, SEL-informed arts instruction.

• Teaching Artist Training Institute (TATI), Marquis Studio, Staten Island, NY (2023)
  Completed a six-week training in arts education for students with disabilities, including classroom observations and seminars with teaching artists and support teams. Gained valuable insight into supporting neurodiverse students and those with physical disabilities through hands-on, multidisciplinary learning.

• Responsive Arts in School Education (RAISE), Year 1: Intro to SEL – Young Audiences Arts for Learning (2023)
  Participated in the foundational year of the RAISE program, exploring culturally responsive, SEL-based arts education. This course introduced embedded and intentional practices to support student well-being and creative learning environments.

• HOT Schools: Culturally Responsive Teaching Artists: Expanding Perspectives and Practices (2023)
  Participated in workshops aimed at broadening perspectives and practices in culturally responsive teaching, aligning with mission to foster inclusivity in environmental education.

• HOT Schools: Mirror Neurons and Arts Integration (2023)
  Engaged in professional development exploring the connection between mirror neurons and arts integration, informing approach to interactive and empathetic learning experiences.

• Arts for Learning Connecticut: National Core Arts Standards (2022)
  Completed training on the National Core Arts Standards, ensuring programs meet high-quality arts education benchmarks.

• Arts for Learning Connecticut: Social Emotional Learning (2021)
  Participated in workshops focusing on integrating social-emotional learning into arts education, supporting dedication to holistic student development.

• Arts for Learning Connecticut: Culturally Responsive Teaching (2021)
  Engaged in training on culturally responsive teaching methods, reinforcing commitment to diversity and inclusion in educational practices.

• Hartford Foundation for Public Giving: Teaching Artist for Healing Arts (2019)
  Recognized as a Teaching Artist contributing to healing arts initiatives, integrating therapeutic approaches into educational programs.

• (HOT) Schools Approach: Arts Integration - Reaching All Learners, New Britain Museum of American Art (2018)
  Attended seminars focusing on arts integration strategies to engage diverse learners, enhancing ability to reach all students through art.

• Mapping the Journey: Planning Effective Residencies, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (2017)
  Completed training on designing and implementing effective artist residencies, improving program planning and execution skills.