About Me
Hello! I’m a passionate art educator, graphic designer, and creative professional who grew up in Syracuse, NY. My journey into the arts started early, surrounded by creativity and a love for self-expression.
I went on to study at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where I earned my degree in Apparel Design and further developed my skills in visual storytelling and design.
After working professionally in fashion writing and the apparel industry, I discovered another calling —teaching art. My experience working with children spans many roles: from nanny to preschool teacher, and even owning and operating my own daycare for over four years. Throughout it all, art remained the heartbeat of my connection with children.
Today, as an art teacher, I combine my design background with my passion for child development to create dynamic, engaging, and inclusive art experiences. I believe art is a universal language—one that builds confidence, sharpens critical thinking, and helps children discover who they are.
In my classroom, students are encouraged to explore, take risks, and express their unique voices through a variety of media, from painting and sculpture to digital art and mixed media. My goal is to make every child feel seen, valued, and inspired to create.
Art is not just what we make—it's how we understand and shape the world. I’m honored to guide the next generation of young artists on their creative journey.
Coin Making History
Porter Elementary Art Instructor, Syracuse City School September 2024 - present
Little Spouts CNY Daycare
Syracuse, NY
December 2019 - August 2024
Freelance Accessory Designer Margot Townsend Inc. | Georgetown, DC
September 2013 – July 2014
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Updates and create records in compliance with District and New York State policies
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Routinely receives and screens emails to direct inquiries to the appropriate person and or team
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Leveraged document management software to efficiently organize materials and resources
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Provides psychoeducation to students by integrating social-emotional learning into lesson plans
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Accesses and maintains reports and records; including personally identifiable information
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Support and engage special needs students by fostering an inclusive learning environment, and employing adaptive teaching strategies.
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Deliver clear, accurate and rigorous lessons with a range of instructional and assessment techniques
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Establish and maintain a supportive, productive and positive learning environment with strong management practices
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Monitor and communicate about student progress while engaging in continuous reflection, adjustment and professional development
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Addresses complex problems quickly and respond appropriately in a crisis situation
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Recognized and evaluated issues, proposed recommendations, and executed solutions to meet goals
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Founded and managed full-day, year-round daycare for children birth to five years of age, focused on their preparation for achievement in school and life
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Created and designed advertising and signage for marketing and conferences
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Demonstrated strong customer service abilities by taking accountability for issues, offering solutions and fostering a positive relationship with clients
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Experienced in managing of physical and electronic recording keeping
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Proficient in sourcing and acquiring supplies and equipment
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Daily outreach both verbally and digitally to legal guardians and/or parents to communicate the child’s educational lesson plans, progress, achievements, and share methods to reinforce teachings at home
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Acted as a team with Special Education Teachers, Social Workers, and guardians/parents in creating lesson plans for children with additional individualized needs, e.g.: Autism Spectrum Disorder
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Provided stimulating and interactive learning activities through art, science, music and body movement
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Used drawing, painting, and crafts so children can process ideas and to support their development of cognitive, multisensory and social and emotional skills
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Daycare was designed to encourage exploration, independence and collaboration using a wide range of learning materials
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Employed and managed an Assistant Childcare Provider in practical procedures and effective childcare development strategies
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Maintained all standards regulated by New York State’s Childcare licensure requirements
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Intentionally created an environment with materials that encourage exploration, active, interactive, and quiet play for diverse learners and skill levels
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Enforced all safety, fire, health and COVID protocols
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Designed and developed a collection of neckwear accessories, blending contemporary fashion trends with timeless craftsmanship.
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Collaborated with the company’s creative team to conceptualize and produce unique accessory pieces.
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Managed the production process from initial sketches to finished products, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship.
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Conducted market research to align designs with current fashion trends and consumer demand.
Mz Mahogany Chic
