Introduction

Welcome

After three years in my present position as Technology Integration Mentor at the American International School of Chennai (India), it is now time for me to seek another fulfilling position.

In the following pages, you will gain more information about me – as an individual and educator.You will find that I have actively sought a variety of experiences that have been highly enriching as a professional and a person. Dually certified in the areas of art (art education/adaptive art) and technology (assistive technology, with plans for beginning a Master’s next year in International Educational Technology), I have devoted several pages to highlight my philosophical approaches and accomplishments in both areas.

Along with my résumé, I have included recommendations from educational leaders at my schools overseas and in Wisconsin. I welcome you to contact me with specific questions, as that is the best way to get to know me.

A Bit About Me
Family
The second oldest of six children, I was raised on a small dairy farm in Wisconsin, held in the family since 1858. Here we learned the value of hard work, cooperation, and helping others – without any expectation for compensation. Engaging the creative mind was practiced and reinforced, particularly on my mother’s large extended family side. I began drawing voraciously as a toddler and practiced a variety of arts and crafts while growing up. Like my other siblings, I play several instruments. I was the first member of my family to finish a 4-year college (funded largely with 17 scholarships) and then on to a master’s degree. Religion is an important part of our lives, carrying us through some difficult situations. Thanks to modern communications methods and visits home during the summer, I don’t feel that I am all that far away from my family, now also consisting of fifteen nieces and nephews.

Hobbies
My large collection of eclectic music is constantly playing on my iPod through my stereo. I enjoy attending concerts, particularly world music. I play the following instruments: piano, clarinet, kora (West African harp-lute), rauschpfeife (renaissance instrument), and more recently, the oboe. I continue to draw and paint, incorporating people and places I have visited in my artwork, mostly done in watercolor, pastel, oil pastel, and color pencil. My artwork has won numerous awards and has been shown in galleries in several countries, including several solo art shows. I enjoy collecting handmade art from the countries I visit and now have an extensive collection of dolls, jewelry/beads, and ethnic costumes.
I also enjoy walking, traveling (particularly in the country in which I am living), reading, nature, digital photography, and movie-making.