I earned my B.A. in Art Education from Kent State University in 1993 and began my career with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District in 1994, where I served as an art teacher for more than three decades. In 2005, I completed my Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. My passion for the arts was nurtured early in life by my family and mentors. I was inspired by my maternal grandfather, Elmer Tiedman, an exceptional artist known for his intricate colored pencil drawings. My paternal grandmother also played a significant role, teaching ceramics from her basement studio. I fondly remember sleepovers where my brothers and I were allowed to choose a figure to paint for the holidays - I still have mine! I was further encouraged by my art teacher, David Cody, who encouraged me to believe in myself. I'm a proud mom of four! My husband and I welcomed two grandsons this past summer. I'm looking forward to retiring in the spring of 2026, after 32 years of teaching art in Cleveland