During high school I was an honor roll student in English, Reading, Writing, Art and Photography. In college I made straight A's in these subjects because I had a natural ability to come up with techniques for learning and memorization that made the information I learned stick. I believe in teaching these same techniques to make learning and self expression fun!
I attended LeTourneau University in Texas, where I paid my own way through college while working part time. Balancing school and work was challenging but as a minority and the oldest of five siblings, I decided that I did not want to be just another uneducated statistic and was determined to set the example. Hard work and self discipline helped me to achieve my goal. In 2002, I graduated with a degree in Business Management.
After college I met Petros, the personal chef for Princess Diana who retired after she passed away. He personally trained me in cooking techniques, recipe creation, baking, and specialty dishes including vegetarian, diabetic and holiday cuisine using organic ingredients. Petros helped me to develop a unique passion for culinary arts and I continue to practice new recipes and dishes daily on my loyal subjects who dare to eat them. :)
I then continued my education at the Center for Advanced Legal Studies, where I received a Paralegal Certificate. Afterwards, I thought I would go on to law school but Hurricane Katrina completely changed my direction in life when our family studio was destroyed. Instead, I decided to relocate to NYC and have been here ever since.
Professionally, I have worked as a tutor at a Private School and as an Extended Day Teacher. My experience includes tutoring both children and adults in subjects such as Science, English, Reading, Writing, U.S. & World History, Art, Photography and General Computers. I have also implemented Reading, Literacy and Art programs for children aged four to fourteen for Americorps and currently volunteer for a homeless youth shelter.
My passions also include art, painting and photography. I am an award winning artist and my training includes: 10 years of classic darkroom experience, developing film, special printing techniques like hand coloring prints and digital retouching. I am personally trained in lighting for film and digital imaging by the President of Kodak. My specialties include fashion, commercial and environmental photography, archival framing and printing, oil and acrylic painting, mixed media art, and visual branding. You can see my work and art CV at: www.lexlumiere.com
If you have an educational goal that you are wanting to achieve for yourself or your children, or if you want to work on your creative skills, please contact me so we can work together and make your dreams a reality.