I am a professional creative artist-- writer and musician. I have two published books (nonfiction-- art biography and regional history) and published essays/poetry. I play violin and mandolin both acoustic and electric, writing original material for bands, dancers, film and theatre artists, etc. I love to work with instrumentalists on improvisation.
My background includes a secondary english certification, and I have worked as a teacher in all subject areas for Youngstown State University's GED program, the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, and Penn Hills High School Evening Division. I ahve also worked as a counselor for Chatham College and social service agencies. I have also been a teaching artist for the last twenty years, receiving grants to teach from a spectrum of early childhood literacy work to creative history and sociology study and everything in between. Some of the venues where I have taught: Carnegie Mellon University's Reggio Emilia Early Studies, about 30% of the Pgh. Public Schools 1st-12th, St. Bede's School, Shady Lane School, Carriage House Children's Center, and professional development for teachers in Allegheny, Beaver and Butler Counties.
I bring a creative, individual-centered approach to all that I do, including my teaching, coaching and community workshops.