As a former art director and art teacher, this new role as CTAE teacher at Alliance Academy is exciting and challenging in so many ways. I came into this position during the height of COVID with few expectations and a steep learning curve but have grown to love this place I have in education. It is unique to teach graphic design and printing at a public high school, but Forsyth County has set me up with the best tools necessary for training productive students in this industry. I am thrilled to be able to teach our kids to have purpose and to develop skills in a trade that will always be effective and necessary in our world. The printing industry provides a wide range for opportunities of all levels of learner.

The graphic design world became a focus for me in high school, but with little guidance and direction in life I found myself floundering into various job roles including banking and printing before I landed at Atlanta Magazine as an Art Director. While I loved what I did in my jobs, it was not fulfilling, and I felt an unexpected calling to education. I eventually left the magazine and print industry to freelance while I worked myself into high school education. I felt art in education was way more rewarding than the position I was in producing art myself.

This is my 19th year teaching, but recently moved into the career tech pathway three years ago. This graphic design classroom is still art to me, but it is a place where students can take their art and use it for a more productive presence in society. The kids that come through this program are taught about hard work, perseverance, personal passion, effective communication, problem solving, effective collaboration, and exposure to a wide variety of design and print solutions. My goal is that the kids completing Graphic Design at Alliance Academy take away a sound work ethic, an appreciation for graphic design and the print industry, resilient interpersonal skills, and professional confidence in order to develop a quality career.