I've been teaching  photography for 18 years in both the Orange Unified School District (9 years) and Tustin Unified School District (9 years). I've also  worked as a photographer and assistant since 1998,  in both the film industry in Burbank, CA  restoring movies and TV shows, as well as had a career in professional photography labs in Las Vegas, NV and throughout Orange County, CA. I have worked with many photographers throughout Orange County, developing film for companies like Road and Track, Oakley, Roxy, Surfer Magazine, just to name a few.  While I was getting my teaching  credential,  I was a substitute  teacher and then did my student teaching at Tustin High School in 2008.

In 2017, I began teaching at Beckman High School developing the photography program. Students can complete a four year pathway in photography and get their CTE completer cords taking Photography and Design, Visual Imagery, and Advanced Visual Imagery and/or AP Studio Art 2D.  

My Background: 

I am originally from New Jersey and I moved to Las Vegas, NV  after high school and enrolled at the  Community College of Southern Nevada (CCSN), where I received my AA in the Arts. I have also attended UNLV,  CSULB,  and Concordia University. For the last 24  years I've lived in Southern California and during our time in distant learning my husband and I got a new Boston Terrier puppy  named Kona Lua (Since we love Hawaii).  I am looking forward to working with each and every one of you to help guide your photography pathway or understanding the foundation of photography and how it can enrich your memories.

I have my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University and my Bachelors of Fine Arts and  credential from California State University, Long Beach. I studied photography with Todd Gray at CSULB and had many wonderful mentors throughout my career. 

I believe providing students with enriching  opportunities with professionals in the community and through guest speakers help to reinforce the career, as a photographer can offer . I promote contest, field trips, peer collaboration with other classes, and opportunities to promote student artwork in the community. Many students have won multiple contest from OC Artist of the Year, The Festival of the Arts in Laguna, OC Invitational, Arts for All,  Imaginology and Vital Link at the OC Fairground. Art work has been on display work at the Chemer's Gallery for the TACFA winning students,  Irvine Fine Arts community center, and in the 2021 school year had a  nomination for student of the year at the OC Register. 

I am a life time learner, who loves  studying and learning about new types of art, crafting, going to galleries and museums, bike riding, traveling to new destinations, cooking, watching movies, listing to both oldies and classic/alternative  rock. I look at creativity as something that you should take on a personal challenge and not be afraid to take risk, try something new, problem solve, and communicate your ideas with others.