Inside and Outside of the Classroom
OPPORTUNITY NOW
Opportunity Now is an employment program for 8th graders and rising Freshmen in Davidson County. Partnering with Conexion Americas in 2018 and 2019, I designed the curriculum for both summer programs and was the Lead Teacher. The first summer, the kids focused on Community Storytelling, resulting in a short film and podcast, both about Nolensville Pike. In 2019, we focused on building future arts educators. This group created an arts event at Azafran Park, introducing younger kids to poetry, music, drawing, face painting, games and a henna station.
Workshop Offerings
MAKE YOUR STORY YOURS: This is a workshop I created for those looking to delve into their personal experiences and shape into narratives for sharing. In a collaborative environment, we cover elements of story, why story works and how to make your story resonate with an audience.
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STORYSHARING ON PURPOSE: This workshop is designed for groups wanting to increase interpersonal bonds, strengthen communication skills and create space for creative engagement. What are the stories about your group, the individuals in your group, and what stories are yet to be told.
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WEAVE IT TOGETHER: In this workshop, participants co-create a permanent work of art, around a theme. Through collaboration, this workshop is designed to be flexible to the goals of your organization. I bring in a large loom, ready for others to add into. After the workshop, I take the loom to my studio and finish up the piece and return it to its new home.
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Public Speaking and Other Adventures
I've been teaching in formal and informal settings for over twenty years. First, as a social worker, teaching topics from Anger Management to poetry and creative expression, inside prisons and homeless shelters. This was followed by a decade teaching on college campuses. I taught Critical Thinking, Sociology, Ethics, Political Science, and Cultural Diversity. I have a B.A. in Political Science and a B.A. in Human Services, from Carson Newman College and a Master's of Theological Studies from Drew Theological School.
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I've hosted events, participated in Pecha Kucha, spoken to crowds large and small; discussing my work as an Artist and all I have learned along the way about trauma, resilience, empathy and engagement. I consult about asset-mapping, storytelling, and creating engaging projects and events.
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