My biography would have to start as a child, I struggled with education due to dyslexia. I also was physically, emotionally, and sexually abused. My mother gave me up at 12 years and my Aunt adopted me into her house. With the adoption came such dramatic change. I had to become their “maid” also their “everything they didn’t want to do”  person.

Then to my schooling, I struggled not only because dyslexicia but my traumas I was dealing with as a child of abuses and constant changes and expectations. So much more I could add, but to summarize , if it were not for my creative desire to express, I probably would be dead.

I had an 2 Art teachers in High School that inspired me to continue on in my difficult life. Both were male. One was “gay” during the times when the choices were not celebrated, but this man held “no bars back” as he inspired me to let myself and my traumas “be the voice through expressions” and NOT let ANYONE or ANYTHING stop me. He too had gone through so much – but he was always inspiring through his voice and actions.

The other Art teacher was an older man, and even though I was abused by my own step-father and abandoned my my biological one, this man was such a tool for my “inner child seeking a solid ‘true father’ figure.” He would be lovingly critical when I would get angry and frustrated, and give up, he would encourage me to work through my pain that was the real frustration. He would “make me” by giving me a fail grade UNTIL I did it and allow me to get emotional engaged until he knew “my pain and problems” were worked out. It was he that provide me scholarships to our state Art College while in high school. That was the begining to my path (long and rocky) but fruitful art career.

The other parts in my bio would include that I married and have four children. I carried two while in colleges. Being pregnant and trying to work on the drafting board was difficult. Also, being pregnant and developing film in the darkroom was a cautious time. So much happened throuhout my life until now.

Moving on, evn though I barely passed High School (overall average 70%) I ended up completing a BFA, M.Ed (Cum laude), Art Certification, (all while carrying children) ESE Certification, ESOL and Early Ed. Cerification as well. During these years so much trauma persisted in my life. It was teaching Art that really saved my sanity. The Special Eduction training was to assist me in the students of need. I originally wanted my a career path to be in Art Therapy. I was also living in Baltimore, so unfortuanetly, having being pregnant and the fact that I would have to drive to D.C everyday to attend George Washington College from Baltimore everyday…, it was too much. GW was only  1 of 2 colleges that offered Art Therapy at that time and it was also not recognized as  solid career at that time. It was difficult for me to shift, but based on the fact of family circumstances (4 young children and married life) caused me to change the path to Art Education.

Twenty plus years later and after retiring Art Ed.,  I have been currently teaching General and Special Education for the past twelve years. I have felt the loss of creativity  “in our classrooms” and its been overwhelming to say the least. I am so glad to finally see in our times of turmoil and hate, that the critical needs for the ” creative outlets” to help in our society, actually being paid attention to and focused on. So I am going to conclude because  there is so much that I could (and have been told) I need to right a book.

So, this is “part of me” but the highlights are not even here. I am excited and greatful that this course is available and look forward for the process.