About your teacher:

Valerie started her teaching career in 2007 when she moved to Japan to teach English in junior high and elementary schools. In 2010, she moved back to the United States and received a Masters degree in Art Education from Tufts University, in 2011.  She obtained a Massachusetts Teaching license for grades K-12, and has worked in both public schools and informal learning settings.  Valerie has worked as a Museum Educator at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, a Lead Art Studio Teacher at multiple Bright Horizons Preschool and Early Education Centers, and as the Site Coordinator at Maud Morgan Arts, in Cambridge, MA. Most recently, Valerie is excited to fully dedicate herself to teaching and working with the families of Jumpstart Art Club.

Valerie's teaching philosophy revolves around making connections through art: connecting the child to their inner self and the greater world. It is her passion to help fuel the creativity and thrill of discovery children find in art.  As a teacher Valerie has had the opportunity to share and create art with children of all ages and believes in the power of art to promote and develop important physical, social, emotional and cognitive skills. It is her hope that children will use the skills they developed in their art sessions to live a fulfilling and successful life.

Valerie enjoys all things art and design, and has a background in graphic design, painting, drawing, and ceramics. She also enjoys playing volleyball and making the best of the snowy Boston winters by skiing and snowboarding.