I am a performer - a dancer & actor. I am also a Teaching Artist who presents workshops nationally as part of the Kennedy Center’s Tour of Workshop Leaders. I do the same thing locally as a Teaching Artist with Louisiana A+ Schools. My expertise resides in assisting teachers and artists in planning for arts integration across the K-12 standards-based curriculum. I served on the Louisiana State Department of Education panel for developing arts assessments, revising the Louisiana Content Standards for the Arts, and for developing the sample lessons that go with each benchmark of those content standards. Since retiring as the Dance Specialist at Lafayette's Elementary School for the Arts, I have returned to the Dance Department at the University of Louisiana Lafayette. I teach Philosophy and History of Dance, Choreography II, and mentor student choreographers.

Philosophy as a Teaching Artist
I believe that everyone learns by “doing.” The kinesthetic art of dance is a valuable way of teaching children. It is fun and it involves not only the body, but it stimulates the mind, as well. Dance teaches self-discipline as well as social skills. Engaging in the choreographic process gives students the opportunity to analyze and synthesize material, to apply critical thinking skills, to engage in creative problem solving, and to develop a sense of community with their peers and pride in their own artistic endeavors.

Goals
My expertise resides in assisting teachers and artists in planning for arts integration across the K-12 standards-based curriculum. I served on the Louisiana State Department of Education panel for developing arts assessments, revising the Louisiana Content Standards for the Arts, and for developing the sample lessons that go with each benchmark of those content standards. My goal is to mentor artists and teachers who are venturing into arts integration and help devise strategies for planning, implementing, and assessing their work.