Since 2022, I have served as an Adjunct Professor at DePaul University in Chicago, where I teach future educators about the transformative power of arts integration in the general education classroom. In this role, I lead university students through cross-curricular project-based lessons, with a specific emphasis on aligning our curriculum with the Common Core State Standards in the core curriculum.

Since 2021, I have served as a Program Leader and Liaison at After School Matters in Chicago. In this role, I oversee the after-school ceramics program, guiding students through their creative journey. Additionally, I curate exhibitions of student work and facilitate community engagement during culminating program showcases. I also provide support to students and instructors, encouraging enrollment across various programs.

Since 2005, I've embraced the role of Freelance Artist in Chicago, channeling my creativity into illustration, muralism, and ceramics. Through my work, I've had the privilege of producing original artwork that elevates brands, promotes events, preserves memories, communicates ideas, and enhances publications. Notable career highlights include being recognized as Chicago Artist of the Month in 2010 and collaborating with Off Color Brewing since 2013, illustrating over 120 labels, merchandise… Show more Since 2005, I've embraced the role of Freelance Artist in Chicago, channeling my creativity into illustration, muralism, and ceramics. Through my work, I've had the privilege of producing original artwork that elevates brands, promotes events, preserves memories, communicates ideas, and enhances publications. Notable career highlights include being recognized as Chicago Artist of the Month in 2010 and collaborating with Off Color Brewing since 2013, illustrating over 120 labels, merchandise designs, and promotional materials. Additionally, my contributions to publications such as "City Creatures: Animal Encounters in the Chicago Wilderness" by the University of Chicago Press in 2015, with my piece "Wolf with Birds," have allowed me to share my artistic vision with a broader audience. Moreover, my involvement in projects like "The Belonging Collective" at the Smart Museum of Art, The University of Chicago from 2016 to 2017, where I created an interactive nature mural using acrylics on a gallery wall, underscores my commitment to engaging with communities through art. As a Freelance Artist, I continue to harness my passion for creativity to make meaningful contributions to the cultural landscape of Chicago and beyond. Show less

From 2017 to the present, I've been privileged to serve as a Visual Arts Teacher at Chicago Academy High School, where I've been dedicated to expanding arts programming to align with student interests. Through successful grant applications, including the Ingenuity Creative Schools Fund Grant and the Academy for Urban School Leadership MacArthur Foundation Grant, I've raised $15,000 to enrich our arts curriculum. Additionally, I've spearheaded the development of programs in Photography, Digital… Show more From 2017 to the present, I've been privileged to serve as a Visual Arts Teacher at Chicago Academy High School, where I've been dedicated to expanding arts programming to align with student interests. Through successful grant applications, including the Ingenuity Creative Schools Fund Grant and the Academy for Urban School Leadership MacArthur Foundation Grant, I've raised $15,000 to enrich our arts curriculum. Additionally, I've spearheaded the development of programs in Photography, Digital Media Arts, and Ceramics from the ground up. Leading the popular After School Matters FUNctional Ceramics program has provided students with valuable opportunities for creative expression beyond the traditional classroom setting.Prior to my tenure at Chicago Academy High School, from 2012 to 2017, I served as a Visual Arts Teacher at Orozco Academy in Chicago. During this time, I developed an adaptable and personalized teaching framework rooted in social and emotional learning and restorative justice philosophies for primary school students. Through my efforts, I successfully raised $45,000 towards arts programming through grants such as the CAPE Magnet Cluster Lead Teacher Grant and The Intuit Teacher Fellowship Program. I was also honored to receive the Ingenuity Creative Schools Fund Grant three times. Additionally, I curated onsite rotating exhibitions of student work and organized off-site exhibitions at esteemed locations including The Hyde Park Art Center, The National Museum of Mexican Art, and The Field Museum. Furthermore, I spearheaded the creation of a peace room for teachers, facilitating trained skills in restorative justice conversations and implementing a social-emotional learning curriculum.My experiences at both Chicago Academy High School and Orozco Academy have allowed me to deeply engage with students and foster their artistic growth while advocating for the importance of arts education in our communities. Show less