What brought you to Nova?
I was a Nova student in the 90’s and thought an animation department at Nova would be so wonderful. I got my Animation degree at CalArts, and came back home to create films and begin a program here in 2001.
How would you describe your teaching style?
Collaborative. My ideas for a class grow from the students and their evolving needs. I have a menu of fun exercises I offer, and many of my offerings were born from a Novian asking me “Can we do this kind of project next?”
Why do you teach?
Creating animation gives me bliss. Making animation with a community of people amplifies that bliss. At Nova I get to see patience grow in artists, and some of my favorite artists are getting their starts here in our program.
And/or what do you hope to influence?
I hope to give people at Nova a chance for peaceful self-care through the simple creation of life on a page. I live for the moment when I witness someone seeing their markings coming to life on the big screen. Our end-year showcases at Northwest Film Forum are a wild ride, and are not to be missed! We archive them here on Vimeo, check them out!!
I enjoy helping students explore and envision different future options for careers and post-secondary education. Students and alumni please feel free to email me for career search questions and assistance.
What brought you to Nova?
This was the only school I saw who made students first, taught with compassion, sincerity, and rigor, and was always working to become better.
How would you describe your teaching style?
I am trying to get students to find their voice, learn how to critically think, and realize there are multiple processes in becoming an actual human being.
Why do you teach? and/or What do you hope to influence?
I teach because I love to learn with others. I teach because I am driven by the impulse to help in any way I can. I'm hoping to help my students realize not only the honor it is to learn how to become a human but to also realize the responsibility they have to center others and their world while they engage in that process. It is also incredibly essential for me to work with my fellow teachers and ultimately my students decentralized the white narrative and doing antiracist work.
What's your favorite thing about Nova?
Nova is a safe place for students to learn about who they are and work with others to facilitate the growth of justice, truth, and community.
