ART TEACHING/ADMIN

Education & Certificates

Teaching

• M.Ed. - Educational Administration, Lamar University, 2010

• BA - Applied Learning & Development, Major in Special Education, University of Texas, Austin, 2005

• Principal Certification, 2010

• Teacher Certification: EC-12 Special Education, EC-4 Generalist, 4-8 Mathematics, 4-8 ELA/Reading/Social Studies, EC-12 ESL, 2005-2024

• G/T K-12 Endorsement, 2005-2024

• Adult/Pediatric CPR certified, current

• Texas Behavior Support Initiative (TBSI) certified, 2005

Fused Glass

• Classes by Miriam Di Fiore, Narcissus Quagliata, Linda Ethier, Kari Minnik, Richard Parrish, Nathan Sandberg, Richard La Londe, Bob Leatherbarrow, Ted Saywer, Lois Manno and Paul Tarlow, 2013-current

• Studied Stephen Richard, Judy Tuwalistiwa, Richard La Londe, Boyce Lundstrom, Alicia Lomne, Amanda Simmons and publications/resources from the Rakow Research Library, Tokyo Glass Art Institute, and Bullseye Glass Co., 2013-current

Studio Experience

Notable Work and Collaborations

• Fabrication for “Entres Agua Y Estrelles” floor mosaic at Barton Springs by Lys Santamaria, 2025

• “Journeys: Stories in Fused Glass” fused glass exhibition, 2023 

  Co-curated with Malina Cipleu, Richard Parrish, and Julie Verville; developed webpage: www.heliosglass.com/journeys

• “Beginnings: Stories in Fused Glass” fused glass exhibition, 2023 

  Co-curated with Malina Cipleu and Kari Minnick; developed webpage: www.heliosglass.com/beginnings

• Fabrication for “Community Seed Pods” mosaic installation by Dianne Sonnenberg, 2022

• Fabrication for “Treasures from the Gulf” mosaic installation by Dianne Sonnenberg, 2020

Helios Fused Glass Studio, Owner (2019-current), Studio Manager (2020-current), Studio Monkey (2019-current)

• Available Courses

  Foundations (not just for Beginners)

  Kiln Firing Schedules & Maintenance

  Strip Construction

  Imagery in Short Strips

  High Fire Techniques

  Combing 2.0 - Imagery

  Reactions in Glass: Playing with Chemistry

  Vitrigraph Murrini Making

  Pattern Bar Plates

  Tie Dye with Glass Powder

  Under Pressure: Breaking the Rules

  • Teaching Assistant

  Crackle Texture Basics and Beyond with Bob Leatherbarrow, 2024, Teaching Assistant

  Fine Line Designs with Bob Leatherbarrow, 2024, Teaching Assistant

  Tapestry & Beyond with Richard Parrish, 2023, Teaching Assistant

  Kiln-formed Murrine Boxes with Nathan Sandberg, 2022, Teaching Assistant

  Hot Glass Mosaics with Diane Sonnenberg, 2022 & 2023, Co-Teacher

  Color Theory with Richard Parrish, 2021, Teaching Assistant

Blue Art House, Private Studio

• WEST Austin Studio Tour 2017, 2018

• Violet Crown Festival 2018

• Private Classes

Other Teaching Experience

Veritas Academy - private school teacher, 2015-2016

• International Students’ Special Services - covering math, reading, and writing accelerated instruction

• 5th grade Reading

• 7th grade Discipleship

Regents School of Austin - private school teacher, 2014

• Cello Instructor

Popham Elementary, DVISD - public school teacher & presenter, 2005-2010

• 4th grade Special Education - math, reading, writing

• 5th grade Special Education - math, reading, writing

• 6th grade Special Education - math, reading, writing

• Notable Presentations

  • Inclusion 101

  • Integrating Technology in Classrooms: The Reality of Working With Tech & Kids

  • Teaching Writing Through Fairy Tales

  • Microsoft Keyboard Shortcuts

Professional Affiliations & More

• Bullseye Glass Co Preferred Partner

• Glass Art Society

• Art Alliance For Contemporary Glass

• Austin Women in Business for Good

• AISD - Brentwood Elementary PTA Board Member (2019-2021), Brentwood Rocks GM (2019), & Room mom (2017-2019)

• Council for Exceptional Children

• Texas State Teachers Association/National Education Association

• DVISD - District Advisory Team - Technology Committee (2008-2010)