Natalie has embraced a creative approach to life. She grew up in a small town outside of Pittsburgh in a family and community with strong roots in storytelling. These exchanges gave her an early appreciation for individual and collective experiences. She picked up a camera in high school and started capturing portraits of her friends and family. This passion for the arts led her to pursue an undergraduate degree in Photography, Minoring in Art History and Anthropology. Natalie's initial plans were to build a career as a photojournalist. After an inspiring internship at a youth arts non-profit, she discovered a passion for working with students and began seeking positions combining her love for teaching, creating, and working in the community. Several years later, she continued her education, received a Master's in Community Arts, and has worked internationally as an educator, advocate, project and program manager, outreach coordinator, and community artist. Natalie understands the complexity of navigating how having various interests can play out in your professional life.

One of Natalie's favorite Life Design tools is Building a Compass because it allows students to pause and focus their reflection on where they are and how they feel in this moment of their life. As someone with many interests and overlapping careers, she relates to how challenging it can be to take a deep breath and quiet one's mind to make that next step in a direction that begins to light you up inside. Exploring who you are, what you believe, and what you do begins to provide clarity and confidence to act with truth north and be the author of your own story. 

Students can expect to walk into good energy and humor in Natalie's classroom. She will meet students where they are and provide space for them to take a creative approach to reflect on their skills, talents, and interests. In coaching, students can expect Natalie to be an active listener and provide a safe haven to be their authentic selves. Natalie encourages students to be curious, open to new things, ask questions, and take an active role in designing their life.

Hometown

• Pittsburgh, PA

Majors / Degrees

• Pennsylvania State University = Bachelor of Fine Art Photography 

• Maryland Institute College of Art = Master of Fine Arts in Community Arts 

Professional Experiences / Certification

• Program & Events Manager at The Arts Commission of Greater Toledo

• Community Outreach Coordinator at C.R.E.A.T.E. Lab, Carnegie Mellon University

• Teaching Artist & Project Manager with National Geographic and U.S. Embassy 

• Arts Integration Specialist & Teaching Artist at Manchester Craftsmen's Guild

• Adjunct Professor, Photography at the University of Toledo, Lourdes University, Art Institute Detroit, and Owens Community College

Interests Outside of Work

• Travel, gathering with family and friends, and eating delicious foods.