Puppet Chat: An Ongoing Class!

Hello! I am a professional puppeteer and puppet builder with over 20 years of experience as a performer, maker, and teaching artist. I believe in the power of play-based learning. I relish engaging with learners in fun, creative ways to kindle their innate curiosity.

I started building puppets when I was in elementary school; working with puppets really helped me to overcome my fear of public speaking as a super shy kid. (All of my book reports involved puppets.)  I apprenticed to a puppet builder as a young adult and even worked in a magic store where I learned a lot about performing. I also learned that I was a terrible magician, because I loved to show how everything worked.

I have now worked as a touring puppetry artist for over 25 years. My company has toured shows, workshops, and residencies all over the country. I’m excited to now add working virtually to my repertoire. I work with my husband, and we have two girls (now 15 and 21), and we homeschooled from the road a good bit. Our older daughter is now in college and is majoring in math, a subject that I use in my work now, but I didn’t really enjoy when I was young. It’s thrilling to watch your children grow up and find their unique passions. Don’t worry if you feel, as a parent, that you cannot facilitate the learning of subjects that you did not excel in. Children learn from us more than facts: they learn how to explore their personal interests. I love that there are so many resources available now for families on all kinds of journeys through education. I'd love to be one of your resources.

As a Teaching Artist, I have integrated Puppetry into many subject areas — science, language arts, and social studies are my favorites. I have had extensive training in Arts Integration through the Kennedy Center and locally through Partners in the Arts at the University of Richmond. During the pandemic, I finished up my Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree in Arts Integration and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2021.

As a puppeteer/builder, I have worked with schools, museums, festivals, theaters, and libraries as well as with lots of homeschool co-ops and families. My puppetry specialties are rod puppets, hand puppets, shadow puppets, and object theatre, but I love all forms of puppetry. I also run a Puppetry and Circus Arts Camp in my hometown! I am excited to continue working with young children “here” on Outschool. 

As a parent, I have also used puppetry to help teach phonics, work on motor skills, enhance science lessons, and to entertain our children for HOURS on long car rides. (Don't worry, my husband was driving!) Puppets are a great way to spice up classroom learning and homeschooling in a fun way. I welcome your questions, feedback, and suggestions for additional programs. Stay tuned for more classes and camps!