For the past 14 years I have taught photography camps ("Digital Photography Jr." and "Advanced Digital Photography") for the continuing ed department for our local community college. More recently, I have designed and taught "How to Build your own Escape Room" and  "Minimalism 101" classes at the community college and for youth groups.  Homeschooling my 4 and 7 year old is so rewarding and fun! I can't wait to teach your child, too!

I am from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but every morning I travel to China because I am an online ESL teacher for students age 3-16. I also teach camps and workshops for all ages at my local library and the Westmoreland County Community College. I have worked several years with my mom as a teacher's aid for her private, montessori preschool, and I still help out when I am needed.

Shortly after graduating from Robert Morris University in 2006 with B.A. in Media Arts, I was asked to guest speak at local schools and even started my own photography business. My photography career is going on 15 years and my niche is preschool portraiture photography.  

You can check out my work at http://luxportraitstudios.com 

Three years ago, my husband and I became owners of an Escape Room.  We have designed many escape games and have played even more!  I love teaching students how to create their own escape game by using their imagination & creativity along with the materials that they already have.  Let's play a game by using critical thinking skills, math, puzzles, and much more! 

You can check out our escape room at http://5thstreetescaperoom.com

Volunteering in my community, building student's confidence, and encouraging child-lend learning, and learning through play are all values that I hold. A lot of my values come from growing up in Girl Scouts! My husband and two children consider ourselves "cozy minimalists".  The minimalist lifestyle means to focus and promote the things we value most and the removal of everything that distracts us from it.  We love spending time with family, traveling, creating experiences, enjoying art and nature. 

Building a strong a sense of self and community is one of my many passions!  This year our family started a big garden and plan to share the food that we grow with our neighbors.  It was so much fun planting the seeds and taking care of them. Even our two cats like to "help" (by sleeping next to the seedlings)!  Our attic is getting remodeled into a studio/creative space!  I can't wait to create videos, photos and artwork to share with you and to teach you something new!