Amanda nurtures creativity and artistic expression across a variety of media and techniques. As the Visual Arts teacher for all grade levels, she introduces students to drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and digital art, helping them develop both technical skills and their own artistic voice. Amanda's art studio is a vibrant, inspiring space filled with student artwork, art supplies, and examples of work by professional artists from diverse cultures and time periods. She believes that art education is essential for developing creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.
Amanda holds a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from the Rhode Island School of Design and a master's degree in Art Education from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She has taught at Meridian for nine years and has significantly expanded the school's visual arts program. Amanda's teaching approach is student-centered and process-oriented. She encourages experimentation, values individuality, and helps students understand that art is a form of communication and self-expression.
Her classes explore art history, contemporary art, and the social and cultural contexts in which art is created. Amanda is committed to making art accessible to all students, regardless of their prior experience or perceived ability. She differentiates instruction to meet diverse learning needs and creates a supportive environment where students feel comfortable taking creative risks. Outside of teaching, Amanda is a practicing artist who exhibits her work in local galleries and participates in community art projects.
She also coordinates the school's annual art show, where students' work is displayed for families and the community. Amanda serves on the board of a local arts nonprofit and volunteers with arts education programs that serve underserved communities. Her passion for art and her dedication to her students make her a beloved and influential member of the Meridian community.
