My Philosophy
I’m a child of the ’80s, raised on the values of shows like Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, Reading Rainbow, Bob Ross, Mr. Wizard, and Sesame Street. And yes, I still carry the message of The Greatest Love of All—“I believe the children are our future”—with me every day. These influences shaped my ethics, empathy, and the heart-centered way I work with young people.
Whether someone is 4, 14, 24, or 34, learning and growing never stop. My role is to help guide that process, offering tools for success, whatever that looks like for them. I believe in guiding youth with patience, honesty, and care, giving them the tools to succeed, whatever success looks like for them. That means making space for mistakes and encouraging failure as part of learning and growing. I meet young people where they are—whether through art, academics, or even food—and help them build confidence, think critically, and move through the world with intention.
Each One Teach One
As I mentioned in my philosphy, I was deeply shaped by the values of shows like Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, Reading Rainbow, Sesame Street, and Bob Ross. Those programs taught me that learning should be rooted in empathy, imagination, and care—and I carry that with me into every space I share with young people. Whether someone is 4 or 14, I believe that growth never stops, and my job as a teaching artist is to create spaces where young people—especially Black youth and youth of color—feel safe, seen, and empowered to take creative risks.
I am a transdisciplinary artist working across sculpture, textiles, immersive installation, performance, video, and community-based placemaking. My creative practice is grounded in reshaping narratives and reclaiming space, guided by the Ghanaian concept of Sankofa—reaching back to move forward. I center Black life and history in my work, not to offer neat solutions, but to shift the gaze and honor complexity. That lens shapes how I teach. I believe in guiding youth with honesty, patience, and cultural responsibility—giving them tools to express themselves, think critically, and move with purpose.
My pedagogy is heart-centered and rooted in lived experience. Since 2020, I’ve organized Portland’s annual Juneteenth celebration, an intergenerational space that uplifts Black joy and culture. My art and community work are inseparable—I teach the way I create: by listening deeply, encouraging curiosity, and building trust. I meet young people where they are and make room for mistakes, because growth comes from trying, questioning, and discovering.
Whether I’m in a classroom, studio, or public park, my role is to help students see themselves as artists and as agents of change. I believe in their power—just as I was taught to believe in mine—and I carry that forward in every space I enter.
