River

Hi there, my name is River!

I have always wanted to work in a creative field. As a child it was my dream to create characters and stories that inspire people. When I turned 18 I went to college where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Media Arts & Animation in 2011, and since then I’ve spent over 16 years working as a freelance illustrator and graphic artist.

Art has always been a huge part of my life, and I love bringing that kind of passion into the classroom to inspire young artists.

As an educator, my goal is to support children as they explore their creativity and develop confidence in their own unique ideas. I believe art is a powerful form of self-expression and I want to encourage students to take creative risks, try new techniques, and trust their instincts. I aim to create a space where imagination is celebrated and every child feels seen, valued, and excited to create.

I also believe in building a strong classroom community where students can connect, collaborate, and appreciate the individuality of others. Through art, children can grow not only as artists, but as empathetic and confident people navigating the world around them.

Outside of teaching, I’m a parent to a ridiculously talented and artistic daughter who constantly inspires me, and I share my home with an orange cat named Pumpkin who keeps life interesting (and a little chaotic).

Creativity is a big part of our everyday life, and I love bringing that same energy into my teaching.
In the classroom, I like to keep things engaging, expressive, and a little bit playful—because I believe the best art happens when kids feel free to be themselves.