Pottery first became a part of my life in high school. I took ceramics all four years, and it quickly became much more than just a class. It was a creative outlet for me during a time when life felt busy and overwhelming, and it gave me a place to slow down, focus, and express myself.

That experience had such a big impact on me that I went on to earn my degree in Ceramics. Today, I’m a high school ceramics teacher because I wanted to share that same experience with other teenagers who might benefit from having a creative outlet of their own.

Pottery continues to be an important part of my life. It’s still my outlet, a place where I can experiment, problem solve, and bring new ideas to life. I love the process of creating something from clay, and I especially love using my handmade pieces. there is just something so intimate about it. Like I made that with my bare hands. Pottery has shaped so much of who I am, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.