Biography

I live in a small farming community with my husband and two sons. Where our neighbors farm green beans, peaches, and berries, we farm and grow trees. We live in a wide open space where our sons and dog can run wild with the wind. And they do! We enjoy growing our family garden, full of vegetables, fruit trees, weeds, and flowers; My favorite being the forty dahlias. They are also our dog's favorite, since she likes to dig up the tubers which are planted with bonemeal . "How many will you leave us this year, Anya?"

I have been a full time mom just shy of fourteen years, volunteering all of those at our son's schools. I have always enjoyed children, and having the direct classroom experiences has only confirmed my desire to become a teacher myself. As I explained to one of my son's one morning recently , "As a parent your arms get longer, so you can make a bigger circle to hug and care for more children."

I am artist. I have a BFA in my undergraduate work from the Art Center College of Design, in Pasadena, California. I worked as a graphic designer for several years in California and in Oregon. I am now working toward my MAT with a focus in Art. At the moment I am undecided on the grade levels where I envision teaching. I believe that through the opportunity of observing classrooms this year I will have a better feel on where I need to be. I feel very strongly about empowering and supporting a child's voice; creating a safe environment for them to explore, and play!,whereby guiding them in discovering tools for their personal expression, and to help foster a healthy outlet which they may trust and carry with them throughout their lives.

I am a oil painter, and paint on a weekly basis with a group .

I am a student of Yoga, and Tai chi. After I graduate, I would like to continue learning Spanish.

I enjoy cooking (especially soup). I also love any reason to travel and explore new lands and vistas with camera in hand, as my eyes are always seeing new colors with which to paint!

As a family we love to go fishing. Or should I say, my boys especially love to go fishing since Grandpa started a family traditon; They have to eat alot of Snicker candybars for the fish to bite!?* We had an amazing opportunity about 3 summers ago to fish in Alaska. It is a very powerful place of giant beauty that we look forward to returning to some day. This summer we enjoyed exploring more fishing holes around Oregon and Washington. Have you ever been to Banks Lake, near the Grand Coulee Dam? What an area! Aside from baiting a hook, reeling one in,and losing track of chocolates, for me, being lulled on the waves is a wonderfully dreamy space to read.

I am passionate about learning. I am goofy. I am Jennifer. And yes, I snort when I laugh.