A selection of some of my experiences in art, education, and nature.
My current focus is running the Hawaii Nature Journal Club. My goal is to build community, provide Hawaii-focused nature education resources and events, promote nature journaling and connect nature journalers across the aloha state. The website was built with a commitment to nature connection that reflects the diversity and love of our islands.
Presentations and Workshop Experience
Manoa Heritage Center ∙ Honolulu, HI ∙ Summer 2023 – present
Ongoing nature journaling workshops for the community.
Icky Love Art Loft ∙ Kailua, HI ∙ August 2024
Beginner workshop on nature journaling flowers, including illustration techniques as well as hands on dissection and investigation of local flowers.
STEMS^2 ∙ Honolulu, HI ∙ June 2023, July 2024
Introduced nature journaling and provided one-on-one support for masters students in STEMS^2, a UH College of Education Curriculum Studies program.
AAUW ∙ Kailua, HI ∙ April 2024
A presentation about how birdwatching and nature journaling can teach us to more mindfully through our days – aware and awake to the present moment.
Wild Wonder Nature Journaling Conference ∙ Online ∙ September 2023
Presented a class on the “World of Whimsy” to a large international audience, on how to include imagination in your nature journal, and how to unlock the inner child within all of us.
Bishop Museum ∙ Honolulu, HI ∙ Feb 10, 2023
Art and journaling workshop presented on the topic “Hidden Biodiversity and Taxonomy” at an After Hours event at the museum.
Keiki & Plow ∙ Moanalua, HI ∙ Fall 2022
Led workshops on nature art and the water cycle for preschool and elementary age students.
Junior Nature Journalers Club ∙ Oahu ∙ 2020 – 2022
Designed and taught low-cost and free lessons in art, nature journaling, and outdoor connection to elementary school students and homeschool families, both online and in person.
Related Professional Experience
Hongwanji Mission School ∙ Honolulu, HI ∙ Fall 2022 – Fall 2024
Led an after school maker space program during the school year. Taught nature-themed after school and summer school class that integrated nature journaling with STEM projects, and connected students with local environmental non-profits and researchers.
Hawaiʻi Audubon Society ∙ Outreach and Education ∙ Oahu ∙ Spring 2023 – Spring 2024
Delivered creative presentations on native birds and how to draw them for local schools and organizations. Led nature journaling-focused bird walks and assisted with outreach events at festivals. Served as managing editor for the long-running ʻElepaio Journal. Managed the organization’s online presence, including the website, email marketing, and social media.
Mokapu Elementary ∙ Kailua, HI ∙ 2019-2020 School year
K-3 Art teacher
KidzArt ∙ Kailua, HI ∙ 2017-2018 School year
Certified after-school instructor
Maunawili Elementary ∙ Kailua, HI ∙ Spring 2017
K-6 Art teacher
Art Exhibitions and Publications
What Remains ∙ Published Fall 2024
Self-published a book of poetry and essays about family life, nature connection, mental health, and finding your place in the world. Learn more and order a copy.
June and Moon Publishing
Illustrated and designed three different children’s books, and self-published them for sale online.
Treehouse Co-working ∙ Kailua, HI ∙ June 2021
Display of original watercolor artwork of native species.
Morning Brew Kaka’ako ∙ Kailua, HI ∙ January-March 2020
Framed original watercolor paintings and prints on display.
Memberships and Service
Kailua Neighborhood Board ∙ Kailua, HI ∙ August 2022 – present
Elected Member (volunteer position). Active member of the Water Quality committee.
Hālau Mōhala ʻIlima ∙ Kailua, HI ∙ 2007 – present
Hula dancer and Hawaiian cultural practitioner.
Kailua Hawaiian Civic Club ∙ Kailua, HI ∙ 2015 – present
Member and volunteer.
Healthy Climate Communities
Pacific Rim Conservation
Volunteered with nature restoration projects and assisted in organizing nature education and conservation events for these local nonprofits.
Malama Maunalua
Hui o Ko’olaupoko
Volunteer
Training and Education
Wild Wonder Nature Journaling Educator Program ∙ Online ∙ Fall 2023, Certification in January 2024
Advisory Committee Member and participant in certification program.
Institute for WildMed ∙ Online ∙ Summer 2024
CPR and First Aid certification.
Nature Journaling Educator’s Forum ∙ Online ∙ Fall 2021 – present
Participant and presenter for weekly dynamic conversations on the joys and challenges of being a nature journaling educator. (View full playlist or view the lesson I led on self care)
Waihona Educational cohort with Kamehameha Schools ∙ Online ∙ Fall 2021
Met with other educators to support creation of Hawaiian based curriculum for the online Waihona database.
Honolulu Museum of Art School ∙ Honolulu, HI ∙ 2016 – 2018
Classes in watercolor, acrylics, and drawing.
Kaulunani ∙ Kailua, HI ∙ summer 2016
Citizen Forester Training to support community mapping and increasing knowledge of the urban tree canopy.
ARTS FIRST · Honolulu, HI · 2010, 2019
Attended workshops in Professional Development for Teaching Artists.
Virginia Tech ∙ Blacksburg, VA ∙ graduated May 2005, cum laude
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design