
Hi, I’m TJ, a high school art teacher and multidisciplinary creative from Modesto, CA. I’ve spent over 20 years working across art, design, video, and audio, and now I get to bring all that experience into the classroom. Before teaching, I led creative teams and mentored young artists, which made me realize that helping the next generation to express themselves is one of the most meaningful and rewarding jobs there is.
My classroom isn’t just about making art, it’s about building a culture where students feel connected, supported, and free to be themselves. Whether they’re picking up a paintbrush, designing digitally, or just need someone to talk to, I try to lead with empathy, humor, and heart.
When I’m not teaching, you’ll usually find me getting in a get good workout, running, spending time in the mountains with family, or exploring new creative projects.