My journey with pottery began in middle school in Ithaca, New York, when I was introduced to clay for the first time. Sitting at the wheel felt almost magical, and working with clay came naturally to me. My art teacher, Ms. Kredell, recognized my enthusiasm and took me under her wing, teaching me the fundamentals of hand-building, wheel throwing, and glazing. When I opened the kiln and saw my first finished piece, I was hooked. From that moment on, pottery became a lifelong passion, leading me to both study and teach ceramics throughout the years.

Most recently, I spent two years at Clayscapes Pottery in Syracuse, New York, where I expanded my technical skills and deepened my understanding of studio operations. There, I gained hands-on experience with professional tools, modern glazing techniques, and the day-to-day workings of a thriving pottery studio. During my time at Clayscapes, I also built lasting relationships within the pottery community, including a valued mentorship with my instructor, whose guidance continues to support my growth as a potter.

After decades of learning, creating, and sharing the art of ceramics, I am thrilled to open Sweet Gum in August 2026. My goal is to create a welcoming space in Penn Yan where people of all ages and experience levels can discover the joy of working with clay, express their creativity, and build connections through the art of pottery.