Valerie Gonzalez

My name is Valerie Gonzalez, and I have taught and mentored students and adults for at least 15 years. I enjoy meeting and conversing with people, and teaching is a fulfilling and delightful hobby. I am half Native American and half Puerto Rican, I was born in Ohio and my parents divorced when I was little. My mother relocated back to New Mexico, taking myself and three brothers. I lived in my tribal village, Ohkay Owingeh, till I was 21 where I learned much about my maternal family history and tribal traditions. I then chose to relocate back to Ohio where I met a cute boy who has been my husband for 27 years. We have 2 children together and 4 grandchildren. Both my hubby and I are enthusiastic teachers in our respective fields. I have an Associates degree in Fine Art and I have taught various classes covering a range of topics, including: Stop Motion, Digital Photography, Photoshop, Native American pottery, have led bible studies, and am currently learning about papier mache as a future possible class offering. If I can master it! I have an energetic and youthful personality that allows me to engage and adapt to any age group. If I'm not having fun, I don't want to do it, so I don't spend too much time talking, I like to get to the fun part of the class just as much as my students! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to teach a new group of individuals, I very much look forward to enriching young minds with creative ideas to expand their imagination!