I fell in love with art when I was very young. I would write short stories and then illustrate them. In school, art was my favorite subject especially when I got to high school. I started to refine an... d develop my concepts. After my senior year of high school and a bit of research, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in art therapy. I believe that psychology helps us to deeply understand ourselves and others. It allows reflection into our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and traumas, and gives us tools to change those that harm us. I believe that art does the same thing. Not only does art present us an outlet to release the trauma we hold onto, it also helps us view ourselves from a more unbiased lens, allowing new perspectives and reflections to occur. I have participated in many forms of art making. This includes sculpture, two dimensional design, plein air painting and figure drawing courses, and painting and drawing experiences in my city. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Art. I work as an Early Childhood Educator, and with my two year old students, I am constantly creating. Teaching them has really allowed me to tap into my creativity and expand it. Using cardboard, paper plates, playdoh, paint, popsicle sticks and every material you could think of, I create bulletin boards and art and sensory projects with them every day. I also have been writing since I was eight years old. I write poetry every day. Creating art is therapeutic for me, as is teaching. I hope to share my passions with everyone looking to learn on Lessonpal.read more

Hi! I’m A’Taja. I am a health and holistic wellness enthusiast from PA with a passion for teaching and creating. My mother instilled the value of education in me when I was very young. I have attend... ed Catholic school, public school and charter school. My mother taught me that education was the most important thing you could have and as I moved through the world, I also realized that it is a luxury. Bridging the education gap and making learning accessible to everyone is very important to me. I am perceptive and aware that people grasp concepts differently. I am able to adapt to others’ learning styles. I have been teaching almost all my life. When I was in elementary school, I taught younger students at our after school program. After that, I worked as a tutor for elementary and middle school children for three years. Now I work as an Early Childhood Educator. My favorite part of educating is building a relationship with my students. I take pride in creating a safe space for them to express themselves and explore. Patience, grace and kindness allows children to flourish. My patience sets me apart as a teacher. I notice when my children struggle with certain concepts. I am comfortable giving them the time, space and resources to help them grasp them. I feel most fulfilled when I am helping or teaching someone. I genuinely love to offer a perspective that is different from the one they brought to me, and I also enjoy trading ideas back and forth with others. I choose to teach psychology and art because I am passionate about the way they intersect. While working towards my Bachelors degree in Psych and Art, I realized that they both help us to understand ourselves and others. They are a mirror into our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, traumas, and give us tools to change the ones that harm us.read more