Since I can remember, I have always loved art. When I was young, I was totally entertained and happy with a crayon and some paper. In high school, I took jewelry and metalsmithing classes and went to college as an art major with the intention of working in that medium. Upon taking a graphic design class during my sophomore year in college, I realized I also had a love for design. While in school, I helped found a student-run graphic design service and also worked as a summer advertising intern in Toronto, Canada. In 1994, I graduated with a BFA (Bachelor of Fine Art) with a concentration in Graphic Design from Miami University in Ohio. Upon graduating, I moved to San Diego and worked as a graphic designer at an advertising agency where I eventually became art director. After more than four years there, I was ready for something new so I went back to school and earned my teaching credential from San Diego State University.

Think outside the box!

At Torrey Pines, I am able to put my design skills to good use. I teach the AP Studio, Imaging and Art for New Media classes here. Previous to my experience at Torrey Pines, I was at Coronado High School where I taught a variety of classes such as Art Foundations, Ceramics, Web Design, Art History, New Media and an advanced painting, drawing and 3-D art course.

I got married in the summer of 2005 and now go by "Mrs. Harding". My husband and I were married here in San Diego and then went on our honeymoon to Fiji. We both love the ocean, so it was fun to have a chance to do a lot of surfing and snorkeling while we were there. A couple years ago, we adopted a dog named Rocky. He was trapped in an animal shelter during Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and was rescued and brought to San Diego. We feel lucky that he found his way into our lives!

In my free time, I still try to work on my own art ... mostly oil painting. I also have a greeting card business which I work on during the days I am not here (2-4-6 days). It began a few years ago when I created hand-drawn greeting cards for my family and friends -- and then this grew into a small business.

Aside from art, I like to run, be outdoors (usually near the ocean) and travel as much as possible. I also love surfing and try to both surf and travel during the summer time. The most beautiful places I've been are the Maldives, Costa Rica and Peru/Machu Picchu.

Other than that, I look forward to another great year at Torrey Pines!