Artist BIO
Jewel is an interdisciplinary artist, educator, community health worker, and youth development specialist from the Southwest side of Chicago. She is known for her rich experience in facilitating and curating creative workshops and programs across the Chicago area.Recently, she has worked with Healing Arts Chicago as an Artist in Residence at the Roseland Health Hub. She currently sits on the Healing Arts Chicago advisory committee.
Jewel is certified in community health, mindfulness, social-emotional learning (SEL), yoga, and mental health first aid. She holds an AA in Psychology, a BA in Theater Studies, an MA in Interdisciplinary Arts, and an MS in Curriculum and Instruction. Jewel’s credentials enable her to provide meaningful support to Chicago's diverse communities. Jewel’s unique artistic approach blends visual creativity and collaborative play, offering transformative, holistic experiences that inspire growth and strengthen community connections. The creative modalities that she utilizes in her work are: Theater, spoken-word, writing, painting, and photography.
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Jewel is the founder and program coordinator of Lit Feelings, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting social-emotional well-being, creative expression, and literacy to youth and young adults.
Pedagogy
My personal philosophy of education is learner-centered and culturally sustaining. My teaching philosophy is influenced by constructivism and social learning theory. Combining both frameworks allows me to create inclusive and dynamic learning atmospheres. I believe that education serves as a foundation for a bright and prosperous future for everyone. With this in mind, I recognize my responsibility as an educator to ensure that all learners receive equitable opportunities to learn and grow according to their needs, lived experiences, and identities, all within a safe, nurturing, and productive setting.
I design instructional environments to reflect the diverse needs of all learners and actively involve them in the creative process. I value collaboration and discovery-based experiences that encourage learners to express themselves and explore new ideas. This approach fosters critical thinking, creativity, and a sense of community, empowering learners to take ownership of their educational journeys while allowing their voices and perspectives to shine through in their artistic expressions.
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.