About me
EDUCATION
TEFL Certification March 2021 International TEFL Academy, Chicago, Il. 150 hours + practicum. Additional certification in Teaching English to Young Learners ( +30 hours), Teaching Business English (+30 hours), and Teaching English Online (+30 hours).
Ph.D., History June 2003 - June 2009
University of California, Irvine
Subjects: Early Modern European History (British, French, German emphases)/ World History (Mediterranean and South East Asian emphases)
Dissertation Title: The Transformation of Urban Relationships in Early Modern York as a Response to the English Reformation, Dissolution, and Government Centralization in Tudor England
Dissertation Focus: On the social and cultural changes that took place in York, the seat of governmental authority and the major urban center of northern England, before, during and after the dissolution of the monasteries. I examined the changes in the relationships between the religious, local merchants, city authorities, guild, and city members, as well as the changes in their collective external relationships with central government officials, Papal authorities, and foreign merchants based on riparian access, water rights, and the river economy.
M.A., History Sept. 2001 - June 2003
University of California, Irvine
Subject: Early Modern European History
Thesis Title: “Thomas Cromwell’s Dilemmas: Rhetoric in Sixteenth Century Preambles” I examined the development of the first preambles written into Parliamentary Statute during the early sixteenth century. This made innovative legislation palatable for the Members of Parliament to which they were presented for ratification.
Trained Pedagogical Fellow Spring 2003 - Winter 2004; Instructional Resources Center, University of California, Irvine - A highly competitive position (campus wide) requiring three quarters of pedagogical training and double summer session of preparatory work to learn how to create, write, and execute a series of 12-15 individual workshops leading up to training incoming teaching assistants in the history department.
B.A., History Sept. 1999 - June 2001
University of California, Irvine
Senior Thesis subject: “John Colet, Humanism and the New Men in the Court of Henry VIII”
Associates Degree, Literature and Music Aug. 1996 - May 1999
Saddleback College, Mission Viejo, CA
UNIVERSITY TEACHING EXPERIENCE
(Adult Education)SCLC, ESL course language teacher, Irvine, CA
2021-2023
Concordia University Irvine, Irvine, CA
Drama/ Theater Department
Puppetry In Creative Dramatics, Spring 2018
Puppetry Design Theater Department, Spring 2024
Saddleback College, Mission Viejo, CA
Drama Department
Designer 2016-2017
Adjunct Professor March 2005 - 2007
National University, Costa Mesa, CA
Adjunct professor of World History and Social Sciences. I was responsible for teaching distance
learning and on-line course content for Pre-Classical and Classical History, World History, and
European History.
Teacher Trainer/ Teaching Assistant Consultant/ Pedagogical Fellow/ Classroom Mentor/
Graduate Student Teaching Assistant Coordinator Summer 2003 - 2006
University of California, Irvine; I coordinated and led training for incoming teaching assistants in the history, chemistry, and engineering departments. I wrote and executed a series of 12-15 pedagogical workshops each year that I taught, then served as liaison between the Instructional Resource Center and the individual departments, plus designed website resources for the departments. I served as a resource for my TA colleagues regarding classroom difficulties, university policy, and general teaching assistance.
Instructor Summer 2006
University of California, Irvine
World History: Beginning to 1450. Instructor of record for entire course.
Instructor Fall 2005 - Spring 2006
University of California, Irvine
Humanities Core Course
In this position, I taught literature, writing, and philosophy. I was responsible for all aspects of
daily instruction, as well as the preparation of exams and writing prompts. I gained an extensive
background in proofreading, editing, and helping writers deal with the research and writing
process. As a member of the Core Instructors group, I participated in weekly planning meetings
with approximately 40 other instructors.
Teaching Assistant & Reader Positions at the University of California, Irvine
In general, at UCI, teaching assistants were responsible for conducting two discussion sections
each week. We participated in weekly course planning meetings, including determining weekly
paper topics and quizzes. We graded all student work, held regular office hours, and helped write
exams. I also maintained the electronic education environment for the classes: drop box, quizzes, chat sessions, e-mail correspondence, website maintenance, and electronic grading.
(Course descriptions available upon request.)
Teaching Assistant Summer 2005
World History: 1870-present
Teaching Assistant Winter 2005
Stuart History
Reader Fall 2004
Tudor History
In addition to the regular TA duties, I also assisted the professor with multimedia technology
during the lectures.
Teaching Assistant Winter 2003
Problems in History/ The Silk Road
Teaching Assistant/ Web Site Editor Fall 2003
World Religions / Humanities: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
Teaching Assistant Summer 2003
World History: 1650-1870
Teaching Assistant/ Website Editor Spring 2003
History of Vietnam
In addition to regular TA duties, I also designed and taught several non-lecture classroom
activities that replaced a few of the scheduled lectures.
World History: 1650-1870
In addition to my regular TA duties, I also designed and developed the teaching assistant portion of the class website.
Web Site Editor 2002-2003
University of California, Irvine
World Religion, World History, European History
Website Author Winter 2003
Hitler and Stalin
I designed and maintained the course website and assisted the professor with the electronic and web-based aspects of the course, including web-based paper drop box, note board discussions, scheduling calendars, email, and film clip editing for the web.
Teaching Assistant Fall 2002
World History: Beginning to 1450
Reader/ Website Author Spring 2002
Nazism and Film
In addition to my regular TA duties, I also designed and maintained the course website, including film clip editing.
Reader Fall 2001
Europe: 1350-1750
K-12 TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Public School Substitute Teaching, CA, 2023-current
Saddleback Valley School District (Oxford Preparatory Academy)
Fountain Valley School District
Capistrano Valley School District
Volunteer Teacher 2007-2008
Viejo Elementary School, Mission Viejo, CA
Planned and taught a year-long program for a 3rd grade class to strengthen their English/
Language Arts skills. We utilized various art styles as pre-writing activities for teaching narrative
stories, Haikus, and other writing formats. The teacher won an award for the performance
increase her students exhibited on that year’s ELA benchmark tests and CST.
Undergraduate Student Assistant Teacher Sept. 2000 - June 2001
University of California, Century High School (joint program)
Humanities Out There (H.O.T.)
Responsible for assisting graduate students and teachers in the high school world history
classroom, leading group discussions, assisting in preparing lecture and study topics for
underprivileged, inner-city high school history programs at Century High School, Santa Ana,
CA.
Substitute Teacher (K-12) Aug. 2000 - June 2002
Diocese of Orange, CA
I was an on-call substitute teacher for the Diocese of Orange and taught a variety of subjects,
based on need, at several Catholic elementary, junior high, and high schools in the area.
Substitute teacher (9-12) and Tutoring 2000-2002
Santa Margarita Catholic High School, Ranch Santa Margarita, CA
Travel Organizer and Educational Leader 2001
Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Leader of educational trip to France and the German-speaking countries for high school students.
Music Director/Teacher/ Vocal Music Coach 1997-1999
Dana Hills High School/ South Orange County School of the Arts
Helped develop curriculum for theater vocal class, taught own theater classes (with up to 70 high school students at once). Music director and walk on coach for all school theater productions.
Travel Organizer and Educational Leader 1997-1998
Santa Margarita Catholic High School and SOCSA
Tour organizer and leader of high school student theater trip to New York City.
Private Music Coach 1990-1991, 1994-1999
Coached students for school and community theatre programs. Helped students prepare for the Advanced Placement Music Theory test. Taught voice, drama and music lessons.
Music Teacher Fall 1988, Spring 1989, 1993-1994
Santa Cruz Catholic School, Tucson, AZ
Music and choral teacher for all grades K-8. Developed and implemented music program for
entire school, including choosing texts and working with teachers to develop curriculums for
kindergarten through eighth grades.
WALK-ON COACH, K-12
Musical Score Orchestrator 2001-2002
Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Tommy and Footloose
Sound Engineer and Tech Assistant 1996-1997
Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Working
Music Studio Coach 1995-1996
Capistrano Valley High School
Computer music and electronic recording music studio coach and tech advisor.
Musical Score Orchestrator 1994-1995
Capistrano Valley High School
Fiddler on the Roof
COMMUNITY AND CHILDREN’S THEATER
As a children’s theater director/ music director, I planned, organized, directed and raised funding for children’s theater shows at numerous locations. I regularly directed casts of over 100
participants, often single-handedly. I worked with age ranges from 4 years through senior
citizens in a single show. I also wrote original shows and composed the music. Show titles
available upon request.
Writer/ Director/ Music Director/ Advisor to the board/ Co-writer/Composer 1997-2001
Musical Theatre Academy of Orange County, Costa Mesa, CA
Director 1996-1997
Mission Viejo Lake Association
Children’s summer drama workshop
Music Director/ Writer/ Director 1996-1997
Laguna Niguel Playhouse
Musical Director, Vocal Instructor, Co-Writer/ Composer 1994-1996
Musical Theater Village, Mission Viejo, CA
CHURCH COUNSELOR/ YOUTH DIRECTOR
Counselor, Youth Program Spring 1995 - Winter 2000
St. Kilian’s Catholic Church, Mission Viejo, CA
Christian Theater Director/ Drama and Music Minister 1996-1997
St.Kilian’s Catholic Church
Youth group, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat
Director of Music for the teen services 1993-1994
Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church, Tucson, AZ
Youth Group Counselor 1993-1994
Santa Cruz Catholic School, Tucson, AZ
Life Teen Music Minister 1991-1992
Mission San Juan Capistrano, CA
Music and Drama Minister/ Coach 1990-1991
St. Edward's Catholic Church, Dana Point, CA
Sunday School Teacher: Pre-school 1987-1988
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Camp Counselor Summer 1986
Presbyterian Church Camp, Big Bear, CA
COURSES COMFORTABLE TEACHING
Education
Pedagogy
Teacher training (general)
Curriculum and instruction
Speaking
Classroom management
Library and reading skills
Research for writing
Writing for publication
Art and illustration for the classroom
Children’s books and media (professional)
History
World history
Environmental economics (historical)
European Reformation and Counter-Reformation
Comparative world religions and trade
British History: Late Medieval through 18th Century
French History: Late Medieval through the French Revolution
Early Modern European History (specialization: England and France)
European Reformation and Counter-Reformation
Medieval through Early Modern Middle Eastern History
German History (Early Modern)
Gender Issues (Early Modern)
Historical theory
Humanities
Literature - College level interdisciplinary training and teaching experience
Music - Choir, Music for drama and musicals
Art - Drawing; Adobe CC suites (2015 current - entire suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, After
Effects, Premier, In-Design, and all major plug-ins); Painting; Illustration; Art and
Illustration for the classroom; Puppet making and sewing for puppeteers
Computers
Educational computing
Educational technology
Professional advanced multimedia technology, streaming software expertise
Please see computing experience list (comfortable teaching, as well)
Known Live Scan and Background Checks 1987, 1997, 2004, 2008, 2012
For different teaching and coaching positions
PAPERS AND CONFERENCES
ACADEMIC
University of California, Irvine, Alumni Career Panel (fall 2011 and winter 2012) Additional
classroom lectures for humanities and film studies students for Dr. Catherine Liu
Concordia University Irvine, Linking Literacy Conference, Irvine, CA (May 2010) “Art as
Prewriting” (with Prof. Rebecca Stanton)
University of San Francisco, Thacher Gallery Guest Artist and Speaker (Sept. 2011) Art and
Literature in Humanities, “The Arts as Education and Business.” Additional classroom lectures
on art and the classroom, art and theory, and character development during the fall of 2010.
Pacific Coast Conference on British Studies, Newport Beach, CA (March 2006) “From Murder
at Bootham Gate to Moaning at the Mayor: Civic Stress Response to Monastic Disorder and the
Dissolutions in York," University of California, Irvine Graduate History and Theory Conference (January 2005)
“Monasticism and State: The Problems and Possibilities of National Identity in Sixteenth-
Century England” Conference on Early Modern British Studies, Huntington Library, CA (May 2003)
“Thomas Cromwell’s Dilemmas: Rhetoric in Sixteenth Century Preambles”
Graduate History and Theory Conference, University of California, Irvine (January 2006)
Committee member, panel chair, web site development
MarSea Conference of Maritime World History, Laguna Beach, CA (February 2004). Conference
assistant, liaison, and reporter. I also helped coordinate reimbursement for all travelers, foreign
and domestic.
University of California, TLtC, interview with Paula Murphy (TLtC Associate Director), “Hands-
On History: Putting students in touch with the past,” (February 2004): http://www.uctltc.org/
news/2004/02/feature.html
Western Society for French History, 31st Annual Conference, Newport Beach, CA (October
2003): Program Editor and assistant for local arrangements.
Saddleback College, Mission Viejo, CA (1998-1999) - Several essays published in Prof. Suzanne
Crawford’s English 1A and 1B composition manual for future textbooks.
PUBLIC SEMINARS, SPEAKING, AND APPEARANCES
Laguna Woods Seminar, Continuing Education program January 2012
Creativity - Preparing the Body, Mind, and Space for Creative Efforts.
Concordia University, Orange County Readers Association 2012
Guest Speaker
Mission Viejo Readers Festival Author/Illustrator 2010-2013
Guest speaker and artist
Lead educator, artist, speaker, program organizer 2011
Thacher Gallery “Monsters in the Bookshelves”
University of San Francisco, San Francisco City Libraries, Oakland elementary schools, San
Francisco Lit Quake - Art and Illustration, visiting teacher for the classroom, as part of the
Thacher Gallery Studio 5 gallery show in fall 2011
Author/ Guest Speaker Appearances
UCLA - LA Times Book Fair
Gucci Book Release of Red Rocker's Hairy Day Picture Book (2012)
Dior Store South Coast Plaza Book Release, Izzy and the Candy Palace children’s charity (2010)
South Coast Plaza Guest Artist, The Candy Palace (Dec. 2010- Dec. 2013)
Children’s Charity Fair, South Coast Plaza (multiple dates)
University of California Entertainment and Film Conference- Guest Speaker (2012)
San Francisco Lit Quake (2011)
Whale of a Tale Bookshoppe (multiple dates for multiple books)
Newport Beach Public Library
University of San Francisco Thacher Gallery and Library (2011)
San Francisco Public Libraries
Charles Schulz Museum, Santa Rosa, CA (2011)
Santa Rosa Book Fair
Mission Viejo Public Library (multiple dates)
Costa Mesa Public Libraries
Los Angeles Public Libraries (various)
Barnes and Noble (various)
Orange County Public Libraries (various)
Elementary schools (numerous public schools across several districts in Orange County)
Saint Margaret’s Episcopal School
Oakland Public Libraries (various)
Merage Jewish Community Center
Tarbut Jewish School, Irvine
Santa Margarita Catholic High School
JSerra Catholic School
Huntington Beach Public Library
Harbor Day Elementary School
Tiddlywinks Bookstore, Orange, CA
Pretend City Children’s Museum, Irvine, CA
PUBLISHING
Children’s Books
Haunted Histories (1 & 2) - MacMillan Publishing, Henry Holt, Ottaviano Press (International
Reading Association - Children’s Choice Award, 2013)
Izzy and the Candy Palace - MMJ Press (Parent’s Award)
Red Rocker’s Hairy Day - MMJ Press
No!No!No! - MMJ Press
Doxie - MMJ Press
Articles and Interviews
Children’s Book Insider - Children’s publishing and the new transmedia world
Society for Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators Kite Tales - “Building a Successful
Relationship with a Chain Bookstore” (Spring, 2009)
Illustrator’s Sunday - “Writing and Illustrating Children’s Books”
Reading Tub - “Reading Books to Children in the Classroom”
Author’s Now! - Interview
Career Day (international) - Television episode about my children’s book career
Young Icons (international) - Television episode about my children’s book and charity work
Publishing World - 3 part interview with Elena Johnson on children’s book writing and
illustration
People Magazine - Izzy and the Candy Palace article on charity program
Write-On-Con Writer’s conference - guest speaker
SCBWI Author’s Day - Guest speaker
LA Confidential
Between the Lines - UCI Humanities
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Research Professor 2013-2014
University of California, Irvine Humanities (media, transmedia studies, and humanities)
Worked with the director of media studies and the dean of Humanities to research and explain
transmedia concepts to Humanities students in order that they would comprehend the changes in transmedia in Humanities and education. Emphasis was put on the work of independent content creators, professors, and students. Also responsible for organizing guests from the media world for panel discussions in classrooms.
Dissertation research 2006–2008
Huntington Library (Pasadena, California)
Dissertation research March 2005 – June 2005
England
York Civic Archives, England’s National Archives (Kew), Institute of Historical Research
(University of London), the British Library (London), and the British Museum (London)
Dissertation research 2002
Vatican Library, Rome, Italy
Researched the correspondence between England and the Papacy in the sixteenth century during Henry VIII’s break from Rome, from the perspective of the Vatican. Granted a one-year research pass with possibility for renewal.
Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Paris, France.
Researched the connection between Brittany, Arthurian Legend, and England through books and
documents only available at the BN. Granted a one-year research pass with eligibility to renew.
Lambeth Palace Library, London, England.
Researched documents related to correspondence between England and the Papacy during the
period of Henry VIII’s break from Rome. Specifically, I reviewed letters and court documents,
observing language used in legal prose eventually reconstituted in Parliamentary documents
relating to Rome. Granted a five-year research pass with eligibility to renew.
Research Assistant, UCI British County project 2001–2006
University of California, Irvine
Part of the research and development team developing a computer (MAPP) program that
immerses students in historical environments. Also developed a pod cast program.
Research Assistant, UCI/Cambridge University project 2001–2002
University of California, Irvine
Assisted in the development of a cross-continental database of sixteenth century court records for further study, based on the Salisbury Manuscripts from the Historical Manuscripts Commission. Project utilized File Maker Pro.
ARCHIVE PRIVILEGES
National Archives (Kew, UK)
The British Library (London)
Lambeth Palace Library (London)
York Archives (UK)
Durham Archives (UK)
British Museum (London)
Institute for Historical Research (London)
York Civic Archives (UK)
York Minster Archives (UK)
Vatican Library and Archives (Rome)
Bibliothèque Nationale de France (Paris)
Huntington Library Researcher (US)
American Philology Association
American Historical Association
Pacific Coast Conference on British Studies (US)
AWARDS AND GRANTS
TEACHING AWARDS
Instructional Resources Teaching Award 2008
Award for teaching excellence across multiple disciplines for classroom management and
pedagogy.
Humanities Associates Excellence in Teaching Award 2004
This was a cash award for excellence in teaching for humanities. Graduate students from across the College of Humanities competed for this award.
OTHER AWARDS
Second Harvest Food Bank, Founder’s Legacy Award 2014
Orange County Second Harvest Food Bank
Izzy’s Corner, Orange County, CA
Spirit of Volunteerism Award Honoree (One OC) 2013
Izzy’s Corner and The Candy Palace children’s charity
Orange County, CA
Lauds and Laurels Distinguished Alumnus Award 2012
University of California, Irvine - Distinguished alumnus in charity and professional publishing
for children.
University of California (Statewide) Promise for Education 2012
“Inspiration” honoree
Food Bank of Orange County - Volunteer Award 2011
Izzy’s Corner - Children’s charity to feed school children in Orange County, CA
12
Book Award, Department of German 2000
This book award was for excellence in the study of German language and/or literature.
GRANTS
UCI Faculty Research Grant 2007
For completion of dissertation research and writing
International Center for Writing and Translation 2005
A University of California wide competitive grant. This is a cash award for dissertation research
travel and study.
Humanities Center Grant for Dissertation Research 2005
A competitive grant in the School of Humanities. This is a cash award for dissertation research
travel and study.
Summer Travel Fellowship 2002
Summer travel grant to offset costs of travel and study abroad for early dissertation research.
Regents Graduate Fee Fellowship 2001
For excellence in scholarship, used to offset costs of first year attendance at the University of
California.
Calvin G. White Scholarship 2000
Humanities-wide winner of this award for excellence in scholarship in humanities
Klein Award for Religious Studies 2000
Humanities-wide winner of this award for scholarship in Religious Studies.
UNIVERSITY SERVICE AND PROFESSIONAL/ TEACHING DEVELOPMENT
Productive Humanities Group 2006-2009
University of California, Irvine
One of the founding committee members of a group of humanities based academics that help
need based organizations through grant writing, program creation, and project management. The group is of national scope and focused on securing grants for K-12 level humanities, library,
literacy, and arts programs.
History Department Graduate Mentor Program 2006-2007
University of California, Irvine
Founding committee member
IRC Pedagogical Fellow 2002-2006
University of California, Irvine
Teacher Trainer for the Instructional Resources Center
One year of training; developed and taught 12-15 teaching workshops on an annual basis to
different departments; served as a regular member of the IRC interview committee for
prospective new recruits.
Pedagogical Fellows Interview Committee Member Spring 2005
University of California, Irvine
Instructional Resources Center/ History Department
I was one of five members of a panel responsible for hiring the next set of Pedagogical fellows
(formerly Teaching Assistant Consultants) for the Instructional Resources Center, the History
department, and the Education department. I was responsible for reviewing application files,
interviewing, and participating in all aspects of the hiring process for the position.
Teaching Assistant Training Workshop Summer 2003
University of California, Irvine
Coordinator and trainer for incoming teaching assistants to the History department.
TA website development Fall 2004 – Fall 2005
University of California, Irvine, History Department
Graduate Career workshop October 2004
University of California, Irvine, Career Center
I aided the Director of the Career Counseling Center by previewing the materials for an
upcoming workshop on alternative career choices for doctoral students of the university. I was
asked to assess the usefulness, clarity, and completeness of the materials and then offer any
feedback and/or redesign of the workshops that I felt might improve them for actual use.
Merit Review Committee Fall 2003
University of California, Irvine, History Department
I was the graduate student representative for the review committee of Dr. Young Chen. I was
responsible for collecting, reviewing, assessing and writing a portion of the report on Dr. Chen’s
teaching and graduate advising.
Disciplinary Review Board 2002-2003
University of California, Irvine
I was an alternate member of the UCI disciplinary review board.
PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES
ACADEMIC
Golden Key National Honor Society, member, 2001
Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society, member, 2001
UCI History Club (Editor)
American Historical Association (AHA), member, 2001
American Philology Association (APA), member, 2000
Pacific Coast Conference on British Studies (PCCBS), member and presenter
Huntington Library Conference on Early Modern British Studies, member
Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society, member, 1999
Phi Alpha Theta, National Honor Society for History, member, 2001
Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society, member, 1999
Dean’s List
PUBLISHING AND MEDIA
• Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)
• Children’s Book Insider (CBI)
• Orange County Illustrators
• Orange County Cartoonists Guild
• American Society of Composers and Publishers, ASCAP 1999
• Stage 32
• ImDB
• Author’s Now
PALEOGRAPHY AND LANGUAGES
Fifteenth and Sixteenth Century Paleography - Two years course work (UCI) and day-
sessions at the Huntington Library. Two years of dissertation research work on primary source
documents from ecclesiastic records, Stowe manuscripts, Duchy of Lancaster, various city
archive records, and Early English Books Online. Language credit for PhD.
German – functional reading, writing, speaking. Three years of college German language and
literature. Language credit for PhD.
Latin – functional some reading. Three years primary document research for MA and PhD. One
month research experience in Rome; mostly research on sixteenth and seventeenth century
documents. Training in ecclesiastical Latin.
Law French – functional written translation.
CHARITY WORK
Second Harvest Food Bank Orange County (The Candy Palace/ Izzy’s Corner/ Lion’s Den)
Newport and El Toro, CA 2010 - Current
As part of the Michelle Merage Janavs Foundation and Press, I helped to form and structure the
non-profit publishing company. I editorially guided, created, and illustrated the parent award
winning The Candy Palace picture book, as well as edited and illustrated three other picture
books: Red Rocker's Hairy Day, No, No, No and Doxie. I continue to serve as creative partner
and artist ambassador for the Charity and MMJ Foundation. I work with the original creators of
the project, Isabel Janavs and Michelle Merage Janavs, to guide K-8 children’s creative
publishing projects to raise funding to serve the community at large. Isabel started the project at
nine years old and continues to work on our award winning children’s charity program, which
give 100% of its proceeds to food bank programs.
The Candy Palace and the MMJ Foundation sponsor several school programs throughout the
year to encourage student creativity and introduce Orange County children to philanthropy. All
programs are free to schools, and materials are provided by the foundation. The Paper Palace
Program is a coin collection program currently working in several businesses and schools around
Orange and Los Angeles Counties. The Candy Palace Writing Contest, a biennial contest where
students have the opportunity to have their stories turned into professionally illustrated and
published children’s books, has produced four books. I also developed, designed, and created
Izzy's Corner, the first of its kind children’s charity center in a food bank in the U.S. for the
Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. To date, the program has raised over $300,000
and continues to partner with myriad numbers of businesses and charity groups including Dior,
Gucci, South Coast Plaza, Assouline Books, the Harvesters, and many others to continue raising
funds to fight child hunger by funding after school programs around Orange County.
In addition to funding numerous Kid’s Cafes in Orange County, I recently helped to create The
Lion’s Den with the food bank. The Lion’s Den is a free “shop with dignity” food center at
Lincoln School, Anaheim CA. I designed, created, and installed all artwork for the new food
center at the school. We opened the center in September 2015 with our corporate partner, Target.
I continue to work with the Candy Palace and Second Harvest Food Bank Orange County on a
monthly basis for several projects.
Mission Viejo Library (2007-2014) I have made numerous appearances for school nights, kid
fairs, author events and reading events to help with public education outreach for the library in
the city of Mission Viejo.
USF, Oakland City & San Francisco City schools (2011) - I helped Thomas Lucas curate the
University of San Francisco’s Thacher Gallery exhibition of animation, book illustrations, and
fine art, “Monsters in the Bookshelf.” It highlighted Studio 5, my collective of illustrators for
16
children that included the co-creator of Scooby-Doo, a master toymaker and a Caldecott winner.
Through the art of illustration and how-to books, these artists not only tell stories, but teach their
craft. I contributed several pieces of art and an original children’s picture book that was made
available free digitally to all attendees.
Designed with young children in mind, “Monsters in the Bookshelf” introduced the art of
illustration in a variety of modes - from childhood sketchbooks to life-size canvases, from
animation storyboards to book galleys, from whimsical dioramas to educational videos -
reminding viewers of the creative exploration, fine art practices and dramatic structures behind
visual storytelling. “Monsters in the Bookshelf” included a tour and activities for K-12 classes to
use before, during and after their visits to the exhibition. These lesson plans were based on state
standards and were written by my wife, Becky, and me.
Charles Schulz Museum, Santa Rosa Book Fair, Oakland and SF inner city schools (2011) I
helped organize a program of artists to teach classes, give live art demonstrations and make
public library appearances to teach school children about our craft.
Viejo Elementary School (Mission Viejo, CA, 2010) - Library refurbishment and mural - Faced
with budget cuts that limited library resources and pushed toward technology that favored digital
type over the printed word, parents, students and faculty at Viejo Elementary worked with me to
beautify and replenish the school library. My wife, Becky, and I led the effort, along with school
librarian Nora Gutierrez. We came up with a to-do list that changed the space from a room
through which students walked on their way to recess to a place in which the kids would want to
spend time. We designed and painted library murals and artwork, plus organized parent and
community volunteers, press, and fundraising efforts. Along with the mural, the library was
outfitted with a story time rug and chair, a projector and screen, and numerous new books.
SKILLS, EDUCATIONAL COMPUTING AND TECHNOLOGY
Professional experience on both Mac and PC platforms, as well as advanced user of both
Android and iOS mobile platforms (some programming)
EDUCATIONAL COMPUTING
Distance learning and on-line course trainer - Electronic library research and data storage tools,
on-line discussion boards, online course website and electronic course development (EEE,
Blackboard, e-college)
• Electronic classroom and educational web-tools
• Multimedia lecture and classroom presentation specialist
• Electronic paper submission and editing, mailing lists
• Electronic library research and data storage tools, on-line discussion boards and chat programs,
course website development, electronic grading, group email functions, electronic syllabi, file
sharing
Feedback form creation and survey program development, class chat programs, Turn-It-Instudent paper check formats, and blogging
Professional streaming broadcast platforms (Cisco, Google, Vimeo, Wistia, YouTube
Educational platforms, and other OTT services); blogging; social media (professional level,
including news wire services)
• Experienced electronic research library researcher: the National Archives (UK), the IHR (UK),
the Vatican Library (Rome, IT), the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, the University of
California (Melvyl), and the Huntington Library
• Electronic library research and data storage; database software - Microsoft Access, File Maker
Pro. Graduate and Professional level knowledge of many computer research engines and
systems associated with humanities and social sciences research for the University of
California, University of Chicago, many British colleges and universities, as well as other
professional research tools in the field of history, humanities, and social sciences.
• Experienced with both Internet and hardware based data storage mediums, including data use
and storage: Google suites, Dropbox online suites, and DB Inbox
• Scrivener professional writing software; File Maker Pro; End Note bibliographic program, and
Mind Manager
GRANT WRITING
Grant research and writing experience for individual research funding, as well as institutional
funding for schools and charity programs.
WRITING AND PUBLISHING
• Professional children’s book writer, illustrator, and designer since 2006
• Published author for MacMillan/Henry Holt (NYC) and MMJ Press (Newport, CA)
• Published writer for magazine and press (various)
• Print publishing professional experience with Ingram Micro, Baker and Taylor, ISBN systems,
Library of Congress, and other print publication ordering systems
• Trained in and trainer for IBM and Yashica publishing/book ordering programs, IBM payroll
(exclusive to B Dalton); Noritsu, IBM, Yashica register training; IBM, Hyundai PC training
(with some DOS and Windows), Microsoft WordPerfect, Windows Excel
• Adobe CC 2015 (Entire suite- User since CS2 versions) - Photoshop (image editing and
manipulation), Illustrator, Bridge, Adobe Professional form creation, In Design, After Effects,
Premiere Pro, Animator, Audition, and most major third-party plug ins from Red Giant, Video
Copilot, and scripting
• Guest speaker for writing for publication (various)
OFFICE TECHNOLOGY AND COMPUTING SKILLS
• Professional experience with both Internet and hardware based data storage mediums;
experienced with both Internet and hardware based data storage mediums ; Database software -
Microsoft Access, File Maker Pro
• Professional experience on both Macintosh and Microsoft office platforms, including:
Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Entourage, and Outlook; Pages, Keynote, and Numbers
• Website development packages - Adobe Dreamweaver, Macintosh iWeb, Microsoft Front Page,
and Macromedia Suites; Adobe Muse, Edge, Fireworks CC 2015
• Professional experience in production workstations, office equipment and software packages,
desktop publishing, typing, document stations, copiers, fax machines, computer networking
CREATIVE SKILLS AND MEDIA COMPUTING SKILLS
ART/ PHOTOGRAPHY
• Professional digital file preparation for print media
• Digital photography (including Nikon, Canon, and Blackmagic) - Additionally, DaVinci and
Black Magic firewire and USB based data storage and transfer systems.
• Professional user - Adobe CC 2015 (entire suite - user since CS2 versions) - Photoshop (image
editing and manipulation), Illustrator, Bridge, Adobe Professional form creation, In Design,
After Effects, Premiere Pro, Animator, Audition, and most major third-party plug ins from Red
Giant, Video Copilot, and some automated scripting
• Professional Animation Software: Toon Boom systems, Adobe Animator, Cinema 4-D (basic
use), Motion Artist, Pencil, and stop-motion with Dragon Frame; Alias sketchpad, Flipbook
Pro, Flash, and Wacom tablet systems; digital photography/ video editing and layout
ART & ILLUSTRATION SKILLS
Classroom curriculum development for art and literature activities (K-12)
Museum program education and curriculum development and management for art, humanities,
and STEAM programs for universities, children’s museums, and book fairs
• Most of my art experience has been gained on the job. Beyond a few college courses, I trained
for several years with private mentors, including Roger Armstrong (Walt Disney - 2 years, as a
member of his studio), and Bob Singer (Hanna Barbera - 7 years - still current) and some work
with Alice Provensen (1 year). Also organizer of Studio 5.
• Active member of the local branch of National Cartoonists Society and the Society for
Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. I have been an organizer/ participant for OC
Illustrators, as well.
• Professional children’s book writer, illustrator, and designer for more than eight years.
Drawing and illustration utilizing various media; watercolor, gouache and acrylics; cartooning,
pen and ink, collage (digital)
• Additional oil painting instruction from Roger Armstrong and Alice Provensen
• Animation (stop-motion, CGI, and cel)
• Puppeteering and puppet making (all forms)
• Digital photography
VIDEO
• Fully versed in the running and utilization of all aspects of digital audio and film studio
management and render farms (expert)
• Digital film color correction, editing, and CGI special effects (including text effects), sampling,
and digital image and sound manipulation
• Experienced studio Chromakey and keying effects (with lighting/gaffing, and some motion
capture experience)
• Professional user - Adobe CC 2015 (entire suite - user since CS2 versions) - Photoshop (image
editing and manipulation), Illustrator, Bridge, Adobe Professional form creation, In Design,
After Effects, Premiere Pro, Animator, Audition, and most major third-party plug ins from Red
Giant, Video Copilot, and scripting, Edge, Media Encoder, Speed Grade
• Magic Bullet and Red Giant systems (2015)
• DaVinci video editing suite (2015)
AUDIO AND LIGHTING
Digital Audio Workstations and audio editing: Session 8, Sound Forge, Pro Tools, Final Cut
Pro, All Sonic Foundry suites, Master Tracks Pro, Digital Performer, Audio Desk, Digi-design,
Avid, and Peak
Digital Sequencing Software: Cakewalk, Finale, Performer, Acid, all Microsoft Office
packages, Adobe products (Photoshop, Illustrator); computer sampling and synthesis, MIDI
synching
Professional experience: analog and digital multi-track recording, pre and post editing,
Digital sound and film editing, and all iMac/ iLife programs including iMovie and Garageband
(expert); Adobe Audition, Amadeus, Sony Acid Suites
•Professional sound and lighting experience (live and recorded) - lighting boards (primarily NSI
systems); sound boards including but not limited to: Mackie, Neve, Soundcraft, Ramsa, and
Tascam. Sound expertise includes: running live PA systems, sound and lighting theater
installation and mastering, studio installation and mastering, worship installation
Some professional experience with projection for theater (Saddleback College, South Shores
Baptist Church, Laguna Niguel Theater, SOCSA)
Pod casting - Garage Band, M-Audio, Sound Forge, and Sound Studio 3
BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
Senior Partner - Producer, New Film Group, LLC, Wilderness, LLC; Film Marbles and Bullets; iMDB ,
Encinitas, CA
Senior Partner - Producer, EverWitt Productions, LLC
Encinitas, CA
Responsible for running day-to-day studio and production business for EWP. Specialize as public
educator in the creation of children’s K-8 educational media: coordinating, writing, creating
educational media pieces based on STEAM, problem based learning, interdisciplinary literature,
science, and art educational segments and shows for both inside and as an extension of the
classroom into the home. As part of my position, I work with well known educators, creative
artists, bankers, corporate partners, publishers, and broadcasters in New York, Los Angeles, and
Atlanta to create film, puppetry, art, and audio for transmedia dissemination in the public
education space. EWP remains in talks with MacMillan Publishing, University of Seattle,
Discovery Channel, and PBS.
Children’s Book Author and Illustrator Ongoing
Jill Corcoran Literary Agency, Palo Alto, California
Andrea Brown Literary Agency, Palo Alto, California and Manhattan, New York
Christy Ottaviano Books, Henry Holt Publishing, Manhattan, New York
MMJ Press, Newport, CA
As a freelance Author and Illustrator, I am currently signed to a two-book per year deal with
Christy Ottaviano on an illustrated children’s history series called Haunted Histories. I am signed
with the top children’s literary agency on the West Coast and currently have several other titles
and media projects being shopped in the public children’s book market.
Jim Henson Company 2012
Concept Illustrator/ Artist
Duties included helping edit show bibles and created new images for the pre-school children’s
show Hattie Hagby and created new concept illustrations for popular PBS show Sid the Science
Kid children’s book crossover project.
Scholastic Books 2011
Concept artist - Created hard cover concept for Wishworks, Inc. from Scholastic Books. Although
my final art was not used, my concept and composition were.
Editor 2010-2012
Teacher Created Resources, Westminster, California
Part of the editorial team responsible for design and layout of California Standards based K-12
educational texts. Coordinated with managing editor on developing the raw intellectual property
from artists and authors to product suitable for the house to publish. Responsible for a book’s
editorial decisions through the entire publishing process.
Freelance Website Developer 2001-2007
Designed and implemented websites and all associated data storage and course information for
courses in British, European, and World history, as well as websites for academic conferences
(UC History Department, Mar Sea World History Conference), departmental graduate student
teaching websites (UCIRC), local charity groups, businesses (X-Group, Inc. Applied Genius
Communications), and professional organizations (OC Illustrators)
President/ CEO 2001-2003
BSR Publishing, Inc.
Music, literature, theater publishing, intellectual property. Responsibilities included the daily
running of the business, as well as all aspects of managing product creation and marketing. The
company produced educational materials in humanities and the arts. It also managed my music
and theater properties. ASCAP member
Advisor to the Board 2001-2002
(Acted as C.O.O for 6 months)
Applied Genius, Inc.
Communications and technology company (Internet security and insurance media). My duties
included overseeing the operations of daily business, as well as serving on a board which
determined product lines, dealt with client needs, considered asset allocation, and decided
marketing strategy.
Advisor to the Board 2000-2002
X’it Group, Inc.
Internet publishing and marketing company for Internet and advertising design, specializing in
Internet security, family safety, and crime prevention.
