Michelle Helen Phaneuf

Artist and art teacher with 6+ years experience developing art curricula for students on the autism spectrum with a focus on promoting creative expression and developing fine motor skills. Proficient in teaching diverse art techniques including fine arts, craft, and prop and costume design for theatrical school events. Multidisciplinary artist working in mixed media, collage, textiles and paint exploring artwork that comments on disability, specifically her experience with invisible neurological symptoms. 

Education

BFA Art Education

Virginia Commonwealth University / 2017

G.P.A. 3.89

Teaching License

Initial License in Visual Art (5-12) 

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 

Work Experience

Art Teacher 

Boston Higashi School / 2020 - present, Randolph, MA 

  • SPED art teacher for high school students with autism 

  • Event planner for school events

  • Student artwork show coordinator 

Teaching Assistant, Art Teacher 

Faison Center / 2019 - 2020, Richmond, VA 

  • ABA teaching assistant for early intervention program for children with autism 

  • Developed and implemented art program

Art Program Manager, Art Teacher

Romp n’ Roll / 2015 - 2018, Richmond VA    

  • Teacher of art, music, and PE for children ages 1-5 

  • Developed and implemented art curriculum 

Student Teaching Internship 

Blackwell Elementary, Varina High School / 2017, Richmond, VA 

  • Elementary art teacher in Richmond Public Schools 

  • Digital Arts and Ceramics teacher in Richmond Public Schools 

 Art Instructor 

North River Arts Society / 2015-2016, Marshfield, MA 

  • Developed curriculum and taught Summer Arts Camp for children age 6-12 

  • Hosted student art exhibition 

Volunteer Experience

Art Instructor 

Community Arts Workshops / 2018 - 2020, Richmond, VA 

  • Taught free workshops in Richmond area libraries, community centers, etc. in papermaking, painting, collage, etc.                                                       

Student Mentor 

Carver Elementary School / 2014 - 2017, Richmond, VA

  • Met weekly with a student to create artwork and provide academic support 

Art Instructor 

North River Arts Society Festival of the Arts / 2008 - 2014 , Marshfield, MA,

  • Volunteered at children’s craft tent 

Professional Development

MoMA Online Certificate Courses / 2020

  • Art & Ideas: Teaching with Themes, Modern Art & Ideas

  • Art & Inquiry: Museum Teaching Strategies for your Classroom 

Registered Behavior Technician / 2020 

  • 40 hour online training through the Faison Center

Art Skills

Drawing, painting (acrylic, watercolor, oil), printmaking (block printing, monotypes, screen printing), ceramics (handbuilding, wheelthrowing), collage, sculpture (paper mache, paper clay), papermaking, book arts & binding, weaving, embroidery, felting, batik dying 

Art Exhibitions

North River Arts Society Juried Show / Marshfield MA, 2024

Slacktide Coffee Shop / Hanover, MA 2023 - present 

Sand & Water Arts Fair / Marshfield, MA/  2018                     

RAW Artists Showcase / Richmond, VA / 2018 

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