Nina joined Pittsburgh Public Schools in 2018 as Coordinator of Visual Arts and Design where she works collaboratively with teachers, community partners and fellow administrators in the Curriculum and Instruction Department. Traveling throughout the city to support teachers, learn in school communities and interact with the youth and community partners offers her the inspiration needed to continue to propel forward her dedication to offering high quality learning experiences in the visual arts to all children. A recent collaboration forged between Carnegie Museum of Art has afforded fourth grade classes the unique opportunity to respond to and interact with works of art during multiple museum visits that were thoughtfully planned by school and museum staff using a transdisciplinary approach.
Nina was honored with the Pennsylvania State Art Education Association Outstanding Supervision/Administration Art Educator Award in 2017 and presents powerful testimony to the value of an education rich in arts and creativity at regional and national events. She is breaking barriers that have prevented many children from reaching their full potential as human beings by advocating for a well rounded and inclusive approach to education.
Previously, Nina served as Principal of Wylandville Elementary in the Canon-McMillan School District where she worked to promote visible thinking and arts-based teaching practices that challenged the faculty to grow as learners. Creativity and innovation were made essential to student learning during her tenure. Nina has long been an active participant in the work of the Arts Education Collaborative serving on the steering council, multiple committees, attending the inaugural Leadership Academy along with being a participant and presenter for the Community of Learners for Arts Education.
Nina began her career as an art teacher at Chartiers Valley Primary School in 1999 where she taught for seven years. She holds a bachelor of science in art education and a minor in art history from The Pennsylvania State University and a master of public management in educational leadership from Carnegie Mellon University. Nina and her husband cherish the time they get to spend with with their 10 year-old daughter, who inspires them as she navigates adversity like a champ.