Jodi Aker, M.A.T., ATR-BC, NBCT
CURRICULUM VITAE
e-mail: jocoartist@gmail.com
Biographical Data
Age: 39
Place of Birth: New York City
Current Residence: Clayton, NC
Certification
National Board Certified Teacher 2007
National Board Certified Art Therapist 1997
Education
Master of Arts in Teaching, Spring 1997
University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
Specialization: Art, K - 12
Master of Arts in Art Therapy, Spring 1993
University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
Specialization: Group and Family Therapy
National Art Therapy Board Certification: 1997
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Spring 1990
University of Hartford, West Hartford, Connecticut
Major: Photography
Minor: Art History
Work Experience
Art Teacher
Southeast Raleigh High School, 2002 to Present
Supervisor: Kathleen Benningfield, Assistant Principal
I teach Visual Arts I, II, III, IV and Sculpture/Ceramics classes. In past years I taught Broadcasting and Communication as well. The art classes emphasize portfolio development for all students with a focus on technology and digital presentation, for career and college preparation. Students frequently win awards and scholarships in art locally and nationally. I started an “Expressive Art” class that addresses the needs of “at risk” and low scoring (state testing) students at SRMHS.
additonal duties include:
mentor teacher training, currently mentoring two beginning teachers
supervisor for an Art Therapy Intern, who is co-leading the Expressive Art class
co-chair for Staff Development, Wake County’s High School Art Teachers
mentor of senior students working on graduation projects
co-sponsor of the National Art Honor Society 2004-2008
member of the Scheduling Team 2008
sponsor for the Gay Straight Alliance 2002-2004
member of the Scholarship Interview Committee 2003-2005
Art Teacher
New Albany High School, 1997 to 2002
Supervisor: Janet Page, Vice Principal
I taught Drawing, Sculpture, Crafts, and Design to 10 - 12 grade students. I started Printmaking and Advanced Photography classes while working there, and introduced an "Expressive Art" group as a pilot program, to incorporate art therapy into the school curriculum. In 2002, I supervised an Art Therapy Intern who worked with students at the high school. Students were encouraged to participate in contests and art fairs, and exhibit their work. Grants were applied for and received for a school and community Harassment Awareness Program, and a multicultural mask-making workshop. I was also the school district Art Curriculum Chair and the teacher-sponsor of the Fairness Club, an affiliate of the Gay Straight Alliance.
Expressive Therapist
Silvercrest Children's Development Center, 1993-1997
Supervisor: Gigi McKnight
I was hired as the first Art Therapist for the center. I worked in conjunction with the recreation department to provide art as therapy to low functioning (physically and/or mentally) children. I also worked with the social services specialists to provide art therapy to students from abusive or negligent homes, both individually and in groups.
In addition, I supervised practicum and pre-practicum students from the University of Louisville's Art Therapy program.
Art and Awards
Third Place for Photography, NC State Fair, Juried Photography exhibit, 2007
Two entries, NC State Fair, Juried Photography exhibit, 2006
“Best in Show for Technique” award, Raleigh Street Painting Festival, 2006
Participant in JOCO Artist Guild exhibits:
“Water: Over, Under, Through,” September 2007
“The Art of Music,” traveling show 2007
“Caffeine: the Art of the Bean,” traveling show 2006-2007
“Cool Shades of Summer,” August 2006
“Best in Show: Most Original” award, Raleigh Street Painting Festival, 2005
Solo Art Exhibit: “Human Form in Many Forms,” September 2004
“Teachers as Artists,” Juried Show, Meredith College, August 2003
Accepted into seven monthly juried shows, Red Door Gallery, 2004
Two Second Place awards for photography, Harvest Homecoming, September, 2000
Published photograph, "K and I Bridge"
Louisville Eccentric Observer, Literary LEO, September 8, 1999
Cover Photograph, Carousel Horse, Antiques and Collectables Magazine, Fall 1991
Salisbury Award for Outstanding Achievements in the Arts, University of Hartford, 1990
Presentations
An Experiential Introduction to Art Therapy
• presented to healthcare providers in Johnston County, North Carolina
Art Therapy with Adolescents/A Review of the Harassment Awareness Campaign
· presented to the Kentucky Art Therapy Association
Art Therapy With Adolescents
· presented to the counselors at New Albany High School
Dealing Calmly with an Out of Control Teen
An Overview of the Art Therapy Process
Stress Management and Relaxation
· in-service presentations, Silvercrest Children's Development Center
Other Experience
Art Specialist
• Creativity Center, Clayton, North Carolina, Summer Program, 2003-2004
Art Specialist
· Jeffersonville, Indiana, Parks and Recreation Summer Program, 1996-1998
· Jewish Community Center, Louisville, Kentucky: summer program, 1991-1994
Photography Instructor
· Jewish Community Center, Louisville, Kentucky: 1994-1995
Darkroom Technician
· University of Louisville, faculty newspaper, 1991-1992
· Camera Works, Hartford Connecticut, 1989-1990
Professional Organizations and Volunteer Work
Wake County Public Schools, High School Art Staff Development Chair
Art Therapy Association of North Carolina, Chapter Delegate 2006-present
JOCO Artist Guild, Johnston County North Carolina, founder and President 2005-2007
American Art Therapy Association
American Art Educators Association
Kentucky Art Therapy Association (1991-2002), Membership Committee chair 2001-2002
Speed Art Museum: Teacher Advisory Board (1998-2002); free sketchbook tours for high school students, 1999-2000
Donated photographs to the Johnston County Art Council for fund-raising auction, 2007 and 2008
Donated photographs to the Art Council of Southern Indiana for fund-raising auction, 2000 and 2001