MS. ASHLEY LYNN
A Little Bit About Me
Hi y’all! I’m Ms. Ashley, the owner and director of SmARTies: Art & Science After-School Classes and Summer Camp. I love working with kids and creating, and I believe there is a special place for art in everyone’s life. Anyone is capable of engaging in the creative and therapeutic process that art provides, and early exposure to art education can spark a lifelong practice of imagination and expanded learning.
I hold a Master’s in Art and Education from the Academy of Art University and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Criminology, Women’s Studies, and African American Studies from Florida Southern College. I specialize in building interdisciplinary curriculum through the lens of art and in creating magical, engaging environments for learning. I am privileged to be an elementary school art and STEAM educator in my hometown of Santa Barbara, CA.
CAREER
Training and Qualifications
STEAM EDUCATOR
2024- Current
STEAM educator of 280+ children and 17 classes. Builds engaging and visually rich environments and curriculum that invite curiosity, collaboration, and deeper understanding across science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
DIRECTOR & OWNER
June 2021-Current
SmARTies was created out of the pandemic and the need for more tactile experiences and reengagement of hands-on learning. Specially designed weekly curriculum for a max of 24 students that incorporates science and art in a seamlessly blended fun=filled combination. Duration of projects is child led, allowing for more time or needed breaks. The top priority is finding the fun in learning and imagination through exploration.
January 2018-2024
ART SPECIALIST
Art educator of 300+ children and 14 classes. Curriculum tailed to each age group involving art history, art theory, and exposure to multiple mediums and tools.
SUBSITUTE TEACHER
September 2018- Current
Substitute teacher for the Hope School District: Monte Vista Elementary School, Vieja Valley Elementary School, and Hope Elementary School.