MEET THE HEART BEHIND TEACHER MOMMY LIFE
Hi, I’m Sheila. I believe creative learning starts with connection.
I’m a school counselor, former classroom teacher, arts-integration specialist, author, and mom. I believe big feelings and curious minds deserve more than one-size-fits-all solutions.
Welcome to my little corner of the internet, where I share creative lessons, practical tools, children’s books, and real-life encouragement for teachers, school counselors, and families.
20+ years
in education, from classrooms to school counseling
9 years
teaching before becoming a school counselor
One mission
help children feel understood, connected, and ready to learn
HOW I GOT HERE
From the Classroom to the Counseling Office
I started my career as a classroom teacher, working with students across elementary, middle, and high school. Nine years later, I moved into school counseling. That change expanded the way I thought about learning: a child’s feelings, relationships, creativity, and academic growth are all connected.
Today, I work as an elementary school counselor. Supporting students with different needs has taught me that the most effective ideas aren’t always complicated. Often, they’re the small, intentional moments that help a child feel safe, capable, or seen.
And because I’ve been the teacher managing a busy classroom, the counselor trying to reach every student, and the parent figuring things out at home, I care about strategies people can actually use.
MY CREATIVE APPROACH
Art Isn’t Just an Extra. It’s a Way In.
Some children can explain exactly what they’re feeling. Others need to draw it, act it out, move, tell a story, or create something before the words arrive.
That’s why I love combining social-emotional learning, the arts, and academic content. In my lessons, students don’t just hear about cooperation or empathy. They get to practice those skills together—through visual art, music, movement, drama, and reflection.
My goal is to make learning meaningful, joyful, and manageable for the adults guiding it.
WHAT YOU’LL FIND HERE
A Little Inspiration for Real Life
Big Feelings & SEL
Calming routines, emotional check-ins, friendship and kindness ideas that make space for every feeling.
Creative Lessons
Arts-integrated activities, visual thinking, classroom routines, and resources made for busy educators.
Books & Little Friends
Thoughtful read-alouds, practical tools, and the Moodamals—little friends for big feelings.
THE EXPERIENCE BEHIND THE IDEAS
In Classrooms, in Print, and Beyond
I earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Georgia and a master’s degree in education focused on school counseling from the University of West Alabama. I’m also an arts-integration specialist and have shared my work with educators through professional development, conference presentations, and published writing.
I’m the author of Integrating Arts in School Counseling, published by YouthLight, and I write about the intersection of creativity, counseling, and student success.
EDUTOPIA
For Elementary Counselors, Big Caseloads Require Getting Creative
Practical ideas for reaching more students without losing sight of what matters.
EDUTOPIA
Art as a Pathway to SEL in School Counseling
How creative expression can deepen emotional learning and connection.
ASCA
Integrating Arts in School Counseling
Bringing art, academic standards, and counseling into the same meaningful lesson.
A RECENT BRIGHT IDEA
Making Student Support More Accessible
In 2026, I received an education foundation microgrant to develop a mobile social-emotional learning support cart, bringing practical calming and regulation tools to students throughout the school day.
BEHIND THE LESSON PLANS
A Counselor, a Creator, and a Mom
I love creating beautiful things with a purpose. I also know that education and parenting can be messy, funny, exhausting, and wonderful—sometimes all before lunch.
Teacher Mommy Life isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about finding ideas that fit the life you actually have, helping kids grow into themselves, and remembering that creativity and connection belong in the everyday moments.
I’m so glad you’re here. Pick a topic, try something new, or just stay awhile.
Create. Inspire. Learn. Lead. Love.