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Joan Aaronson
Since 2006 I have been teaching art in the Healing Arts accreditation program at Ringling College of Art and Design. I also simultaneously teach Art for Sarasota Adult and Community Education.
I have found through many years of teaching prior to living in Sarasota that my niche is teaching the senior population. I enjoy giving my students something to look forward to and something to share with each other. This creates new personal insight and friendship while building self-esteem and community relations. I find my students to be interesting, adorable and insightful. I enjoy the challenge of creatively modifying my classes to accommodate various levels of cognitive and physical limitations. I like to incorporate other activities in my classes including art, writing, meditation, games, discussions and exercise… It reminds me of being a crafts camp counselor for many summers. Now I have many more years of knowledge and experience.
I am an accomplished published artist and teacher. In my career I received an Art in Embassy Program State Dept. grant to teach the survivors of the genocide in Rwanda, Africa. This experience made me realize I thrive on improving the human condition. Much like the people in Rwanda, Africa parts of the retirement community feel alone and abandoned. This is where I have discovered my great gift of patience, compassion, love and kindness.
As an added benefit I own a service dog who loves everyone. I rescued her from the streets of Costa Rica. She is part of my healing team. She is my companion and can share her love and comfort with your residents as well. I look forward to meeting you and possibly being an important part of your community.
