Lisa Damico and Gena Richman share a passion for integrated arts and professional development. Having taught public school elementary students for a collective 50 plus years, (yes, we began when we were 10!) we continue our journey of dedication and passion for teaching and learning. 

For years, Lisa worked with the CA Literature Project, leading workshops for elementary teachers throughout the state to understand and implement the ELA framework. Lisa was also a District Mentor teacher. Gena presented at Asilomar Math Conference giving sessions on Integrating the Visual Arts with Mathematics (grades 3-6) as well as coordinating the annual Mary Collins Symposium, a 3 day PD highlighting two featured presenters (one in mathematics, one in ELA) sharing their important educational research for parents, teachers and other educators in the community to discuss “big ideas” in teaching and learning and leveraging theory into practice. 

Lisa and Gena continue their focus of integrating the arts into public schools.  Reaching all students means opening windows to different ways of knowing and that transmediation, in the context of teaching and learning, is essential for understanding.  We are still (even though retired) committed to integrating the arts into the classroom curriculum.