I am a self-taught artist from Southwest Missouri. I earned my BFA in Design Communications/Business Administration from Belmont University in Nashville, TN in 2006, where I also worked as the Student Manager for an on-campus art gallery. I then spent 6 years in Jackson, WY, just south of Yellowstone National Park, where I worked as a Graphic Designer and sold paintings in local galleries. I now reside in the beautiful Ozarks with my family and continue to work as a teacher & freelance artist/graphic designer. Besides the arts I enjoy traveling the world, backpacking, camping, nature & all of the beautiful things that continue to inspire me.
The artwork I create is a reflection of my passion for this world and the beautiful things in it. I create artwork to capture beautiful moments, scenes, and feelings so that they can continue to be experienced and appreciated forever.
KateBliss
3776 W Farm Rd 72 Springfield, MO 65803
P: 740-415-0010
E: [email protected]
EDUCATION / CERTIFICATION:
Belmont University, Nashville, TN (2002-2006), Magna Cum Laude
Bachelor of Fine Arts: Design Communications
Minor: Business Administration
State of MO Teaching Certificate, Elementary Ed K-6
American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence, 2024
MO State Substitute License
EXPERIENCE:
Academic Interventionist (Nov 2022-Present)
Willard R-II School District, Willard, MO
Uses structured, differentiated reading and mathematics programs to assess, track, & improve student learning;
Teaches four 20-minute Phonics groups and five 20-minute Math groups, Mon-Fri, to students with the bottom 20% NWEA scores;
Works with Principal and Academic Coach to develop & implement effective academic interventions;
Creates and manages the Academic Intervention schedule, lesson plans, and data tracking systems;
Works collaboratively with teachers and MTSS Team to monitor student progress and address problem areas revealed by data;
Enters and manages assessment data, tracking academic progress over 10 week cycles;
Contributed to an increase in 2022-23 MAP scores by nearly 17 points above the state average to 62.1% in ELA, 19 points above the MO state average at 63.8% in Math;
State of MO Substitute Teaching Licence;
Registered with the MO Family Care & Safety Registry;
CPR & First Aid certified, Adult/Child/Infant.
Substitute Teacher/Paraprofessional, (Aug 2022-Nov 2022)
Penmac Education Staffing, Springfield, MO
Follows lesson plans provided by the regular teacher to create a consistent learning experience for students;
Manages the classroom effectively to encourage and maintain a positive learning environment;
Supervises students in and out of the classroom, including in the halls, on the playground and in the cafeteria and car line;
Supports children with behavioral problems and learning disabilities in K-12 classrooms throughout the Willard R-II school district.
Daycare Teacher (Sept 2021-July 2022)
City of Springfield, MO (Doling Family Center)
Opens and closes daycare center;
Maintains a clean, safe, & fun environment for children ages 8 weeks – 8 years of age;
Communicates with parents about the behavior, health & safety of their children;
Cleans & sanitizes childcare center.
Freelance Graphic Designer (2012-Present)
Self-Employed
Adobe Creative Suite 6 software on Macintosh platform;
T-shirt, logo, print design, illustration, & private oil painting commissions;
Online portfolio @ www.kateblissart.com
Human Resources Assistant (Aug 2008-March 2012)
Ensures employment practices comply with federal/state guidelines and Joint Commission requirements;
Coordinates & conducts New Employee Orientation;
Ensures all policies and forms comply with Federal/State guidelines and JC requirements;
Ensures all students & contract employees are in compliance with HR policies & procedures;
Updates & maintains employee files and medical files according to JCAHO and federal/state guidelines;
Obtains copies of I-9 documentation, licenses and certifications;
Accurately & timely enters new hire information into HR/Payroll systems;
Aides with employee health tests and follow-up using Respond software;
Assists with posting jobs, forwarding applications, placing ads, and updating job listings;
Marketing, including recruitment ads, brochures, and HR website;
Administers Employee Ski Pass Program & community gym membership programs;
Administers employee recognition activities such as Length of Service Awards, CEO Breakfast, fundraisers, etc.);
Handles multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and confidentiality;
Functions as HR receptionist in courteous, professional and helpful manner.
Graphic Designer (March 2007-Aug 2008)
Wyoming West Designs, Jackson, WY
Creates/edits concepts & designs for clients such as World Famous Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb, and Cowboy Up clothing lines;
Produces color separations for screen printing;
Creates illustrations, print, logo, & sign design using Adobe CS4 on Macintosh & PC platforms;
Meets with clients, answers phones, and schedules appointments.
Graphic Designer (Aug 2006-March 2007)
Creates illustrations, print, logo, sticker, billboard & sign design using Adobe CS4 on Macintosh & PC platforms;
Prepares and formats artwork for print.
Student Manager (2006)
Student Co-Manager (2003 – 2005)
Boulevard Art Gallery, Nashville, TN
Entrepreneurship opportunity sponsored by University;
Recruits & hires student workers to staff gallery;
Supervises gallery employees & maintains monthly schedule;
Collects, hangs, and manages artwork/inventory;
Provides art direction and support to in-house graphic designers;
Plans and organizes gallery openings, fundraising events, and marketing activities.
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE:
Primary/Sunday School First Counselor, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - Willard, MO (2020-Present)
Classroom Aide - East Guernsey Local Schools K-5 Art Class (2019)
Primary/Sunday School Secretary, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - Cambridge - OH Branch (2018-2020)
Activity Leader, Ages 8-11 yr, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - Cambridge, OH Branch (2016-2018)
Drawing Instructor - Eastern OH Art Guild, Cambridge, OH (2014)
SOFTWARE:
Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook
Google (Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides)
Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
