Berlin CSD is excited to welcome Holly Bloom to the district for the 2019-20 school year. Learn more about our leave replacement art teacher for the MS/HS in her own words.
What is your education background?
I graduated from Buffalo State College with a B.A. in Art Education in 2009. I also received an A.A.S. in Horticulture from Niagara County Community College in 2017. I served as an AmeriCorps Volunteer (Crew Member, Crew Leader, VISTA) in 2008, 2011-2013
What is your background like – previous jobs?
I moved to the City of Buffalo, NY in 2004 to pursue a career in Art Education but ended up finding a second passion, Horticulture and Agriculture. After college, I served as an AmeriCorps Volunteer which introduced me to several farm manager and greenhouse management positions at local urban farms and nonprofit organizations including the Community Action Organization and Massachusetts Avenue Project. From there I became involved in Aquaponics and started supervising the Aquaponics Vocational Program and teaching Plant Science at the School of Industry Residential Center in Rush, NY.
I also worked as a Horticulturist at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. I recently moved back to the Hudson Valley where I have been working as an educator for the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties.
Tell us about your family?
My parents and two younger brothers moved to the Hudson Valley in 1995 from a small town in Texas. Most of my extended family and half-sister live in Texas and I also have extended family in Colorado and Idaho.
What are your interests outside of school?
I enjoy all season hiking in the Catskills, Adirondacks and New Hampshire. I also participate in obstacle courses and Terrain races as well as playing the drums.