- Carnahan STEAM
- Meet the Teacher

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Degrees and Certifications:
Degrees: - Master's in Art Therapy, School of the Art Institute of Chicago - Masters of Science in Special Education, City College of New York Certifications: - Art K-12
Ms. Catherine CJ Mitchell
Welcome, Carnahan Families!
My name is Ms. Catherine "CJ" Mitchell and I am your Art Teacher here at Carnahan STEAM. My passion for art and psychology shaped the early stages of my academic journey. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art from Spelman College, followed by a Master's in Art Therapy from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. During my time working with families at a community health agency in Chicago, I realized I wanted to make a broader impact, leading me to pursue a career in education.
I earned a Masters of Science in Special Education from City College of New York and gained experience teaching in a variety of classroom settings- from elementary to high school-inclusive of self-contained, collaborative team teaching, and English Language Arts and Reading environments. My career also took me abroad, where I taught in the UK across primary, secondary, and Special Educational Needs (SEN) and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classrooms.
In addition to classroom teaching, I spent several years working in museum education, with a focus on contemporary art and community engagement. During that time, I developed and facilitated programs for diverse audiences, including families, senior organizations, and various community-based groups – helping participants connect with art in meaningful, accessible ways.
With over 20 years of experience in both traditional and non-traditional educational settings, I see learning as a lifelong process. I have focused on teaching visual art, combining my background in studio art, art therapy, special education, and community-based museum education to create inclusive, creative spaces where students feel empowered to explore and express themselves.
I am excited joining the Carnahan STEAM Middle School community and look forward to working with students through the arts while collaborating with families and colleagues to foster creativity and growth.