A former jewelry designer with an MEd and BA from Loyola University Chicago. Recipient of the Chateau Orquevaux International Artist Residency with undergraduate scholarships to attend The School of the Art Institute Chicago. Her artworks and designs have been featured in Studio Visit Volume 7, Style lounges for both The Golden Globes and Sundance Film Festival, and numerous magazines/ galleries across North America. Clients include the Obama-Biden presidential campaign, The Second City, actresses Jessica Alba, Kristin Bell and many more.

Valerie has an Illinois State Board of Education Professional Educators License, certified in K- 12 Art and K-6th General Education, with over 10 years of classroom, elementary art instruction and mindfulness experience. A 200 hr adult yoga certified, trained Crisis Counselor with over 200 hours experience and an animal rescue, trauma and recovery volunteer. In her free time, Valerie enjoys creating Expressionist mixed media art, writing, paddle boarding on Lake Michigan, meditation, coffee shops, naps and travel.