Heather Nuñez-Olmstead
| Title | Assistant Professor of Fine Art & Art Education |
|---|---|
| Telephone | (207) 768-9544 |
| heather.nunez@maine.edu | |
| Location | South Hall 310 |
| Education |
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BIO:
Artist-educator, Heather Nunez-Olmstead, is an Assistant Professor of Fine Art and Art Education at the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI), where she teaches courses in Art Education, within the Painting and Drawing and Intermedia concentrations, and in the Film Studies Minor. Currently, she is ABD at National University’s Sanford School of Education, where she focuses her research on nurturing creativity across the lifespan and increasing access to authentic aesthetic experiences. She holds a MSEd from University of New England in Curricular and Instructional Strategies, as well as a BAAE from UMPI.
Ms. Nunez-Olmstead’s work explores themes of mental health, resilience, the idealized feminine, and what we culturally hold sacred. Her commitment to trauma-informed teaching serves as a powerful framework for unlocking student potential and fostering environments where learners can thrive. With certifications in SEL, Yoga Facilitation, Mental Health First Aid, and Non-Violent Communication (NVC), Prof. Nunez-Olmstead employs compassionate inclusivity in her teaching approach. Her diverse experience spans working with learners from preschoolers discovering self-expression to older adults exploring new creative outlets. Passionate about arts-integration, connecting at-risk youth with healing opportunities through the arts, she bridges the gap between creativity and resilience, demonstrating how art can serve as a lifeline for those in need.
In her role at UMPI, Dr. Nunez-Olmstead is dedicated to empowering future art educators with the skills necessary to create trauma-informed classrooms. Her courses focus on integrating artistic practices with pedagogical strategies that address the unique challenges faced by students, particularly those who have experienced trauma.