Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Interests
2000 Ars Nova First Place Winner Northern Illinois University
Timeline
Generic

Angela Crowson

Downers Grove

Summary

Dynamic professional with extensive hands-on experience in teaching and creative development, adept at navigating challenges with ease. Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to new tasks ensure effective solutions are implemented. Recognized for adaptability, creativity, and a results-oriented mindset that drives success. Committed to making meaningful contributions that advance organizational goals and foster a positive learning environment.

Overview

32
32
years of professional experience

Work History

Costume Creator

Deforest Dance Academy/ Steppin’ Out Dance Company
08.2021 - Current
  • Creating and constructing competition costumes from design to completed product
  • Budgeting, purchasing of all materials/ accessories, invoicing, and delivery
  • Facilitated clear communication between design team members, ensuring project goals were met on time and within budget constraints.
  • Demonstrated exceptional attention to detail and problem-solving abilities in the face of complex design challenges, resulting in high-quality outcomes.

Adjunct Fiber Arts Instructor

College of DuPage
07.2025 - Current
  • Continuing Education Fiber Arts Instructor for sewing and crafting
  • Developed course materials and assignments that aligned with institutional learning objectives.
  • Delivered engaging lectures to diverse student groups, fostering an inclusive learning environment.
  • Evaluated student performance through assessments, providing constructive feedback for improvement.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to improve curriculum design and instructional methods across programs.
  • Promoted classroom safety, collaboration, and best practices.

Art Teacher

Kidcreate Studio
07.2025 - Current
  • Integrated various art techniques and mediums to enhance student learning experiences.
  • Implemented classroom management strategies to maintain a positive and productive learning environment.
  • Led after-school art clubs, encouraging participation and exploration of diverse artistic styles.
  • Managed art room supplies, equipment and resources to maintain consistent supply for projects.
  • Managed a diverse range of learners, adapting lesson plans to accommodate different abilities and interests.

Substitute Teacher, K-Eighth Grade

Illinois School District 58
07.2025 - Current
  • Adapted lesson plans to meet diverse learning needs of students in grades K-8.
  • Implemented classroom management strategies to maintain a positive learning environment.
  • Collaborated with regular teachers to ensure continuity of instruction during absences.
  • Provided individualized support to students, enhancing their engagement and understanding of material.
  • Utilized educational technology tools to facilitate interactive learning experiences.
  • Adapted quickly to various classroom settings and grade levels by demonstrating flexibility, adaptability, and a strong understanding of diverse curricula.

Admin Assistant / Estimator

D & D Commercial Flooring
05.2023 - 05.2025
  • Providing take off estimates for bid proposals
  • Conducted research for project proposals, compiling information that supported winning bids.
  • Organized office events such as holiday parties or team-building activities, promoting a positive company culture and boosting employee morale.
  • Coordinated travel arrangements for staff, ensuring cost-effective and timely accommodations and transportation.

Costume Shop Manager/ Creator

Jagged Edge Dance Company
08.2015 - 05.2021
  • Overseeing all administrative aspects of competition and recital costuming including budgeting, purchasing, billing, collections, curating, and delivering of costumes
  • Collaborated with directors to align wardrobe choices with artistic vision of productions.
  • Developed costume design concepts in alignment with production themes and budgets.
  • Coordinated fittings and alterations, ensuring quality standards met for performances.
  • Achieved seamless transitions during quick changes by designing functional costumes that facilitated quick adjustments backstage.
  • Sourced unique materials for specialty costumes by researching period-appropriate fabrics or techniques relevant to specific productions.
  • Sewed and constructed dance costumes using sewing machine, upholstery equipment and hand tools.

Art Teacher

St. Anne’s School Dixon Illinois
07.2011 - 06.2013
  • Assessed student progress through ongoing evaluations, providing constructive feedback for improvement.
  • Developed and implemented engaging art lessons for students in grades kindergarten through 8th.
  • Enhanced student creativity by incorporating various art mediums and techniques into lessons.
  • Implemented effective classroom management strategies, maintaining discipline while fostering creativity and individuality in student work.
  • Inspired students and assisted in developing creativity and self-expression through various art forms and media.

Figure Skating Coach

Davenport Iowa
01.1994 - 01.2004
  • Coaching for skills and competition ages 3 to adult
  • Coached at the National Collegiate level (2003-04 seasons)
  • Developed individualized training plans to enhance skater performance and skill progression.
  • Coached athletes in technical skating skills, promoting confidence and artistry on the ice.
  • Organized and led group practice sessions, fostering teamwork and sportsmanship among participants.
  • Collaborated with parents to communicate progress and address any concerns regarding athlete development.
  • Choreographed programs to prepare skaters for competitions and advancement testing.

Education

BFA - Studio 3-D Fiber Arts

Northern Illinois University

Skills

  • Highly proficient working with all types of materials for costuming, sewing, dying, and beyond
  • Comfortable working in a high pressure and fast paced environment with strict deadlines
  • Strong communication and leadership
  • Self-motivated and highly organized
  • Enjoys problem solving and planning
  • Proficient in reading blueprints for the construction industry
  • Office management for general business operations
  • Artistic talent
  • Design skills
  • Illustration techniques

Accomplishments

Countless awards and recognitions for creativity and design of competition dance costumes.

Interests

37 Marathons and counting I have been continuously running marathons since 2006 I qualified and ran the Boston Marathon, the New York marathon twice, and countless others throughout the country I continue to train for and run the Chicago Marathon every year This has given me additional opportunities to mentor and have comradery with a unique community

2000 Ars Nova First Place Winner Northern Illinois University

Art exhibition for students selected and awarded by a jury of their peers and faculty. 

Timeline

Adjunct Fiber Arts Instructor

College of DuPage
07.2025 - Current

Art Teacher

Kidcreate Studio
07.2025 - Current

Substitute Teacher, K-Eighth Grade

Illinois School District 58
07.2025 - Current

Admin Assistant / Estimator

D & D Commercial Flooring
05.2023 - 05.2025

Costume Creator

Deforest Dance Academy/ Steppin’ Out Dance Company
08.2021 - Current

Costume Shop Manager/ Creator

Jagged Edge Dance Company
08.2015 - 05.2021

Art Teacher

St. Anne’s School Dixon Illinois
07.2011 - 06.2013

Figure Skating Coach

Davenport Iowa
01.1994 - 01.2004

BFA - Studio 3-D Fiber Arts

Northern Illinois University
Angela Crowson