Amy Collet Rustige
St Louis,MO
Summary
Dynamic workshop leader with a passion for art and education. Skilled in creating engaging programs that foster collaboration and creativity, delivering impactful learning experiences. Known for strong organizational skills and a commitment to hands-on learning for all ages and abilities through innovative projects
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Poll Judge and ADA Specialist
STL Board of Elections
St. Louis, MO
11.2023 - Current
- Greeted, verified, and checked-in qualified, registered city voters during elections
- Ensured that polling site is current with all ADA regulations, including the use of cones, mats, metal grates, proper signage
- Implementation of curbside voting procedures, as needed
Entrepreneur, Artist, Workshop Leader,
A Squared Art
St Louis, MO
10.2016 - Current
- Currently creating and illustrating a St. Louis themed coloring book and prints
- Creating and Implementing painting, craft and upcycling art workshops
- Painting architectural watercolors for homes, businesses and churches by commission
- Illustrated children's picture book, My Great Aunt PJ's Purse, written by P.J. Barbeau
Educational Director,
Friends of the Rainforest
Chesterfield, MO
10.2019 - 03.2020
- Developed educational programs focused on rainforest conservation and biodiversity awareness
- Facilitated partnerships with local teachers and schools to promote hands-on learning experiences in nature
- Scheduled and conducted free in-person lessons for 100+ classrooms
Small Business Owner,
Shirtabulous
South St. Louis County, MO
01.2008 - 10.2013
- Created and ran my own design studio, custom clothing and gift shop in St. Louis, making everything we sold
- Daily scheduled and managed employees
- Created, scheduled, and implemented on-going party/class programs
- Worked daily with customers to design and create custom items to realize their vision
- Created bulk order and fundraising programs, working with both parochial and public schools, small businesses, and non-profits
- Managed ordering, inventory, and creation of new product lines
Teacher,
Columbia School District CUSD #4
Columbia, IL
08.2002 - 05.2008
- Created and taught curriculum for Reader's and Writer's Workshop for grades 5,6,7,8
- Middle School Student Council Sponsor, 2002-3
- Middle School Drama Club Sponsor, 2004-7
Teacher,
Hope Lutheran School
St Louis, Missouri
08.1995 - 06.2002
- Created and implemented 6th, 7th, 8th grade literature program
- Implemented kindergarten literature program daily
- Created and implemented 6th, 7th, 8th grade art programs
- Created and implemented 5th grade creative writing program
- Created and implemented middle school drama program
- Created and implemented 7th grade Writer's Workshop program
- Created and implemented 7th grade music program, including handbell choir
- Created, managed, and implemented school-wide Summer Recreation program 1995-2010
Education
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Southern Illinois University
Edwardsville, IL12-1995
Skills
- Creative Problem-Solver
- Positive Team Member
- Lifelong Learner
- Script writing and video production, including editing
- Workshop Creator and Leader, large and small group
- Organized self-starter
INTERESTS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Traveling, Drawing, Painting, Puppetry, Graphic Arts, Art Therapy and Journaling, Therapy Dog Training & Visits, Reading, Movies, Mid-Century Modern Architecture, Supporting Local Shops and Restaurants, Visiting Museums and Churches, Photography and our Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: Ollie, Dudley, and Sunny
Affiliations
- St. Lucas Kid's Ministry and All Church Programming 2020- current
-Writing and implementing yearly Christmas program "Live! with Zac & Lizzy", along with full video production
-Continued assistance in creating, organizing and implementing special church programming including: Summer (VBS, but for learners of EVERY age!) theme and activities for the last three years ("All God's Creatures: A Celebration of Earth, Sky and Sea" "'Bots, Blocks and Buildings: Blending our gifts and interests with STEAM", "A Pawsome Summer: A Celebration of the Animals in Our Lives
-Help to coordinate and implement "special events" (Polka worship, Celebration (Rally Day) Sunday, Advent/Lent programs, Prayer Birds, etc.)
Lindenwood Park Neighborhood Association, St. Louis, MO 2022-current
-General volunteer for events such as Lindenwood Live concerts, "flea" markets, trivia nights, etc.
-Helped organize and participated in Inaugural Lindenwood Park House Tour
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of Greater St. Louis, 2011-current
-Former board member
-Event planning and implementation
-General volunteer for events
-Workshop leader
Helping Strays of Monroe County, Columbia, IL 2020-2025
-Rescue Readers, facilitating classes/fundraisers for the PIN (Pets in Need fund), general volunteer for community events
Leia's Hope Canine Rescue, Decatur, IL 2024-current
-General volunteer with intakes as needed, and foster mom
Victory Christian Academy, South St. Louis, Missouri
-Co-teacher for 4th grade, writing units to allow for teacher planning/prep times twice weekly, 2014-2015
-Special Education Educator, created special needs program to support in small group and classroom settings, 2015-2016
-ESL support for 13 year old, non-English speaker, new immigrant 2014-2016
YMCA Carondelet Branch, 2022
-Implemented craft classes for seniors
Faith Lutheran, St. Louis (2005-2009)
-Volunteered with kid's ministry implementation
-VBS committee, including planning and creation of sets, scenery and costumes/character creation
Lutheran Educators Conference Presenter (1998-2002)
Young Author's Conference Presenter (2002-2009)
Timeline
Poll Judge and ADA Specialist
STL Board of Elections
11.2023 - Current
Educational Director,
Friends of the Rainforest
10.2019 - 03.2020
Entrepreneur, Artist, Workshop Leader,
A Squared Art
10.2016 - Current
Small Business Owner,
Shirtabulous
01.2008 - 10.2013
Teacher,
Columbia School District CUSD #4
08.2002 - 05.2008
Teacher,
Hope Lutheran School
08.1995 - 06.2002
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Southern Illinois University