Renee returned to Warrenton several years ago from Gainesville, Fla., where she held dual positions in a private school as the development director and the lower grade art teacher. If it’s true that “home is where the heart is,” Renee is at home, as her grandchildren are close by in the Warrenton area.
As the mother of four daughters in the early years, the wife of a medical student, and always on a tight budget, sewing skills came in very handy. For years, her sewing machine buzzed away until the wee hours of the morning as the children slept. In those days, it was more economical to sew, knit, crochet, and embroider than to visit department stores. Now, these are nearly lost arts as we are encouraged to become “Maxinistas.” While shopping discount is fun, Renee still enjoys the originality, creativity and self-expression found in carrying on the traditional "home arts."
Renee was honored upon graduating with a Liberal Arts degree from Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia, Pa. After completing a course in practice teaching English on the secondary level, her professor proclaimed her to be the most outstanding "natural" teacher he had experienced in his forty years of teaching. She was also offered a position to study classical voice at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia after performing her senior year vocal solo presentation.
Mushi, her blonde Pekingese and Nikki, her black Standard Poodle, are constant companions. So far, neither has threatened the fish in the small backyard pond. Eventually, she hopes to rehabilitate Nikki, a rescue, to be able to participate in the Fauquier Hospital pet visitation program.
In addition to teaching sewing, Renee has taught knitting, crocheting, and aerobic dance. She enjoys teaching and learning with people of all ages.