Mrs. Cristel Collins

In 1996, after receiving a Masters degree in Art from USC, I began teaching at DFHS.  I became a Nationally Board Certified teacher in 2003 and renewed this certification in 2013 and 2022.  In 2008, my family and I decided to make a huge move so my husband and I could experience teaching at an international school in Germany.  We LOVED living in Germany and teaching at the Franconian International School.  I taught middle school and early childhood art to students from 50 different countries.  It was an amazing experience, one that has helped me grow not only as a teacher, but also as a person. After three years of teaching in Germany, my family and I decided to move back stateside.  We took a short detour in Wilmington, NC where I taught K-5th grade art at Clyde Erwin Elementary Magnet School of International Studies and Cultural Arts.  This was also a wonderful learning experience as I was able to become IB trained.  Finally, we decided to return home to district five--truly one of the best districts in which I have had the honor to teach.

My husband, Andrew, teaches English here as well.  We have three wonderful children and a dog named Heidi.

I am so happy to be teaching art at SHHS.