About Lead Teacher

Michelle Barisoff graduated from CSULB with a BFA in Fine Arts for Drawing and Painting and holds a second BA in Art Education.  She was a Gallery Owner and Artist for 8 years at the Gallery 117 in the Long Beach East Village Arts District and has shown in many galleries and spaces throughout her career as an artist and art educator.  Michelle taught the Summer Enrichment Art program for 5th-8th grade students through the Long Beach School for the Adults summer program that earned a Golden Bell Award.  Michelle Barisoff started off her art education career at Bancroft Middle School running the art program there in 2001 and was the Department Chair for VAPA 13 years.  Michelle taught 6th, 7th, a 7-8 combo class and Advanced Art and ran art club while at Bancroft, along with Coaching Girls Soccer 5 years from 2009-2013 as Northern League Champs all 5 years.  Michelle then taught Drawing and Painting, 3D Art and AP Studio Art courses, along with coaching Girl's JV Soccer at Cabrillo High School for three years.  Michelle then moved to Lakewood High School in 2017.

At Lakewood High School, Michelle's worked with Arts Foundations, Drawing and Painting, and AP Studio Art students, as well as held an Art Club for students during lunchtime.  She was the VAPA Department Chair for 3 years and now will be our Digital Media Arts Communications Lead Teacher for the DMAC Pathway.