Inspired by the Elementary students she teaches, Ellen Culler (yes, her real name) is a seasoned Visual Arts Instructor currently teaching in Ohio County Schools, Wheeling, WV. After receiving her bachelor's degree in art education, she later earned her master's degree from WVU. After college she spent many years in the elementary art room in Broward County Schools, FL. before moving back to WV with her husband. She has been with Ohio County Schools for over 30 years and taught as an adjunct with Wheeling University in the Teacher Prep Program for 13 years.
She has been a member of WVAEA for many years and has served as WV - YAM Co-Ordinator years ago and currently serves as a Regional Rep. She was awarded Elementary Teacher of the Year by the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce, and was numerous times named as a nominee for Ohio County Teacher of the Year. Ellen works with the community. She often collaborates with Oglebay Institute bringing their services into her classroom through grants she has written. In 2023 she created an after-school arts program for 4th and 5th grade students for both of her schools. This program included five local professionals within the arts and a film editor from LA. All funded from a state grant. One of her most memorable moments was being named the WV Art Educator of the Year at the Elementary level by this Association.
She and her husband raised their one son George who lives in LA and heads up a creative team for Microsoft. Outside of school, Ellen can be found giving back to her community volunteering her time on several executive committees, cooking, traveling and enjoying her two dogs Kate and Myles!
She feels she still isn't finished "giving to kids" and inspiring them. She states, "that "ah-ha" moment never gets old!
Culler's Corner
🎨 Meet the Artist & Educator Behind the Lesson! 🎨
We’re excited to introduce Natalie Cronin, the author of the West Virginia Cryptids Sculpture Lesson!
Natalie is a proud West Virginia native who graduated from Ritchie County High School and Fairmont State University (Go Fighting Falcons! 🦅). She and her husband, Adam, are the proud parents of two wonderful boys — Miles (2 years old) and Silas (2 weeks old!). Right now, Natalie is also enjoying her very important full-time mom duties. 💛
When she’s not busy at home, Natalie is one of three art teachers at Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School, where she teaches 6th grade art — and absolutely loves it. Even better, her students love her just as much!
We’re so grateful to Natalie for sharing her creativity and expertise through the West Virginia Cryptids Sculpture Lesson. It’s a fantastic way to connect artmaking with a bit of West Virginia folklore and imagination! 🐾✨
Thank you, Natalie, for helping inspire young artists across the state!
