Abaigeal offers more than 10 years of experience in creative educational instruction. Her approach is lively, engaging, and interactive. Currently, she is completing her Ph.D. thesis at Boston University. (See Current Research)
Abaigeal's background includes many years at such prestigious organizations as the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, where she contributed as an author of American Folk, an exhibition companion publication. For three years, she taught art history courses at Berklee College of Music.
In January, 2004, Abaigeal began working for a partnership program, Salem in History, which was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. The job description stipulated that the position must be filled by a "master teacher" who is able to share a broad range of educational expertise. In addition to designing lessons and working directly with students, Abaigeal offers skill-building workshops for teachers in the Salem area to help improve their lessons and classroom performance. View two of Abaigeal's projects for Salem in History: an Educators' Guide for the American Collections at the Peabody Essex Museum, and the Salem in History website.
In 1998, Abaigeal began studying Argentine Tango and has danced and performed locally and internationally. In 2001, she began sharing her love of tango with others through instruction that focuses on controlled movement and spontaneous expression.
Giving back
to the community was a feature of Abaigeal's childhood through her parents'
many contributions, and it has been part of her commitment to excellence
and service to others. Proceeds from her performances, instruction, and
merchandise designs
associated with tango support charitable causes. In addition, she volunteers
her time to non-profit organizations.
On the North Shore, she served as a mentor for Lynn-based organization,
RAW Art Works, a youth arts organization with their "Project
Launch" that helps high school juniors and seniors plan their future and apply for college. In 2007, she was asked to take over production of a documentary/oral history of immigration on the North Shore for the MAC (Museum Action Corps) program for 16-21 year olds at the Peabody Essex Museum.