Born and raised in Queens, NY, Valerie received her B.F.A. in Photography and Media from California Institute of the Arts in Los Angeles. During undergrad, She developed her interest in light through sculpture and video. Since graduating in 2012, She began studying neon glass bending at both Brooklyn Glass and Pilchuck Glass School. Valerie has instructed and assisted neon glass bending at both Brooklyn Glass and UrbanGlass. She has shown her neon works in both Los Angeles and New York City. Currently living back in New York City, Valerie fabricates neon for clients and her own personal work.