I was born and raised in Kelowna, British Columbia, where skiing was an after-school sport! I was fortunate that my parents made travel a priority. We often camped across the border, and I visited Europe and Asia on two school trips. These adventures prepared me to accept a scholarship to play field hockey at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri. I graduated with a degree in English as well as a teaching certificate and was honored with the prestigious Easton Award for excellence in academics and extracurriculars.

Upon graduation, I started my nineteen-year career as an educator in the Wentzville School District located just outside of St. Louis. I spent the majority of those years as a school library media specialist. During this time, I earned a master's degree in library and information technology and honed my public speaking skills as a Toastmaster. I served in leadership positions at the regional and state levels of the Missouri Association of School Librarians and presented at numerous educational conferences around the state.

In recent years, I found myself drawn to opportunities to work with adult learners. So, in November 2022, I began the Applied Instructional Design Academy to grow my skills as an instructional designer. Today, I am in my Zone of Genius when I can create compelling learning experiences that empower learners to be the best versions of themselves.