From a young age, I was a devoted animal and nature lover—always rescuing spiders from bathtubs and making friends with the backyard birds. I knew early on that I wanted a career working with animals so I earned a degree in zoology, diving deep into animal anatomy, behavior, and ecology. I went on to work in zoos, primate centers, and veterinary hospitals which allowed me to witness firsthand the resilience, vulnerability, and unique spirit of every animal I encountered.

Along the way, I started sketching animals. What began as a tool to better understand their anatomy and behavior quickly grew into a powerful way to connect and express myself. I started taking my own reference photos, enrolled in scientific illustration courses, and joining community art groups, all while drawing inspiration from masters like Robert Bateman, Sue Ellen Ross, and Rien Poortvliet.

With the arrival of my young family, my career focus took a detour into education and I became an elementary school librarian. I loved teaching curious-minded students and opening doors to discovery and information. I also learned the power of storytelling and its ability to engage, educate, and connect. Fueled by these insights, I began studying picture book illustration and took classes in digital art and design. Soon, I was accepting art commissions, and I went on to hone my skills by creating hundreds of custom pieces for individuals, businesses, and nonprofits.

Today, my art truly reflects the paths my life has taken. Still passionate about animals and our environment, my imagery often explores ecological themes like adaptation, biodiversity, and interconnectedness. My love for storytelling, the process of setting scenes and defining characters, is evident in my children's illustrations but is also a vital part of my eco-art. I aim to capture specific moments in an animal's life story, using narrative elements like perspective, symbolism, and juxtaposition to depict their challenges and behaviors especially in relation to humans. Through these visual stories, my hope is to strengthen our connection with other living things and inspire appreciation and wonder for our incredible natural world.