I have always had an appreciation for handmade books and cards. When I was six years old, I made a book that won a Young Readers Award and was invited to attend the Young Author’s Conference in Tempe, Arizona. It was there that I met children’s book author and illustrator Tomie dePaola. He has been an inspiration to me over the years and still is today. I knew I wanted to live my life as an artist and continued to study art as a child through youth art programs at Arizona State University (ASU) and private art classes including oil painting with painter Wanda Cotter and drawing with artist Kenneth Wills.

After high school I studied art at ASU, specializing in fiber art and drawing. After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1999, I relocated to southern California. I am now a graphic designer and business owner living in San Diego with my husband Walker, son Bryton and two Chihuahuas, Kitty & Kozmo.