My background includes, aside from being raised in a garden with a profoundly knowledgeable mother, horticulture classes all four years in high school, followed by continuing my education at Clark College were I acquired an associates degree in Horticulture, with higher education at Eastern Oregon University were I obtained a BS in biology with a minor in Soil Science. Though out this time I acquired work experience as a personal gardener, greenhouse and arboretum caretaker, retail nursery sales associate, and owner of a gardening business since 2007. Following this venture, I obtained my Masters in Education. Following budget cuts to education, I returned to the horticulture field and I sought to continually educate myself in all things related to biology, social issues, and horticulture. I update my knowledge annually through OSU's Master Gardener program, and I run my own small business where I garden with a focus on making residential outdoor spaces a better place in which to thrive.