Born in Pocatello, I attended Indian Hills Elementary and Irving Junior High.  As a child, I began developing an appreciation of nature roaming the sagebrush hills near Gibson Jack and walking along the Portneuf River.  After moving to the Wood River Valley and finishing high school in Hailey in the early 90’s, I moved to Colorado.  I obtained my undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Colorado in Boulder and worked at various field stations across the Southern Rockies.  My first job out of college was as a field biologist along the Clark’s Fork River in Western Montana. 

Returning to the Wood River Valley in 2001, I became aware of the conservation efforts of the Wood River Land Trust and was immediately drawn to the unique role a land trust can play in land and habitat conservation.  I took internship with the Wood River Land Trust and worked on everything from mapping and easement monitoring to public outreach and education.  After the 2 year internship, I returned to graduate school to further my understanding of ecology, the impact of land use choices on ecological processes, and land use policy at Oregon State University, with the intention of returning to the land trust field, hopefully someday back in Idaho.

In 2006, I began working as the Stewardship Coordinator at Placer Land Trust in Northern California.  As a member of a small staff, I worked on everything from monitoring conservation easements and managing working landscapes, to helping draft land trust policy and working through complicated mitigation projects.  What I enjoyed most about the experience was the opportunity to work with, and be challenged by, people who are deeply committed to land conservation.  I am excited to be a part of SSRLT and the community effort we are making to maintain and protect Southern Idaho’s high quality of life. 

Since returning to Pocatello, I have rediscovered the beauty of the great landscape in which we live.  From mountain biking and horseback riding out Mink Creek to skiing the back side of Pebble Creek, I love being back!  Travelling around, I am awestruck by the rivers and streams, basalt and sagebrush, intact habitat supporting vibrant wildlife, and working farms and ranches that make this region such a unique place to live, work, and play.