About Me

We will have a healthy earth when we have respect for our fellow humans and all life on the planet; likewise, until all of humanity is respected, safe, and healthy, we will continue down the path of environmental woes. 

Tree and plant education is my passion and storytelling is my lifestyle! My subject matter always incorporates environmental stewardship. Which, I realized after years of teaching outdoor recreation, does not materialize simply from a love for the outdoors; we all need help being caretakers of our natural world. To be a better guide on that journey, I headed back to school to become a Tree Storyteller, receiving my Master of Forestry in the Human Dimensions Lab with a focus on Science Communication (Northern Arizona University, class of 2022). 

My supportive style of education chaperones students of all ages in the joys of learning and helps facilitate the leap from loving to caring for nature. I thrive on translating theory and science facts into tangible - and fun - learning moments. My years of international travel provide a comfortable level with a great diversity of humanity.

After years of desire, I'm now a bona fide "Tree Storyteller"! Starting in the summer of 2026, in conjunction with San Juan Mountains Association, I'm hosting "tree walks and talks" to engage the public in conversations about regionally interesting and important issues facing forests, wildlife, and watersheds. Which, of course, means human health, too. My science communication skills lead me to another 2026 project, Crevice Garden videos. Not only do I share fun facts about arid and alpine plants, I'm learning the impressive value rock gardens play in biodiversity!

As the Education Specialist at the World Heritage UNESCO sister parks, Aztec Ruins National Monument and Chaco Culture National Historical Park, I learned how much I enjoy developing science-based educational programs. Wow! Integrating collaboration, brainstorming, creativity, science, and research into education was exhilarating. I developed 11 ranger-led programs during the post-graduate school 9-month internship. The programs received praise from National Park Service education and interpretation staff with decades of experience.

Being a whitewater kayak instructor fine-tuned the skill of instantly adapting to student needs. With potentially life or death consequences, providing actionable feedback while continuing to reach the goal becomes critical. I attained the American Canoe Association Level 4 Instructor Certification; the terminal Level 5 is waterfalls and I didn’t get that far! 

I currently facilitate seeing and embracing shared common ground values among a diverse and potentially oppositional group of stakeholders for the long-term sustainability of conservation and outdoor recreation access to our public lands. Building this collaborative community provides the framework for long-term success.