I was born and raised on a dairy farm just north of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Shortly after my ninth birthday, my family relocated to Grayling, Michigan. After high school, I attended Western Michigan University to pursue my passion in art. During my last few years of college, while home for the summer, I landed an interpretive job at Hartwick Pines State Park.

By the fall of 1998, I attained my B.A. and promptly came home to the job I loved and the beauty surrounding Northern Michigan. I developed my love of Michigan’s native animals, flowers and trees by leading visitors of the park on guided nature tours. This was my summer job while during the year, I taught art to ages K-5 for years.

After the art program was cut in the area, I moved on to Kirtland Community College as a welcoming place to work year round. I stayed here for 7 years, working in the printshop and honing my skills in graphic arts and printing, all the while continuing to do my art.

For the last few years, I have been self employed and continuing to do art on the side as well. Recent events have led me to move to the city of El Paso in the state of Texas, however I remain Northern Wood Expressions, as it is where my heart lies. I will be back to Michigan, but in the meantime, look for my art to be exploring different avenues in addition to my Pyrography.