I grew up on a dairy and hog farm just outside of Rosemount, MN. I attended the University of Wisconsin River Falls which is where I received my degrees in agriculture, animal science and teaching. I am currently attending Metro State to receive an urban education certificate along with a certification to teach life science.

I worked at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley, MN for nearly nine years. My favorite animals are Holstein dairy cow, sea turtles, moose, and slow lorises.

I have been married for 14 years and have three children.