I was born in North Carolina, but grew up in Massachusetts.  I graduated from the University of Vermont, and headed west to work in various national parks and wildlife refuges for several years.  I returned to the northeast and earned my master's degree in Environmental Studies from Antioch/NewEngland in Keene, New Hampshire, as well as a massage certificate from a local massage school, and ran my own massage therapy business for five years.  During that time, my health began to suffer, and I sought out the help of Dr. Janet Beaty, a Massachusetts naturopath.  I worked with her for about eighteen months, and felt like I had my life back.  By this time, I was doing massage therapy in Dr. Beaty's naturopathic office, and I filled in as her secretary while she looked for a permanent replacement.  I was privileged to meet and interact with the patients in Dr. Beaty's practice.  By the end of three months there, I knew I was headed for naturopathic school.  

​

I studied at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine (now the National College of Natural Medicine) in Portland, Oregon, graduating in 2003.  It took several years, but I made my way to Great Falls, Montana, and have been practicing here since March, 2007.  I have learned to downhill ski, and love to hike, kayak and watch birds.  My favorite thing about Montana is the hot springs, especially after skiing on a cold day.