Growing up near the ocean, I became strongly attached to the natural world. Throughout my life, wherever I have lived, I have wanted to know the terrain, the habitats, the plants of each place. I have a BFA from Carnegie-Mellon. My first career was as a designer bookbinder, teaching artists' book structure in Mills College graduate program in the book arts.

Moving to NC, I attended NC State and worked as a psychotherapist for twenty years.  I was a tour guide at North Carolina Botanical Garden in their conservation gardens for many years. I earned certificates in both Botanical Illustration and Native Plant Studies.These programs have provided an opportunity to bring my love of native plant communities and drawing together. I am passionate about cherishing and protecting our beautiful natural gardens of North Carolina.