After her Master's degree in chemistry at Michigan State University, she decided to stay in Michigan. She began working as a chemist at an adhesive and sealant company, managing their analytical laboratory. Then she took a job with a much shorter commute as an environmental chemist. There she was the manager of their wet lab and absolutely loved her job and coworkers.

When her second child was born, she became a stay-at-home mom, and her family moved back to Minnesota. When her youngest reached school age, she became a substitute teacher, then a special education paraprofessional. Working in classrooms with amazing students and fantastic teachers inspired her to return to school and get her Master's in Education to have her own classroom.

Excited to become a part of this community that she has heard such amazing things about!