Originally from Michigan, I married my High School sweetheart after he graduated from the Air Force Academy. Throughout his career, we have lived in Colorado, Oklahoma, California, Alabama and Illinois. We came to settle near Scott AFB in 2012.

While we were living in California, 9/11 occurred. My husband, as a pilot, deployed the next day. For the next three years, he would deploy for three months and return home for one. Our daughter was three months old at the time, so we decided that it would be best if I quit my job as a Sr. Research lab technician and stay home with our children.

I spent a lot of time far away from my family and needed something to hold my interest and keep me sane. Art was calming for me. I started painting and working with ceramics; I bought a second-hand kiln that used cones to determine the firing temperature. I used it to fire relief “leaf faces” sculptures and necklaces. When we moved to Scott AFB, I opened a booth at the STL Renfaire to sell my pieces. As I wandered around the faire, I became interested in a lamp working artist. She was so focused as she pulled the glass into animals and fairies.

After a few years, I wanted to try something new. I looked up glass working studios on the internet and signed up to make an ornament and a stein in the hot shop. I had a great time, but the hot shop requires a partner. As a gift, my mother bought me a gift card for a kiln- formed glass class in 2018. When I got around to it, the world had closed down for COVID. I contacted the Third Degree Glass Studio, and I ended up doing an individual path to independence with Sandy in 2021. It was such a positive experience that I kept coming back.

In my art, I’m drawn to mosaic pieces that look like stained glass and enamel painting. I’m inspired by my family, pets, travel, life experiences, nature and dreams. I still want to try glass casting and other disciplines.

I’m still a stay at home mom. So when I’m not making glass pieces, I’m mowing, cooking, cleaning and driving the mom taxi. To fill my cup, I’ve been a PTO president, teacher and a merit badge councilor. I’m currently a Girl Scout council small watercraft moving water instructor, and a lifetime Girl Scout member. For fun and to feed my mind, I’m learning Italian and to play guitar. I also stand up paddle board, surf, canoe, kayak, run, swim, climb, hike and do a “girls’ night out” bike ride with Southside Cyclery. To relax, I read, watch anime, play video games, hang out with my three kids, walk my three dogs, and play with my two cats.