About Me
I am. Artist. Advocate. Academic.
When all three coalesce into a single project I feel as though I'm doing my best work.
I was raised in Skagit Valley, Washington, near the foothills of the North Cascades. The Skagit River rushes through my veins - I bleed green indeed. Growing up in the beauty of the natural world played a significant role in my creative development as a writer and artist.
Some of my favorite poets are Mahmoud Darwish, Philip Levine, Pablo Neruda, Mary Oliver, Shel Silverstein, Lucille Clifton, and Amanda Gorman.
I proudly work for the local nonprofit, the Skagit River Poetry Foundation, where we build literacy through the power of poetry by placing poets in our local school districts, hosting a biennial poetry festival with poets from across the nation, and sponsor poetry related events throughout the year. I also work for the University of Washington Bothell Campus Library where I support the success of our campus community. I hold a BA in Communication from Western Washington University, and a MA in Cultural Studies with an emphasis in student success and retention strategies from UW Bothell.
And my kitty, Button, loves to keep me on track as he supervises my writing progress from my own office chair and makes sure I take breaks by demanding treats. After the cat is fed, you'll find me stepping outside to hike in the mountain forests or walk near the water's edge.
Artist Statement
Creating fuels the fire within myself and in doing so I hope my work resonates with my audience and inspires them to see the true beauty of the natural world, to understand its fragility and interconnectedness with the self. And then proceed forward to tread a little more gently, increasing awareness of how our daily actions effect the environment. when i touch a tree, i touch all that is sacred. let's protect that.
I am. Artist. Advocate. Academic.
When all three coalesce into a single project I feel as though I'm doing my best work.
I was raised in Skagit Valley, Washington, near the foothills of the North Cascades. The Skagit River rushes through my veins - I bleed green indeed. Growing up in the beauty of the natural world played a significant role in my creative development as a writer and artist.
Some of my favorite poets are Mahmoud Darwish, Philip Levine, Pablo Neruda, Mary Oliver, Shel Silverstein, Lucille Clifton, and Amanda Gorman.
I proudly work for the local nonprofit, the Skagit River Poetry Foundation, where we build literacy through the power of poetry by placing poets in our local school districts, hosting a biennial poetry festival with poets from across the nation, and sponsor poetry related events throughout the year. I also work for the University of Washington Bothell Campus Library where I support the success of our campus community. I hold a BA in Communication from Western Washington University, and a MA in Cultural Studies with an emphasis in student success and retention strategies from UW Bothell.
And my kitty, Button, loves to keep me on track as he supervises my writing progress from my own office chair and makes sure I take breaks by demanding treats. After the cat is fed, you'll find me stepping outside to hike in the mountain forests or walk near the water's edge.
Artist Statement
Creating fuels the fire within myself and in doing so I hope my work resonates with my audience and inspires them to see the true beauty of the natural world, to understand its fragility and interconnectedness with the self. And then proceed forward to tread a little more gently, increasing awareness of how our daily actions effect the environment. when i touch a tree, i touch all that is sacred. let's protect that.
