I began my career working with animals in a vet clinic after graduating college with a Biology degree.  I also began volunteering at a primate rescue center.  After moving to Florida, I began working with the cats at our local zoo.  I loved taking care of the animals, training them, and educating others about them.

After my first child was born I began working at a plant nursery, learning all about plant families, propagation, and landscaping.  I received my Master Gardening certification.  I enjoyed practicing the principles I learned in my own backyard with flowers, native plants, and fruits.

After my second child, I began working at a local preschool so that I could be near our children while they spread their little wings.  I enjoyed watching children discover and learn through play.  I helped develop the school’s outdoor classroom and managed the daily activities for all students in this space.  After nine years, I moved to a local elementary school where I worked in a support role.  I enjoyed supporting teachers and staff, as well as students.  

But I longed to be in an environment where learning happened more freely, more organically, in a more hands-on fashion.  As I reviewed my years of varied work experience I realized that I could synthesize all of it to form a Backyard Classroom.  All of my passions rolled into one amazing place, where children can explore, learn, and discover the world and their place in it!