Hi! I’m a writer and naturalist based in Teton Valley, Idaho and Ojai, California. I love all forms of creative writing and have been writing stories and poetry since I was young. After a long and satisfying career in environmental health, I retired and began to write again.
Uplift is my debut novel — and an unusual one in that all the characters are birds, trees, and other nonhuman beings! I was inspired to write it to let people “see” through their eyes, and to give them a voice. I believe that a compelling, relatable story can help inspire greater respect and compassion for birds and others creatures.
Ever since I was young I have loved being out in nature, hiking, camping, or boating. This led me to become a Master Naturalist in 2024, and co-found the Teton Valley chapter to build a group of trained, enthusiastic volunteers dedicated to conservation of the natural world.
Earlier work: I was founder and CEO of Green Futures Unlimited, an environmental consulting firm providing, and an instructor with the University of California - San Diego sustainable biz program. I served as Director of Environmental Health & Safety for Pfizer and received the Pfizer Achievement award for revitalizing the La Jolla site program. I attended the University of Michigan, where I earned a MPH from the School of Public Health and a BS from the School for Environment and Sustainability.
Other fun stuff: I’ve been a classical pianist since the age of 5, and am what is commonly known as a “serious amateur.” I have traveled extensively around the US and the world. And nothing makes me happier than hiking the wilds with my husband and family, taking special delight in birds and wildflowers!
