I began my metalsmithing career by taking jewelry classes in high school.I was immediately enamored with metal as a material. After studying with Kathleen Browne,I received my BFA from Kent State University in 1997. It was Kathleen who encouraged me to attend East Carolina University so I could study with Bob Ebendorf while he was a guest instructor. ECU offered a rich & diverse program where I was able to study under the late John Satterfield,Linda Darty,Joe Muench, Mi Sook Hur, as well as Bob. My work addresses my love & respect for the natural world & a healthy planet through the motifs of insect & seed/pod. I enjoy making sculptural jewelry & functional objects. My favorite processes are those that involve a hammer:forming, raising, chasing, & forging. I prefer direct fabrication versus casting but will when the piece calls for it. Metalsmith at heart, I also integrate other materials such as wood, resin, fiber, & natural objects into my pieces because I value each material's properties & feel they add to the overall dynamic of each work. I currently teach adult jewelry/metals classes at a city-run arts center in Columbus, OH, where I also manage the Metals Studio. In addition, I was asked to join the adjunct faculty at Capital University, where I am the sole metals instructor in their BFA program.