My love for nature began at a young age. I was always barefoot, with dirt on my clothes, exploring, and picking mulberries from the tree in my backyard in Monee, Illinois. Growing up in the rural-suburban mix of this town, I developed a deep appreciation for nature and its creatures. I kept a feather collection in a wooden box and built little houses for toads. I wanted to learn about animals, draw them, and truly know them!

By my teenage years, I became somewhat of an outcast and lost the enchantment I once found in nature. I was always confused about who I was supposed to be, how to act, and who to hang out with—often choosing the wrong crowd. This left me feeling unmotivated and unwilling. It wasn’t until I had my two children that the spark of wonder returned to me! Their love for exploring and their boundless curiosity reignited my own sense of adventure. They were fascinated by bugs, birds, dirt—anything grubby or interesting was absolutely captivating!

Later, I rediscovered my love for photography and rekindled my passion for animals. And then, I learned how to paint! Combining these interests has created an incredible life experience for me. I discovered that every being, whether big or small—tree or cloud—has a story, and I want to help them tell it. ✨