I grew up on a dairy and hog farm just outside of Rosemount, MN. I attended the University of Wisconsin River Falls which is where I received my degrees in agriculture, animal science and teaching. I am currentlly attending Metro State to receive an urban education certificate.

I used to work at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley, MN. My favorite animals are Holstein dairy cow, sea turtles, moose, and slow lorises.

I have been married for 12 years and have three children.