Graduated from Pasadena High School and went on to earn an Associate of Arts degree in Science from Pasadena City College, a Bachelor of Science degree in Botany from California Polytechnic State University, Pomona, and a Master of Science degree in Natural Resources from Humboldt State University. Worked for the US Forest Service for a total of 33 years (14 years as an Ecologist and 19 years as a IT Specialist). Currently living in Vancouver, WA.