Born in Montana and raised in Boise, Idaho; bachelor’s degree in psychology from Montana State University and a master’s degree in psychology from Walden University; worked 14 years in eastern Idaho providing direct mental health services to families; employed with state government managing departments, including education and public and behavioral health, with projects focused on anti-bullying, mental health, HIV, homelessness, suicide, drug and alcohol treatment, Medicaid, maternal and child health, and drug prevention; currently serves various nonprofits statewide and on local committees focused on building positive community change; married for 22 years; five children (ages 9-20): four boys and one girl.