Born in Montana and raised in Boise, Idaho; master’s degree in psychology from Walden University and bachelor’s degree from Montana State; worked much of early career providing direct mental health services to families; employed with state government and nonprofit, 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 24 years; five children (ages 11-22): four boys and one girl.