I believe that for humans to continue to not only survive in this world but thrive and really live - we MUST become good stewards of our resources and embrace the intricate interconnections that bond us all together. I believe in Ecology for Prosperity! Permaculture is a creative design process based on whole-systems thinking that uses ethics and design principles in the development of agricultural ecosystems, intended to be sustainable and self-sufficient. It guides us to mimic the patterns and relationships we can find in nature and can be applied to all aspects of human existence, from agriculture to ecological building, from appropriate technology to education and even economics. I have always had a love of the outdoors and a respect for anything living. I grew up on a small farm outside Cincinnati with chickens, ducks, cows, horses, dogs, cats, and all sorts of wild critters. I went to school at Xavier University, Chatfield College, and Wright State University where I obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences with Honors. I worked as a Seasonal Park Ranger for the Army Corps of Engineers while I was finishing up my degree. And later as an Eco Analyst for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources recruiting volunteers and monitoring the river health in 23 counties. I also worked as a long-term substitute teacher in Clermont County. I always had a mechanical aptitude and continued my work with the Army Corps of Engineers as a maintenance mechanic, maintaining and operating heavy equipment. The recreation areas and flood damage reduction aspects of these lake projects were also under my responsibility. I worked my way up to Maintenance Supervisor then as Project Supervisor. This focus on career and learning management skills took me to several locations within Ohio and across the country through temporary deployments and training. In 2010, I became an Area Manager over 5 multi-use projects and recreation areas where I continued developing my skills in land management. In 2014 I decided to follow my passions and started Permaculture Guru, LLC. I obtained my Permaculture Design Certification through Cincinnati Permaculture Institute (formerly This-Land.org ). Since then, I have been working with customers to design and implement sustainable landscaping, hardscapes, and practices that provide people with improved value, aesthetics, and function.