I am an Artist. Prior to 2008, I worked in Metalsmithing creating sculpture and jewelry, but now I design with Nature to create edible, living art. In 2005, I obtained a bachelor’s in Visual Arts Education from The University of Kansas. In 2010, I completed the Permaculture Design Certificate program under Steve Moring with Kansas Permaculture Institute. In 2012, I received my Kansas Teaching License which allows me to teach K-12. I have experience working in the corporate world, in education, in not for profit organization, coordination and fundraising and Permaculture design, implementation and maintenance.
When I was pregnant with my son in 2008, I became highly aware of the environment, the food we ate and the uncertain future of our planet. I began growing some of my own food and educating myself on rainwater collection, composting and starting plants from seed. I removed ALL the lawn from my upscale urban front yard to create permeable pathways and large growing beds. I quickly became the neighborhood “expert” in gardening. I took the PDC course with Steve Moring, and became a “star” student, as he would say. I apprenticed with him and have co-instructed a few PDC classes. I consider Steve to be my friend, mentor and family member. In 2011, I obtained 16 hours towards an Advanced Certificate in Broad Acre Permaculture with Warren Brush from Quail Springs.
Currently, I am the Educational Coordinator for The Light Center in Baldwin City, KS. We hope to develop the 34 forested acres into an educational Permaculture demonstration site. I hope to use my university education and credentials to bring Permaculture to the public schools and offer PDC courses to high school students. I also hope to educate our returning veterans on the healing and rewarding benefits of a career in sustainably produced food. I continue to work with Steve Moring as we prepare for another PDC course in Spring 2014 and grant opportunities to benefit our community. In October of 2013 I was awarded a full scholarship to attend the Bioneers Conference in San Rafael, CA. The conference was a transformative experience, and I feel confident that Permaculture is key among the most important works to rejuvenate our environment.