Her love and curiosity of wildlife and nature stems from her childhood.

“When I was about 9 years old, I read an article about Jane Goodall.

I was fascinated with her life and work with chimpanzees. Although I grew up on a farm and had no idea what it was like to explore, photograph and document wildlife behaviors as she was doing, I connected with her simplistic ways and understood, on some level, her desire to study animals.

Most of my youth was spent outdoors exploring about 50 acres of woods with several dogs by my side. I was never worried about getting lost. I believed my four-legged travel companions would always lead me home.

Every day, I looked forward to following my dad around as he did chores on the farm.  I loved all of the animals and wanted to care for each one. What I didn't realize was that they really didn't need me. I can remember a beautiful spring day carrying around my favorite chicken Rosie. I fed and watered her, stroked her feathers and then tucked my little red hen under my arm. I heard a faint thud and felt something hit the ground near my right foot. I looked down at the bright green grass and could hardly believe my eyes. Rosie had laid an egg.

These days, I keep my distance and observe animals, wild and domestic, in their natural environments. I love to watch their daily habits and interactions with each other. My true desire is to share these moments through my photography. I want others to see the beauty of the land and its creatures.”