My story

I was raised in Central Illinois on a grain and livestock farm, where I grew up raising and showing livestock, and being very active in 4-H and FFA.  I worked as a vet tech for several years after getting my bachelors degree in Animal Sciences from the University of Illinois with a large animal concentration. 

I have three beautiful adult children; my oldest daughter, Madison who lives in southern California with my son-in-law, Matt, my son, Montana, who lives in New Mexico, and my youngest daughter, Maiah, who lives in Virginia with her boyfriend, Jared.

While raising kids, I taught part time adjunct in human biology at the local junior college, then decided to pursue a Masters in Teaching secondary science. I have taught anatomy and physiology, biology, forensics, environmental science over the years. I worked as a certified personal trainer for many years through the American College of Sports Medicine,  trained and coached youth sports up to college: soccer, cross country, swimming and basketball, participated as a runner and triathlete.

I am passionate about strength and conditioning, anatomy and physiology, athletics, injury prevention and recovery.  I am thoroughly enjoying applying all of this past experience to my first passion in life - large animals, particularly equine.