Career and Education

 I graduated from Montana State University Bozeman with a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts and a Minor in Psychology. I later completed the coursework for the undergraduate Applied Psychology major as well. Additionally, I completed coursework, business folio and internship requirements to certify with the Montana Artrepeneurs Program. I have been working as a professional Artist for many years. In my work as a Youth Case Manager and Care Manager at Youth Dynamics Inc. I attended many trainings regarding trauma informed care, de-escalation and mental health. My role at Youth Dynamics brought me into the homes and lives of many struggling families navigating the mental health needs of their children as well as families trying to reunify with their children in cases with Child and Family Services. I became acutely aware of the role poverty plays in the dysfunction of families, and how so many of us are just one financial pitfall away from bankruptcy or homelessness.   In my work as Director of Operations at Sage Spa Living, I managed and ran human resources for between 40 and 50 employees who practiced varying professions at 2 locations in Bozeman and Billings. I attended many business management trainings during that time and the real world experience of conflict resolution and team building has added significantly to my leadership toolbox.