I grew up in Coralville, Iowa, which is next to Iowa City, with my parents and two younger sibilings. After high school, I attended The University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa, where I graduated with a double major in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education and a minor in Reading Education.
I substitute taught in the Iowa City Community School District until I landed a job at The University of Iowa Libraries as a secretary in July 2004. I transferred to The University of Iowa PA Program in August 2007. My husband is a carpenter's apprentice for a general contractor in Cedar Rapids. We have a very active dog named Sundae who is an Australian Shepard/terrier-mix. I enjoy reading, watching sports (my favorite is collegiate wrestling), outdoor activities, and spending time with my husband, Sundae, and our family and friends.