I was born in Iowa. I graduated high school in Anaheim, California, where I first realized my true passion for the arts. After graduation, I relocated to Burlington, Iowa, where I attended Southeastern Community College. In 2011, I won the Judges Award for Best in Show, in the Annual SCC Student Art Show; as well as the Judges Award for Mixed Media on the same piece. After graduation from SCC, I have remained in the Burlington area.