Hometown: I was born and raised on a small farm just outside of Carson in western ND. We farmed wheat, oats and barley; raised range cattle; milked cows; raised sheep off and on and also had some hogs when I was very little. In addition to that, each year we raised 400 chickens for butchering and selling. For a little extra money we sold eggs, cream and homemade cottage cheese.
Education: I earned my high school diploma from Roosevelt Public School in Carson, ND. I earned my Bachelor's in Music Education from Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD and completed the Master's of Music in Education program at NSU in May 2017 with a 4.00 GPA.
Hobbies and Interests: I enjoy many things including gardening, cooking, camping (rustic please!), fishing, sewing and dancing. I enjoy motorcycling and have traveled to 22 states and 4 Canadian provinces so far - yes, on my own bike! I ride a 1500 Kawasaki Vulcan Classic and together we've been to lots of wonderful places. I also enjoy horse riding and had the pleasure of owning one of Secretariat's grandbabies - Legal Secretariat. She and I were companions for nearly 10 years before I had to put her to rest during the summer of 2014. I have not found another horse to replace her.
Martial Arts: Another passion I have which is now an every day way of life is martial arts. I am a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo and a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Hapkido. Within the past year I have begun training in Kumdo and Kumbop. In addition to assistant teaching in the local dojang - Strongheart Martial Arts Academy, I am head instructor at my own gym in Ellendale, ND (Ellendale Martial Arts Academy) and I also teach self defense courses in and around the Aberdeen area.
Community: In addition to martial arts and self defense courses I am chair person for Aberdeen Living Christmas Tree. In 2018 we celebrated our 30th year of sharing the true meaning of Christmas with the community and surrounding area through music. The performances are held during the 1st full weekend of December each year. Local and area musicians gather to form a 125 voice adult choir, 40-50 piece orchestra and 25 member children's choir. A free will offering is accepted to cover costs of production with any extra revenue being donated to local charities. Click on button below to visit our Facebook page.
I have been a member of the Aberdeen Municipal Band for approximately 19 years. I have recently been teaching adult music classes at our local cultural arts and recreation center. The classes include "Reading Music for Beginners" and "Adult Class Voice".
Health: I have Celiac Disease. Please feel free to click on the button below to learn more about this autoimmune disease.
Studio Recordings: I have recorded two studio albums in memory of my father who died in a home fire. All proceeds from the sale of the cds were donated to a local charity, 'Birthright'.
Education: I earned my high school diploma from Roosevelt Public School in Carson, ND. I earned my Bachelor's in Music Education from Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD and completed the Master's of Music in Education program at NSU in May 2017 with a 4.00 GPA.
Hobbies and Interests: I enjoy many things including gardening, cooking, camping (rustic please!), fishing, sewing and dancing. I enjoy motorcycling and have traveled to 22 states and 4 Canadian provinces so far - yes, on my own bike! I ride a 1500 Kawasaki Vulcan Classic and together we've been to lots of wonderful places. I also enjoy horse riding and had the pleasure of owning one of Secretariat's grandbabies - Legal Secretariat. She and I were companions for nearly 10 years before I had to put her to rest during the summer of 2014. I have not found another horse to replace her.
Martial Arts: Another passion I have which is now an every day way of life is martial arts. I am a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo and a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Hapkido. Within the past year I have begun training in Kumdo and Kumbop. In addition to assistant teaching in the local dojang - Strongheart Martial Arts Academy, I am head instructor at my own gym in Ellendale, ND (Ellendale Martial Arts Academy) and I also teach self defense courses in and around the Aberdeen area.
Community: In addition to martial arts and self defense courses I am chair person for Aberdeen Living Christmas Tree. In 2018 we celebrated our 30th year of sharing the true meaning of Christmas with the community and surrounding area through music. The performances are held during the 1st full weekend of December each year. Local and area musicians gather to form a 125 voice adult choir, 40-50 piece orchestra and 25 member children's choir. A free will offering is accepted to cover costs of production with any extra revenue being donated to local charities. Click on button below to visit our Facebook page.
I have been a member of the Aberdeen Municipal Band for approximately 19 years. I have recently been teaching adult music classes at our local cultural arts and recreation center. The classes include "Reading Music for Beginners" and "Adult Class Voice".
Health: I have Celiac Disease. Please feel free to click on the button below to learn more about this autoimmune disease.
Studio Recordings: I have recorded two studio albums in memory of my father who died in a home fire. All proceeds from the sale of the cds were donated to a local charity, 'Birthright'.