IMG_2385I am an Iowa girl, born and bred…and cornfed. I’ve moved from Iowa City to Norfolk, Virginia to pursue a master’s degree in art therapy at Eastern Virginia Medical School. I’m orginally from Northwest Iowa and graduated from the University of Iowa in 2005 with a double degree in studio arts and English, so my passions are equally divided between painting and writing. I enjoy most creative outlets…singing, playing instruments, dancing and laughing (it truly is an art form). I’m also a prolific baker. There are always cookies or breads in my kitchen. When I’m not being creative, you can find me on a yoga mat, twisted into some various asana or other. I am a certified yoga instructor and continue to expand my practice through teaching and attending classes. I hope to someday incorporate yoga into my professional creative therapy.

I have two best friends in my life, both of whom I met on the recommendation of acquaintances. The first is Melissa (you’ll hear about her a lot). Melissa is truly a kindred spirit and a lifelong friend. We have that rare magic that allows us to travel together without conflict or trouble. A good travel companion is so difficult to come by and such a gem. Melissa stumbled into my life at the most opportune time. I was in need of someone I could trust. As was she. The second soul mate in my life is my boyfriend, Matt. He laughs at my jokes and lets me cry when I need to. He means the world to me.

The next couple of years hold both adventures and struggles. I have been away from school for four years working in research. I hope I can slip back into academia without too much of a struggle. I guess we’ll see. Won’t we?