I was born and raised in Pierre, SD where I attended Riggs High School. I spent my spare time swimming as a member of the Pierre swim team, playing the trombone in the school band, singing in the chorus and acting in school plays. After high school, I studied Biology at the University of Nebraska Lincoln and was a member of the Synchronized Swimming Team. I applied to dental school and was accepted and able to attend at the end of my junior year of college. I attended the University of Iowa College of Dentistry in Iowa City, IA where I graduated in June of 2008.

I had several interesting dental conditions as a child including impacted teeth, congenitally missing teeth and the need for orthodontics. I was always curious as to what was happening on the other side of the chair during my treatment and that led to my decision to become a dentist while I was still in high school. I have been interested and passionate about dentistry ever since.I am a member of the South Dakota Dental Association and the American Dental Association and enjoy furthering my dental knowledge through various continuing education opportunities and collaborating with fellow dentists.