I'm from Troy, Michigan and I went to college at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where I received my B.S. in Environmental Science. While at school, I spent 2 ½ years in a campus group which focused on environmental education. We designed and presented "hands-on" environmental workshops to under-resourced elementary schools. I also had the opportunity to organize and participate in alternative spring break trips for college students. One year we went to rural West Virginia to work for Habitat for Humanity. The following year we volunteered at John Pennekamp State Park, in Florida, restoring nature trails. During the summer of 1996 I came to the Center for Rainforest Studies as a student. I learned a lot about Australia's tropical rainforest and communal living. I decided to return to CRS as an intern in Fall 1997 to once again contribute to the school's unique learning experience.