"I grew up in California but have lived in Michigan most of my life. I wrote my first poem when I was twelve and have written in various forms since then. I graduated from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon with a degree in Sociology which has led me to view the world in terms of people and society. I also have a Masters Degree from the University of Michigan. I believe poetry is a means to create images and present issues in a way that celebrates both images and words."