I grew up on a crop and livestock farm in Western Nebraska, where I was heavily involved with 4-H and FFA. I graduated from the University of Wyoming in Animal Science and participated on the collegiate Livestock Judging Team. In 2006, I graduated from Everett Community College, in Everett, WA, with a Registered Nursing degree and returned to school later to receive my Bachelor's degree in Nursing.

Along with my husband Alan, I manage Deep Creek Ranch at Choteau, MT, and additionally, own and operate a bison ranch in KS.