I was born and raised in Peoria, Illinois. My husband and I met at Northern Illinois University and married. Later, we lived in Fulton, Missouri. Two special things happened while we lived there. I bought my first horse, Hap, a palomino quarter horse, and I finished my bachelor's degree in education. After six years in Missouri, we moved to Bloomington, Indiana where Hap and I continued our education in dressage.

In 1989, my husband and I moved to Jackson, Michigan where we still live. Hap and I have "happily" been with Jim and Sharon since and have made much progress. While in Jackson, I again went back to school and received my RN degree in 1996. I work in the intensive care unit at Doctor's Hospital and find it satisfying and fulfilling. In May of 1997, I purchased Balalaika, a holsteiner mare, from Jim and Sharon. She is a lovely mover and has been a tremendous challenge for me and a great deal of fun. I continue to ride Hap and am preparing for the next show season with Bali. My other interests are gardening, collecting antiques, and reading.