I grew up on a farm in central Illinois in a home filled with appreciation for hard work and nature.  I got my Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Illinois State University. I then received a Master’s in Zoology at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale specializing in entomology.

My career has focused on the interactions between insects and humans.  For fifteen years I worked with the Missouri Department of Agriculture inspecting plant nurseries, identifying insect pests and plant diseases, and recommending controls.  I saw a wide variety of plant problems, and I enjoyed helping my customers find solutions.

I also spent ten years as a commissioned officer in the US Army Reserves. I was deployed twice, once as a medical entomologist commanding a preventive medicine detachment in Afghanistan. On my second deployment I was a civil affairs officer leading a team in Djibouti, Africa.

I’m now striking out on my own, and looking forward to helping homeowners, lawn care businesses and anyone who wants healthier plants.  I am an ISA certified arborist.