I was born and raised in the biggest little city in the world: Reno, NV. While Reno may come across as an old cow poke ranch town that never quite made it through a Vegas style transformation, it was a great place in which to be raised. I spent summers at our Lake Tahoe cabin, and had a myriad of friends and family with whom to share events...most of which revolved around food! I was also a swimmer, practicing up to twenty-five hours a week, so hunger was fairly constant.

    My swimming led me to the University of San Diego on an athletic scholarship. It was at USD, on my own for the very first time, that I truly became a cook. I was constantly preparing meals and desserts for myself and those close to me. It was during my Sophomore year that I decided I HAD to go to culinary school. My parents were highly supportive of the idea with only two stipulations: finish my BA program, and work in a restaurant post graduation for six months to make sure the service industry was indeed something I wanted to pursue. I completed both tasks, and while finishing my degree in English, decided food writing was my ultimate passion. My Senior year I was able to have an editorial internship that solidified this ideal. I decided to attend the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco for the Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate Program to further my education.

    After completing my time at CCA I was very lucky to get my first job at the flagship Neiman Marcus department store in San Francisco as the Coordinator for the Rotunda Restaurant. I loved my job, but decided to move home to get a little more actual baking under my chef coat, and became the Pastry Chef and Bakery Manager at Reno’s oldest bakery: Josef’s Vienna Bakery and Cafe. Looking forward, I hope to reach the goal I set for myself so many years ago, and become a more avid food writer!