I am a recovering academic with a background in the sciences (ecology, marine biology,environmental physiology, marine biology, biochemistry, molecular biology/physiology) turned natural builder (cob) and permaculturist. My interest in the outdoors and growing things has been a life-long and ongoing endeavor. After decades of not following my heart, I limit my current activities to those which feed my soul. :-)

My interest in permaculture evolved, somewhat organically, out of my love for the outdoors, for the Earth, for helping things grow, and for science. As my approach to living became more simple, Earth-friendly, and logical, permaculture trickled into my life from everywhere. I have spent the last few years building my knowledge and experience in the realms of permaculture and natural building, which go hand-in-hand. In 2013-2014, I mostly lived and worked at a natural building school and in the Fall of 2014, I completed the Permaculture Design Certificate course through Oregon State University.

Currently, I am living on 12 acres on the beautiful Southern Oregon Coast with my 7 year old son, who is with me on this journey. The land on which we live is virtually a blank slate and we are planning to use a combination of natural building and permaculture methods to provide food, medicine, and habitat. I am hoping to gain enough experience to become a permaculture consultant to earn a modest living as well as donate my time and skills to humanitarian projects.