Before coming to Western, she worked as a Research Associate for the Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy and as an independent research consultant. She has conducted research with Landscape Conservation Cooperatives, as well as all of the major public land agencies and several tribal groups. Her pre-academic work experience demonstrates a commitment to the resilience of human and natural communities with jobs ranging from volunteer coordinator for Colorado Environmental Coalition to librarian with the Fraser Valley Library and program coordinator for Denver Urban Gardens. This diverse and applied work history helps her to mentor students in their future careers and help them build networks to support their careers.