She is a graduate of Simpson College, in Indianola, Iowa, where she received a BA in Psychology with a minor in Social Work. She earned a Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. For the last several years she has worked with children, youth and families at a child welfare agency in a variety of positions including Therapist, Educational Liaison, and Program Coordinator. She provided in-home treatment for a child welfare organization in Iowa. She has presented at conferences in the Midwest and West Coast. She works with families in Spanish and English.