I grew up in Denver with my family who remain in the Denver area.  My interests are mainly arts related; I am a fan of the local opera company, High Desert Opera, and the local music.

I graduated from Regis University in 2004, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree, with honors, in Finance and a minor in Business Administration. During my undergraduate period, I maintained full time employment with a large food distribution company based in the Denver area.

In December 2007, I graduated early from the University of Tulsa College of Law, receiving my Juris Doctorate degree.  I explored the legal field widely while in law school, working as a research assistant to one of my professors regarding cultural property, studying abroad in both Ireland and Argentina, and interning with private employers and the Tulsa County Public Defender's Office.  I was also the social chair for the local chapter of Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity.

I moved to Grand Junction in 2008 after a period of interning for the Colorado State Public Defender's Office. Prior to joining Younge & Hockensmith as an associate, I maintained a small practice with a friend from law school in Grand Junction focusing mainly on family law issues.