As a young gymnast I got a lot of massage therapy and ate good, nourishing food. As an adult, I make a living by giving these things to others.

I went through the Hocking College Massage Therapy Program, where my early experience with massage made it easy to learn the techniques. After passing the Ohio Medical Board exam, I became a licensed massage therapist in 2001. Massage has been a big part of my life and a very rewarding career.

My passion for food has led to over nine years of experience in the restaurant industry. Most valuable were the years spent at Elk River Inn and Touring Center (www.ertc.com). Their restaurant has been featured in Bon Appetit and Cooking Light as well as national and regional newspapers. Working from breakfast cook to baker, from sous chef to head chef, this is where I honed my skills and gained confidence in cooking.

Other highlights include pastry baking in Hawaii and spending years as a chef at Purple Chopstix Restaurant in Athens, Ohio.

Now I'm married and own a home, working part time for the Village Bakery. When not in the kitchen or giving massage, I love to hike, bike and play in the hills of beautiful Athens county.