I was born at Goleta Valley Hospital and have lived in Santa Barbara or Goleta for most of my life. I am the first person in my extended family to graduate from college. Growing up, my family rented and we moved every year. I attended five different elementary schools before graduating from Goleta Valley Junior High and Dos Pueblos High School. At Santa Barbara City College I discovered a love for journalism. I have worked at the San Diego North County Times, Santa Barbara News-Press, San Jose Mercury News, Santa Barbara Daily Sound, Ventura County Star several other publications.

I once dreamed of becoming a big-time journalist in a big market, but once my son was born I decided that the greatest impact I can have in the world is at home and on my children. So I gave up my career to practice local journalism and teach, so I could spend more time at home. I also have a background covering and reporting on mixed martial arts, including the UFC, Strikeforce and other promotions. 

I am also an award-winning journalist. My investigative reports on elder abuse in a Santa Barbara nursing home led to the sale of the company. My reports on how nurse Mary Hochman shot herself in the heart on the beach uncovered a pattern of neglect and abuse at the home. I won first place from the California Newspaper Publishers Association. I also won a first place statewide public service award from the CNPA for my investigation into electric bus procurement a the Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit district. 

In addition, I teach journalism at Santa Barbara City College and Cal State University, Northridge, and many of the professionals working in local journalism on the South Coast are my former students.