My passion for costume began when I was five years old, when my grandmother first taught me to sew. Through her guidance and more than a decade of 4-H projects, I discovered early that making garments was more than a hobby—it was something I wanted to pursue for a lifetime. I earned my BFA in Costume Technology from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where I began transforming that early love of sewing into a professional practice. Since then, I have worked across the country as a pattern maker, cutter, tailor, stitcher, and costume designer in theatre, opera, ballet, and film. These varied experiences have shaped my approach to costume as both an artistic discipline and a technical craft, with particular interests in pattern development, draping, tailoring, construction, and problem-solving. In 2018, I moved to Logan, Utah, where I pursued an MFA in Costume Design at Utah State University. After completing our degrees, my husband and I made our way to western Montana, where we now call Florence home.

I currently serve as an Assistant Professor of Costume Technology at the University of Montana and as Costume Shop Manager for the School of Theatre and Dance. In these roles, I combine professional practice with teaching, mentoring students through the collaborative and technical processes involved in bringing costumes from concept to stage. My work encompasses costume construction, patterning, draping, tailoring, fitting, shop management, and production problem-solving. Alongside my university work, I maintain a home studio where I take on freelance costume design and construction projects. I also work in bridal alterations, with a particular focus on sleeve additions, modesty modifications, and thoughtful alterations that preserve the character and integrity of a garment. While costume is my profession, making has always been a part of who I am. These days, life in Montana provides plenty of inspiration outside the studio as well. The mountains are home, and I share them with my husband, our three children, our dog Copper, and a small flock of chickens.