I grew up on a farm in the great state of New Jersey, a place I will absolutely defend against any and all naysayers. Before I could play outside, chill with our goat and sheep (RIP Mini May and Bula), or go to softball/field hockey/tennis practice, I absolutely had to get my homework done — not because my parents were strict (they weren’t), but because deep down, I’ve always been a huge, type-A nerd.

I had a bit of an artistic side — I was in chorus, band (whattup, fellow clarinetists), and our school musicals — but I was far too shy to have any dreams of stardom. One year, to my great surprise, I got a callback for a part in Brigadoon. I didn’t get it. I was thrilled.

My studious ways ultimately led me to become my high school valedictorian, then to Colgate University where I majored in biology and minored in geography. (Please do not ask me to name capitals or find countries on a map. I’m abysmal at both. It will be embarrassing.) After graduating, I worked at a hospital in NYC while I tried to find my path in healthcare and medicine. One by one, I ruled out lab research, healthcare policy, nursing, med school, and on and on… until there was nothing left. My little science-loving heart was confused.

Out of ideas, I decided to embrace being young, clueless, and in NYC, and took an acting class. I was nervous as hell, but I did my first scene… and got a laugh. A LAUGH. Folks, I was a goner. I dove head-first into all things acting and, along the way, discovered I also love to write! This was an excellent development because I crave stability, and one unpredictable career simply wasn’t enough! (But seriously, it’s great!)

Eventually I decided I wanted more sunshine and less snow, and to experience life outside the tri-state area bubble, so I defected from the east coast and moved to LA. Here, I’ve discovered I love the southwest (how come no one told me Utah is stunning?) and that the National Parks Annual Pass is a great deal. I’ve also learned to embrace being a bit of a cliché, so you can often find me doing things like working on a screenplay in a coffee shop or discussing my acting website while hiking with friends. It’s great! And, when all else fails, you can usually find me at the gym, horseback riding, following in my grandfather’s footsteps by writing sternly worded letters to politicians (healthcare is a human right!), or searching for a bagel that can rival one from New Jersey. If you know of a hidden gem, please let me know!