I graduated from Pipestone-Jasper High School in 1995. I then attended Worthington Community College in Worthington, MN. I participated in basketball both years there, and left with a Associate of Arts Degree in the Spring of 1997. In the fall, I transferred to Dakota State University in Madison, SD. I left 3 1/2 years later with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education along with a Middle School endorsement and a K-12 Computer endorsement. While at DSU, I was a member of the basketball team for 1 year, and the baseball team for 1 year. I also was a student assistant for the Lady T's basketball program.

I completed my Master's Degree in Computer Technology from Dakota State University. It was a long process but when you are able to take distance courses over the Internet, you learn how to discipline yourself. I completed the degree in December of 2006.

With the computer education I received, I took a job in Winner, SD in 2001 as the K-4 Computer Teacher along with teaching 5th and 7th grade computers during my time there. In 2007 - 2009, I ran the help desk in Winner when they were selected for Governor Rounds 2010 Initiative. In the summer of 2009, I accepted a job in Chester, SD as the Middle School Social Studies teacher.