I have a conventional cosmetology license, though my interest and focus have always been on natural, safe, ecologically responsible lifestyle choices and approaches to self care. I am a folk herbalist, and natural birth doula having free birthed my six children at home. As an eco-activist for 3 decades the link between environmental issues, the economy and human rights became very evident. Trusting there are solutions for all issues, my activism led me to create a cutting edge all natural salon and spa that attracted clients from across the United States. There I honed my skills of coloring hair with herbs which led to me authoring the book, Natural Hair Coloring, How to Use Henna & Other Pure Herbal Pigments for Chemical Free Beauty [Storey Publishing 2016]. I received a certification in Non-profit Leadership and Management from Syracuse University's Newhouse School. For several years, I served as Co-Chair of the Board for Citizens Environmental Coalition (CEC), an anti-toxics coalition of 112 local groups in New York state as well as a Board member of the New York State Labor and Environmental Network (NYSLEN). I directed a multinational youth organization, Kids Against Pollution (KAP) and was an Official Delegate to the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) Johannesburg South Africa 2002.
I Spearheaded a successful Think Local initiative for her community. In 2012 and 2014, I ran for County Legislature as the Green Party Candidate. I also served as the local Chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals. In 2020 after witnessing the Green Party lose its standing as the party of peace, diplomacy, and freedom, I accepted the invitation to become cofounder of The Emerald Party US I currently live in the Great Northern Catskill Mountains on our intergenerational family homestead where I run my online herbal hair coloring remote consulting and mail order business.