I grew up in the bounteous wilds of Western Pennsylvania, exploring the fields and forests of my grandparents’ farm in Punxsutawney and paddling the inland waterways with family. From these roots stemmed my passion for studying native flora and fauna of our region’s landscape. Working alongside my mother in the garden, I sowed the seeds for my lifelong appreciation of nature’s fascinating cycles. This interest continually blooms into a desire to enrich the lives of others by enhancing their spaces with thoughtfully cultivated habitats for humans and animals alike. 

For the past 15 years, I have sought to connect nature and community, first through my work at Three Rivers Rowing Association from 2005-2011 as a kayak instructor with the Experience Rowing and Paddling in Pittsburgh (ERAPP) program. In this role I introduced local high school students to the ecology of the wandering rivers in Pittsburgh Pa, from the delicately balanced riparian ecosystem to the ongoing efforts to restore the endangered aquatic habitat. 

From there I spent a year building my own personal connection to and understanding of our waterways, living on and navigating a houseboat down the mighty Mississippi River. This experience introduced me to the grasslands and prairies of the Midwest, and to countless individuals who shared my affection for environmental stewardship. 

Returning to Pittsburgh with new lessons and vision, I embarked upon the next step of her journey: to parlay my experience, passion, and skills into a sustainable profession. My ideal business model would emphasize collaboration and teamwork, education through hands-on engagement, and hiring and providing livable wages for women in the community. In 2014 that dream became a reality with the inception of Dirt Landscaping Collective. From 2014-2020 I served alongside Jennifer Lazzaro and Meg Graham as Co-owner/operator/bookkeeper at Dirt. Spending years and seasons working with these incredible friends and educators was like living in an outdoor classroom. Countless hours spent sharing information, learning, and growing their roots. Naturally, Dirt outgrew its container, and the time came for the women of Dirt to divide into their new business endeavors, and Petrichor was born.

What is Petrichor: A pleasant smell that frequently accompanies the first rain after a long period of warm, dry weather; Is the earthy scent produced when rain falls on dry soil; The word is constructed from Greek Petra “rock” or petros “stone” and ichor, the fulid that flows in the views of greek gods; A small group of hard working individuals who love working outdoors, soaking up sun and exchanging knowledge about the ever-changing world around us.

I continue to pursue education opportunities like the ongoing “Sustainable Horticulture, Landscape and Garden Design, and Native Plant Landscapes" programs at Phipps Conservatory. There, i’ve completed the Sustainable Landcare Accreditation and Soil Ecology courses, among others. I’ve have also attended the Three Rivers Urban Soil Symposium, and most recently earned a certificate in dry stack stone wall construction. I’m currently also enrolled in the Audubon Society’s “Backyard Habitat Certification Program.” These courses have added immeasurable value to my work and the wisdom informing my approach to ecological landscape design.