My Story

I was born in Tokyo, Japan, to missionary parents, the third of four children in a family that encouraged creativity from a young age. My passions always centered around the arts—books, movies, and music. I loved stories and was fascinated by people and the paths their lives took.

Following in my parents’ footsteps, I was drawn to both ministry and teaching. I earned my undergraduate degree in English from the University of Oregon and a Master of Divinity from Emmanuel School of Religion in Johnson City, Tennessee. Over the years, I’ve embraced both careers—teaching and ministry—often at the same time. I was ordained as a pastor and for 15 years served as an associate pastor, youth pastor, and music pastor in Idaho and Oregon, working alongside my husband in ministry. During those years, I was also raising my two amazing sons, an experience that remains the greatest joy of my life.

Today, I continue to serve as a high school language arts teacher in Oregon. I love my students—they’ve taught me to never lose my sense of humor, and that gift has carried me through many seasons.

Everything I write comes from a deeply personal place. My novels and blogs are meant to encourage women who have walked through real struggles—divorce, addiction, abuse, church hurt, grief, and trauma. While I don’t shy away from heavy themes, I also write with an eye toward humor, joy, and gratitude. My stories explore how strength can be found in faith and community, and how love—even imperfect love—can grow in the midst of brokenness.

If you’ve walked through loss or are navigating a season of healing, I hope my words remind you that you are not alone, and that beauty and belonging can be found even in the hardest places.