Born in the Midwest, my path has been a continuous journey of endurance, creativity, and technological curiosity. My commitment to distance running began in childhood, shaping a foundation of discipline that has since evolved into ultra-distance trail runs and long periods of suffering in the woods. This drive to push physical limits is a mirror for my approach to tackling professional challenges. My passion for creation first manifested in the kitchen, leading me to a role as Head Chef for a non-profit, dedicated to providing healthy meals to children. This blend of artistry and community commitment was deeply fulfilling. A separate, but equally strong, interest in technology—sparked by long hours spent customizing Myspace layouts with HTML—reignited a new professional path. This led me to intensive coding bootcamps and a successful pivot into software development. Beyond the digital realm, I nurture a passion for film photography, a skill I originally acquired in high school. To develop my own black and white film and prints, I built a personal darkroom that has journeyed with me from Oregon to my current home in Arizona.