Education- Graduate of Burke High School, 1992; Hastings College (B.A. in economics and English), 1996; University of Nebraska College of Law (J.D.), 1999; University of Nebraska at Omaha (M.A. in English literature), 2003; Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (M.A. in theology), 2008; Syracuse University (MPhil in religious studies), 2015.

Occupation- Educator Former- Lawyer Member- Holy Cross Lutheran Church Former member- Rejoice! Lutheran Church, 2002-17 (adult education instructor); co-organizer, 2013 Syracuse University Religion Graduate Organization Graduate Student Conference; regional conference organizer, workshop facilitator and banquet speaker, Compassionate Friends, 1986-96.

Honors and awards- Order of the Barristers, National Courtroom Advocacy Honorary.