I was born in Minnesota and grew up in Edina and graduated from Edina High School in 2002. In 2005, I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Minnesota. In 2007, I joined the Minnesota National Guard and later commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 2008. In 2012, I deployed as a platoon leader with the Minnesota National Guard to Iraq. In addition to being a Kumon Instructor, I served in the Minnesota National Guard as a Captain until 2016.