Hi everyone!  I’m Jen!  I hold several roles in life, including mom to two fabulous young adults, wife to an amazing husband, and a Kindergarten to 6th-grade educator.  Growing up in Oregon led to my love of the outdoors.  Camping was in my blood (as my parents like to say) and some of my favorite memories are from around the campfire, splashing in the river, or huddled under a shade tent playing games in the rain. (Remember, I’m from Oregon!)  

I attended the University of Oregon (Go Ducks!) and graduated with a B.A. in Political Science and English.  I realized halfway through college that I really did not want to continue on to be a lawyer and took an internship in a local middle school.  I fell in love with teaching and that was the end of my career search!  Over 20 years later, I am still in education and loving every minute of it.  (In fact, that is where Deb and I met!)

I’m a recent “empty nester” with my daughter completing her first year at the University of Nevada, Reno, and my son is graduating from Oregon State University with a B.S. in computer science engineering and a minor in math.  While my kids were home, my life centered around them!  Sports practices, their friends, organizing schedules, etc. were my life.  I also enjoyed hosting the team parties, creating special mementos for the players, and creating just the perfect item for the coaches and other parents.  

I have always been passionate about crafting–starting with volumes of scrapbooks for the kids, creating decor items, and building furniture (I duped a Pottery Barn bookcase and just completed an outdoor farm patio table!)  This grew my love for creating items that evoke joy when they are used.  After a few glasses of wine around a campfire, and talks long into the night, Deb and I created the idea for Wild & Wonderful!