A.B. degree in English from Sweet Briar College, 1976. Commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, 1977. Served as a public affairs officer in the 2nd Marine Division from 1978-1981. Served five additional years as a reservist. Honorarily retired as a captain from the USMCR in 1991. Worked in corporate public relations and as a magazine editor and free-lance writer for eight years. Worked in marketing for 15 years.

U.S. Marine Corps Combat Correpondents Association National Distinguished Performance Award, 1980 - Best Feature Story

Established Cedar House Publishers in 1999. Professional speaker and singer. Affiliated with the American Association of Christian Counselors.