Born and raised in the state of Maine, I developed a love for the outdoors early on, sailing, cycling, hiking, and exploring wild places. My fascination with Japan also took root in childhood and led me to Kyoto shortly after high school, where I spent three years studying Japanese language, Zen Buddhism, and the shakuhachi flute.

In the years that followed, curiosity and a restless spirit took me in unexpected directions. I apprenticed with an architect in San Francisco, worked in international trade in Buenos Aires, and eventually returned to San Francisco to become an arborist. Along the way, I immersed myself in photography, creative writing, dance, and filmmaking, and lived for four years aboard a 39-foot sailboat. Looking back, these seemingly disparate experiences taught me to see the world from different perspectives and continue to shape the way I observe, create, and connect with people.

In 2016, I returned to Japan and began a career in tourism that spanned adventure guiding, destination development, team management, and consulting. Today I collaborate with regional tourism boards, travel companies, and local partners to develop strategies, experiences, and journeys that reveal a deeper, more authentic side of Japan.