I am of Sicilian descent - my family came through Ellis Island.... a fact that I am very proud of.
I have been artistic and creative my entire life, but finally in my early thirties, I attended a two year dedicated program in Sign Painting (Butera School of Art in Boston, MA), graduating first in my class. I had a very successful sign and vehicle lettering business for a number of years. After moving to Arizona in 2002, I was unable to continue working due to chronic daily migraine. Starting an entirely new career in jewelry design and fabrication was the BEST thing I ever did; beginning with beading, which was fun but not completely rewarding. There was a school not far from my home that offered classes in metalsmithing, which opened a whole new door for me. After a year of classes and studio time, I decided this was a true calling. I purchased all the tools and equipment necessary for metalsmithing.

One of my passions in life is animal advocacy. I have nine companion cats, all rescued, of course, with focus on special needs animals. I also have three companion parrots, my precious Congo African Grey, Peke; a scarlet macaw named Rainbow, and a wild caught peach faced lovebird named Rooster. My animal soulmate was a sun conure that I rescued from a terrible situation - I gave her a wonderful life in my home for five years prior to losing her in May of 2011. She returned my love a thousandfold, filling my life with such joy that it still brings tears to my eyes.

I am affiliated with All About Animals rescue (www.allaboutanimalsaz.com) in Arizona, and have been since their inception. All About Animals is dedicated to saving companion animals whose lives are in jeopardy by providing rescue, foster and adoption. All About Animals believes that it is their moral responsibility to protect and improve the lives of abused, abandoned, and homeless cats and dogs. Their aim is to bring together individuals who are passionate about creating a better future for companion animals; and committed to provide these volunteers with high quality training in order to work together in the most efficient way to ensure the well being of the animals.

Shadow Cats Sanctuary is the second facility that benefits from the sales of my catnip toys. They are located in Texas (www.shadowcats.net), with a mission for caring for a resident population of ill, immune compromised, injured and senior cats. I have donated to this organization for a number of years, including sponsorship of two cats.

The third of the organizations that I am affiliated with is Wild at Heart , an all volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and preservation of Arizona's native wildlife through rescue and rehabilitation of injured and orphaned birds of prey, relocation of displaced raptors, public education and habitat enhancement programs. (www.wildatheartowls.org) I volunteered on a regular basis for several years, prior to my disability getting the best of me. Working with those birds brought so much fulfillment to my life. I started doing that work to give back, to help these wonderful creatures, and yet it was me that was given the gift. I have been offered the opportunity to look into the eyes of pure wilderness, allowed into the private space that humans should not normally enter, and seen firsthand the beauty, strength and magnificence of what birds of prey
truly are.