During her years spent commercial fishing she explored the coastline from Bristol Bay to Prince William Sound, Canada to Seattle. She has always remained active in local politics and environmental issues. She worked on the front lines during the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill and participated in an archeological expedition along the Alaska Peninsula. Her fascination of Polynesian culture led her to Hawaii in the 60’s where she attended the University of Hawaii.

She has a special interest in the impact of introduced cultures and the seekers of the mythical Polynesian utopia. After leaving Alaska in 1994, she started a whale watch company in the San Juan’s Islands of Washington State. She is a USCG Licensed Master, Dive Master, member and PNW Chapter Chair of the Explorers Club and Founding Member and President of the Pacific Islands Research Institute, Dedicated to the study, understanding & preservation of the unique cultural heritage & fragile environment of the islands of the Pacific Ocean.

In 2006 she completed an archaeological expedition on Raivavae, Austral Islands, French Polynesia. She completed an expedition to Easter Island, to assist Edmundo Edwards and for the July 2010 Solar Eclipse. In May 2013 she completed an expedition to the Marquesas of French Polynesia. She has traveled extensively, has been to all 7 continents and worked aboard expedition ships since 2001. She has traveled the length and breadth of the Pacific Ocean, from Siberia to Antarctica and Chile to New Zealand as an expedition guide. She is dedicated to renovating buildings in Friday Harbor’s historic district, Argyle Suites, Farmers Insurance and Ace Hardware/The Lofts.

Currently she is coordinating the first annual Friday Harbor Film Festival. Future plans include another expedition to Easter Island, Pitcairn Island, Raivavae and a documentary film project. She splits her time between the San Juan Islands of Washington State and Kauai, Hawaii.