Growing up in the small farming community of Amenia, North Dakota, I learned that some of life's greatest riches can't be bought. They were found in early mornings, fresh country air, productive gardens, and the quiet satisfaction of working the land. My parents taught me that a good harvest came from patience, hard work, and caring for the soil. We raised our own livestock, tended a large vegetable garden, and nurtured a small orchard—living a lifestyle where nature wasn't just appreciated, it was respected.

Those experiences shaped who I am.

​

Today, as a wife and mother, I feel a deep responsibility to pass those traditions on to my own children. I want them to understand where food comes from, how previous generations lived with the land instead of simply on it, and why those timeless skills still matter. Together we grow a large family garden, care for our chickens, and continue learning the outdoor traditions that have been passed down through my husband's family, including hunting deer, grouse, and pheasant. We've also begun an annual tradition of salmon fishing in Alaska, creating memories while strengthening our connection to the natural world.

​

My love for nature extends beyond our backyard. I enjoy foraging for wild mushrooms and became certified in mushroom identification through the University of Minnesota. Every season offers something new to discover, reminding me that the healthiest ecosystems are also our greatest teachers.

​

Our family is also restoring and stewarding hunting land with a long-term vision. We're developing a permaculture forest designed to provide food and habitat for both people and wildlife while supporting healthier populations of grouse, deer, turkeys, pollinators, and countless native species. It's our small way of giving back to the land that has given so much to us.

​

Professionally, I earned my degree in Graphic Design from The Art Institutes International Minnesota and, alongside my husband Matt, built Schnell Designs into a successful creative agency serving businesses across the United States. Through branding, marketing, and storytelling, we've helped organizations grow and thrive. But over time, I realized those same creative skills could be used for something even bigger.

​

My passion today is helping inspire healthier landscapes, stronger communities, and a renewed appreciation for the outdoors. Whether it's planting native flowers, restoring wildlife habitat, supporting local parks, encouraging sustainable gardening, or simply helping one family spend more time outside, I believe small actions can create lasting change.

​

This journey isn't about perfection—it's about progress. It's about honoring the lessons of the past while building a healthier future for generations to come. I hope the stories, projects, successes, and even the failures I share will encourage others to plant something, protect something, or simply spend a little more time in nature.

​

Because when we care for the land, it has an incredible way of caring for us in return.