I started my bonsai collection and training in the mid 1960s in Sacramento, California. My first bonsai club was the American Bonsai Club of Sacramento and my first teacher was Dan Buckley. Over the course of the last 40 years, I have studied with and been advised by many of the preeminent bonsai teachers in Northern California. I have been a student of Kathy Shaner for 10 years. I am a member of the El Dorado Bonsai School's Master Class on Satsuki Azalea Care and Maintenance. I have completed the three year course of study and am a certified Instructor in this area. This class and course of study is taught by Tatemori Gondo, a certified Satsuki Azalea Master from Japan. I have also been training in Japan for the past 4 years under the guidance of one of the top bonsai Masters in Japan, Yasuo Mitsuya. My four trips to Japan have totaled approximately 6 months of training. I am also certified as a Bonsai Instructor by the Golden State Bonsai Federation.

I currently maintain a collection of approximately 200 bonsai, of which about 100 are classified as Shohin. I am President of the California Shohin Society, as well as belong to several local bonsai clubs where I give programs and workshops. I have also given presentations and led programs at several other clubs in Northern California. I am a past member of the Board of Directors of the Golden State Bonsai Federation. Currently, I am very involved in maintaining the GSBF Collection in Oakland, California.