My journey to travel planning wasn’t a straight line—it was shaped by years of learning, adapting, and connecting across cultures. During my time in the military, I trained alongside people from all over the world. I learned to navigate unfamiliar environments, build trust across language barriers, and see life through many different perspectives. Some of my most meaningful moments came not from grand experiences, but simple ones—like sharing a meal, swapping stories, or finding common ground across a table.

Those early experiences lit a fire in me that’s never gone out.

After the military, I spent over 15 years as a visual arts educator, helping students find their voice through creativity. But my favorite inspiration always came from the world beyond the classroom. I kept traveling—soaking in the colors of new cities, sketching street scenes, and filling my soul with inspiration from around the world.

Eventually, I realized I didn’t just want to experience travel—I wanted to help others experience it too. That’s when Viva Vistas was born.