Four handmade ceramic vessels with painted geometric figures and patterns by Peyton.

Peyton Evans’ career began as an advertising copywriter in Los Angeles for Carson Roberts advertising in the 1960s and had a monthly column in Glamour Magazine for a decade. She was the feature editor of Brides magazine in the 1970s. Peyton won the James Cash Penney University of Missouri School of Journalism Award in 1982 and wrote over 200 magazine pieces for various New York magazines – Condé Nast, Hearst – and for Avon Books where she co-authored five books. Peyton serves on the Board of the Key West Literary Seminar.

In addition to her writing career, Peyton studied for 30 years as a ceramic artist at Anderson Ranch in Snowmass, Colorado, and Greenwich House pottery in New York City. Shortly after moving to Key West, Florida, she had the idea to start on organization to support local artists and offer residences to visiting artists in Key West. Sending over 14 artists on all-expense-paid residences across the country as a research initiative, Peyton Evans founded The Studios of Key West in 2006-07 with financial support of the Rodel Foundation. The Peyton Evans Artist Residences (PEAR) program is named in her honor.

Judy Blume and George Cooper are authors, philanthropists, and longtime champions of Key West’s literary and cultural community. Blume, one of America’s most beloved authors, has sold more than 85 million books worldwide and is a dedicated advocate against censorship and for the freedom to read. Cooper, a Harvard Law School graduate and former Columbia University professor, built a distinguished career in civil rights law and later became an author of historic true crime. In Key West, the couple has played an active role in supporting the arts: Cooper helped lead the development of the nonprofit Tropic Cinema, while Blume has served on the board of the Key West Literary Seminar. In 2016, they founded Books & Books @ The Studios, a nonprofit bookstore dedicated to connecting readers and writers, celebrating local authors, and fostering a lifelong love of books.

Scott Burau is a senior manager with the Real Estate Services organization at Deloitte LLP. He serves as a tour guide for the Key West Literary Seminar, and he represents Key West on the Cultural Umbrella Committee of the Tourist Development Council. He spends part of the year in Provincetown, Massachusetts. He graduated from Haverford College, where is still actively involved, and lives with his husband, Eric, and their dog, Linus.

Darcy Cooke is a jazz vocalist with a lifelong passion for music and building community through the arts. She studied music and theater at Shenandoah Conservatory and, as a native of the Washington, DC, metro area, performs regularly throughout the region’s vibrant music scene. She has also become a featured performer in Key West, where family ties and years of visits deepened her connection to the island. Today, she proudly calls both Key West and Vermont home. In 2022, Darcy released her debut album, Careless Love, and she is currently working on her second album, scheduled for release in 2027.

Beyond her performing career, Darcy co-owns, with her husband, Signature Consulting Group, a woman-owned small business specializing in Healthcare IT and consulting for federal and commercial clients. The company’s largest client, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, administers health coverage programs that serve more than 160 million Americans.

Nate Gubin is an American author, comedian, filmmaker, and carpenter. He is best known for writing independent comedy fiction, including his 2011 humor romance Halloween Is For Lovers and the middle-grade adventure book The Boy Pirate. Beyond his literary work, Gubin has performed live improv comedy in Los Angeles and Boston, and he has written, directed, and acted in independent films. “Tiger Show,” his documentary about an abandoned roadside circus won an award at the Wisconsin Film Festival.In addition to his creative pursuits, he is a skilled home renovator whose remodeling projects have appeared in FineHomebuilding Magazine. When he’s not writing or swinging a hammer, he likes to go on long bikepacking tours with his misfit bike gang the Drifters.

Erika has hosted a series of fundraising events this year at her Key West Yoga Sanctuary, and became Empowerment Sponsor at YGB’s annual campaign “Global Gathering for India” with its generous community’s support. Erika Hawks has been practicing traditional ashtanga yoga as taught by Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois since 2008. She has studied in Mysore, India and began her teaching career in Ashtanga yoga at Miami Life Center over a decade ago, with the blessing of her teachers Kino MacGregor and Tim Feldmann. After moving to Key West in 2014, Erika found her home at the Key West Yoga Sanctuary, where she took the helm in 2021. Erika is a certified Ayurvedic Health Counselor and continues her studies at SAI Ayurvedic Institute. She holds a 200 RYT since 2010 and is currently working towards 500 RYT with her teacher Greg Nardi of Ashtanga Yoga Worldwide. Before committing full-time to her yoga mat, Erika graduated from the University of Miami School of Law with a J.D. in 2002.

Chase Hurst a native Virginian who moved to Key West nine years ago. After graduating with an interest in Business Administration and Accounting, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Chase is a Gulf War veteran who served four years stationed at Ft. Campbell Army Base as a Tactical Air Control Specialist. He spent the next 20 years providing personal accounting services to individuals and companies. Since 2013, Chase has been the Finance Director for Womankind. He oversees the accounting, business support, financial planning and analysis, annual audit, fundraising, grant writing and grant reporting. Former positions include he is serving as Board President of May Sands Montessori School, and Treasurer and Co-chair of Fundraising. Chase currently serves as Treasurer of The Mystic Krewe of Key West, a local nonprofit organization that has raised over $160,000 in five years for other local nonprofits in need. He is Co-Administrator of the John B. and Brownie Young Memorial Scholarship for 15 years and is also an “old-school” programmer; Chase designed the contribution and annual fund database for the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra. He also created the membership database for Impact 100 – Owensboro, a nonprofit that has provided over $3,000,000 in grants to local organizations. Chase and Craig just celebrated their 11th year of marriage and they have a macaw, an African grey, and a Yorkie named Oliver.

Christopher Kent is a retired Senior Managing Director from FTI Consulting’s Economics practice, where, in addition to managing a staff of economists, he held primary responsibilities for business development and coordination between FTI’s five major practice groups. In his career he conducted, directed, and testified as an expert witness on numerous detailed analytic studies, primarily related to the economic and financial workings and operations of network industries. Chris’ analyses were used internally by companies to set prices and for operational reorganization. Most frequently, his studies were used in administrative and judicial proceedings. Chris testified extensively before state and federal administrative agencies and legislative bodies, in federal and state courts, and in arbitration and mediation proceedings. He is a 1970 graduate of the University of Virginia.

He is married with two sons and two granddaughters. He currently divides his time between homes in Annapolis, MD, Key West, FL, and Fenwick Island, DE. He is a licensed USCG (merchant marine) Captain.

Warren Leamard is the chef and owner of Destination Catering & Events in Key West, Florida. Originally from Jamaica, Warren has called Key West home since 1985 and is recognized for his expertise in Caribbean-inspired cuisine and event planning. Alongside his wife Abby and their two daughters, Alison and Felicia, Warren is deeply invested in Monroe County, particularly, the Key West community.

He is a dedicated member and past president of the Sunrise Rotary Club, The Studios of Key West, serves as Development Chair for the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, and is a co-sponsor of the Macedonia Scholarship Fund. He also contributes his insights as a member of the Bahama Village Redevelopment Advisory Committee, Monroe County Affordable Housing Committee and Habitat for Humanity. Warren’s leadership at Destination Catering & Events and his commitment to local initiatives reflect his passion for both culinary excellence and community development in the Florida Keys.

Jacqueline Luhta is a seasoned banking executive and community leader with more than two decades of experience in financial services. She currently serves as Senior Vice President of Strategy & Community Engagement at First State Bank in Key West, where her work focuses on business development, relationship management, organizational growth, and community engagement. She holds an MBA from the State University of New York and an undergraduate degree in Speech, Communication & Dramatic Arts from Syracuse University.

Jacqueline is deeply involved in the Florida Keys community, serving as President of Keys Health & Housing, a mentor with Take Stock in Children of Monroe County, and a board member of Leadership Monroe County. She previously served as Vice President of the Key West Business Guild.

Born and raised in rural northwest Ohio, Jacqueline grew up immersed in arts and music, playing piano and seeking out every opportunity to create. In college, she performed as an actress and radio personality while exploring the music industry. Serving on the board of The Studios of Key West offers a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with those lifelong passions while supporting the creative community she now calls home.

Laurie McChesney is the owner and managing broker of Preferred Properties Key West, a company she started in 1995, and the Community Association of Florida a condominium and HOA management company. Laurie and her husband Kevin raised their family in Key West and have been involved in numerous philanthropic organizations over the years. They enjoy the vibrant arts and cultural community of Key West.

Laurie serves as the Vice President of Keys Health and Housing. She is past president of the Key West Association of Realtors and was honored with the Edward B. Knight Legacy Award. Laurie is a member of the Key West Art & Historic Society, Friends of the Library the Tropic and the Key West Woman’s Club.

Kim McGuire has been coming to Key West for the winter since 2014. She lives in Asheville, North Carolina, and spent most of her career in nonprofit leadership. In addition to serving on The Studios of Key West board, she currently serves as Chair, Thrive Asheville, and on the Board of Pisgah Legal Services and Key West Community Sailing Center. Formerly she was on the Board of Asheville Art Museum and WCQS public Radio.

Kim began her career as a reporter for Wilmington Morning Star and The Washington Post; for 12 years she was the Program Director for Western North Carolina Nonprofit Pathways and consulted from 2015 to 2019. Kim holds a BA, University of North Carolina School of
Journalism; and an MA, Georgetown University.

Gordon McIntosh and his wife Meridyth have been Key West residents for fifteen years. They treasure all the arts, culture, music, and natural beauty that this community has to offer. As a vital part of that community the Studios of Key West provides a wealth of programs that encourage and celebrate the artist in each of us.

Gordon earned a BSEE from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an MBA degree in finance from the University of Chicago. He then enjoyed successful careers as senior executives for IBM and JLL, a global real estate company. After retiring Gordon published three mystery novels; worked internationally as a marine citizen scientist for the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) and the Shedd Aquarium; mentored for Take Stock in Children; taught ESL for the Literacy Volunteers of America; and served on the board of Key West Impromptu Classical Concerts. As a new board member Gordon is looking forward to working with the other board members, staff, artists, and patrons who together make the Studios such a jewel.

Kerry Shelby is a retired certified public accountant who most recently served as the chief executive offer of the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, the utility that provides water and wastewater services to the Florida Keys. He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and has served on many cultural and charitable organization boards since moving to Key West in 1991, including the Tennessee Williams Theater, AIDS Help, the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys and the Key West Art and Historical Society. He has served on the board of Directors or the Advisory Board of TSKW since the organization’s second year of operations.

Jed Dodds took the helm as The Studios of Key West’s Executive Director in 2012 and has helped establish its status as the linchpin of Key West’s thriving cultural community. With a background in sculpture from Yale and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and thirteen years as Artistic Director of the Creative Alliance in Baltimore, Jed has built a career around infusing the arts into communities in meaningful ways. His time in Key West has been a whirlwind of construction projects, costume parties, and creativity of all kinds, with The Studios growing in profile both locally and beyond. Jed’s wife Molly Ross is a former artist and owner of Pilates Key West. Their daughter Sadie is a proud Key West High School graduate now living and working in Washington, DC. When time allows, he still makes sculptures using wax and bronze.

Elena Devers first came to the island sight unseen with two friends as a temporary escape from Pittsburgh’s winter, expecting only a year in paradise. More than two decades later, she’s still here and has been with The Studios for 18 of those years, turning a serendipitous move into a meaningful career. Back then, she was waiting tables and figuring out her path after graduating from Chatham University, eventually diving into a life that combined her love of art, theater, and the unique Key West community. Starting as a project coordinator when The Studios was at the historic Armory, Elena now coordinates our artist residencies, marketing, fundraising, and more. She loves helping visiting artists experience and share the magic of Key West, just as she did all those years ago.

Erin Stover has been with The Studios since 2012 when she followed a job listing to the end of the road. Originally from Illinois, Erin attended graduate school in Virginia and stuck around the state for several years developing interactive exhibitions for a children’s museum, programming opera, helping to build a new film festival from the ground up, and curating countless exhibitions in a renovated shoe factory that served as the anchor for a major downtown revitalization project. At The Studios, Erin oversees all creative programming (with a primary focus on live arts). Her personal goal is to cultivate a creative environment for her island community by bringing in new experiences and perspectives while keeping the programming accessible. She’s not very good at sitting still so any time she’s not at The Studios she can be found volunteering as a coach for Special Olympics, training for marathons (a strange habit she adopted at the start of Covid), writing for regional publications or leading the occasional eco paddleboard tour through the mangroves.

John Caliste joined The Studios in October 2023, bringing an extensive background in fundraising and nonprofit leadership to our team. With a career spanning some of the nation’s most prestigious arts organizations, John has played a key role in securing transformative support for the arts.

Prior to Key West, John helped raise over $50 million for the National Museum of American Diplomacy in Washington, D.C. His career began at Carnegie Hall in New York City, followed by a return to his home state of Florida, where he helped secure $150 million in private funds to create Miami’s Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. Along the way, John also published an arts magazine, managed a local theater in Miami, and helped write a history of jewelry for Mayors Jewelers covering prehistoric man to the 20th century. When he’s not busy making an impact for the arts, he’s enjoying island life with his cat, Rabbit.

An artist and longtime Key West resident, Elle Irwin earned her BFA in Studio Art from Flagler College, with a focus on sculpture and ceramics. Shortly after graduation, she moved to the island with her husband, Mike, a Key West native, and has called it home for nearly 15 years. She joined The Studios of Key West in 2022 and became Director of Operations in 2025, overseeing day-to-day operations across the organization and its historic campus. In 2020, Elle launched her namesake jewelry line, ELLE IRWIN, creating sculptural work inspired by water and the natural environment. Her work has been exhibited at Milan Jewelry Week, Munich Jewelry Week, Cluster Contemporary in London, and NYC Jewelry Week. Outside of The Studios, Elle continues her own creative practice and finds ongoing inspiration in Key West’s architecture, landscape, and natural environment. She enjoys walking through Old Town and catching sunsets in the Historic Seaport with Mike and their Frenchie, Bodhi.

Michael Ross joined The Studios in 2022, bringing decades of experience as an artist, curator, and instructor. Originally from Mississippi, he spent nearly 30 years in San Francisco, creating abstract collages exploring themes of “house” and “home.” His “House Quilts” body of work was showcased in the Sanger Gallery in March 2023. Michael curates and hangs all of our exhibitions and leads our education efforts, scheduling and supporting over 70 workshops annually for artists of all levels. Michael also directs our flagship Schools at The Studios program alongside Bria Ansara, welcoming over 50 groups of students and teens each year—including Key West’s Title 1 elementary schools—for transformative experiences with world-class artists.

Michelle Boscamp grew up in Chicago, but Key West has always been a part of her story—her mom bought a house here in 2004, so she spent many summers soaking up island life. After getting her Bachelor of Architecture, she decided to come to Key West for a little break, thinking she wouldn’t stay longer than a few months. Little did she know, a classified ad in the Key West Citizen would change everything! Now, as The Studios enters its twentieth year, Michelle celebrates 10 years here. She started as a Marketing Assistant and has grown her role over the past decade to include assisting with special events, fundraising, website management, and ensuring our brand is consistent across all of our marketing efforts. When not at The Studios, she works Sundays at Luna Boutique and enjoys long walks with her bulldog mix Bowser.

Kota Bowen joined The Studios team in 2025 after first experiencing the organization as a Peyton Evans Artist Residency (PEAR) artist. Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Kota is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans ceramics, illustration, graphic design, and storytelling. With a BFA in Print & Narrative Forms from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, they bring both creative vision and technical expertise to their role overseeing theatrical productions, performances, and events in the Helmerich Theater. Kota’s background brings an artist-centered approach to their work.

A South Florida native, Sara Baum moved to Key West in June 2023 with her cat, Latte, and is thrilled to be part of The Studios family. She attended Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida and studied Film and Photography. She is also the owner and photographer behind Sara Baum Photo, where she specializes in capturing couple’s own love stories, weddings, and life’s meaningful moments with a documentary-inspired style. Passionate about both film and digital photography, Sara is often out exploring Key West with a fun film camera in hand. When she’s not at The Studios, you might find her photographing a wedding, running audio and visuals at Key West United Methodist Church or exploring the island with her paddle board.

Andy Celli first arrived in Key West on vacation in 2012 and, like so many, decided to stay for good! Born in Los Angeles and raised in Hong Kong, Andy’s life has been anything but ordinary. With a degree in Asian History, East Asian Studies, and Mandarin from Beijing University and Hamline University, he spent 20 years with Northwest Airlines as a Mandarin interpreter and flight manager. Later, he launched his own business in Seattle, which he eventually sold to enjoy a well-earned semi-retirement in paradise. He still flies around the world with Omni International but has a little more free time to fill these days. Initially joining The Studios as a volunteer, Andy is now our rental and bar manager, always lending a hand to keep things moving forward.

Bria Ansara has been on the island since 2008, bringing her passion for the arts and her vibrant spirit to every role she takes on. A graduate in Art Education from Plymouth State University, Bria has made a name for herself not only as a talented visual artist but also as a singer, recently winning Key West’s 2024 Entertainer of the Year! Bria also co-founded Schools @ the Studios (SATS) in 2018, an innovative program that welcomes local students to engage with The Studios’ exhibiting and visiting artists. Through her lesson plans and hands-on projects, she connects hundreds of young people each year with the wonders of art and museum studies, inspiring the next generation of creatives right here in Key West.

Karen Frank’s path to Key West began with a business trip and an unexpected invitation to dance. While visiting the island, her boss insisted the group stop at Two Friends Patio for karaoke, where Jerry asked her to dance while singing Tommy Edwards’ All in the Game. Six months later, she packed everything she could fit into her two-door sports car—including her senior cats, Pfeffer and Shrek—and made the move to Key West. More than 20 years later, they’re still together, living in the same tiny cottage on the shores of Boca Chica Bay with the third generation of cats.

After an unexpected early retirement, Karen was fortunate to find her way to The Studios, where she helps keep the organization’s finances organized, ensuring it remains fiscally strong and well-managed. Her attention to detail and steady support behind the scenes play an essential role in the success of The Studios’ daily operations. Outside the office, she was the longest-reigning Fantasy Fest Queen (2019–2022) thanks to the pandemic postponement and enjoys supporting the many nonprofits that make Key West such a special community.

Fritzie Estimond has called Key West home for 15 years and brings her passion for community, the arts, and inclusive events to everything she does. Alongside her work at The Studios, she serves as the Associate Director at the Key West Business Guild and is a dedicated board member for Queer Keys and Friends of the AIDS Memorial. With over 20 years of customer service experience and a love for theater, Fritzie has played a key role in organizing beloved local events like Key West Pride, Womenfest, and the Headdress Ball. When she’s not at the desk or planning her next big event, you can find her volunteering, exploring with her wife, or building her latest Lego masterpiece.

Originally from New York, Kalena Petro studied graphic arts at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, where she developed a love for museums, galleries, and especially the Frick Collection. After visiting Key West in 2019, she fell for the island’s vibrant arts scene, lush landscapes, and unique architecture. In 2021, Kalena packed up her life in Brooklyn and moved to Key West with her husband (then-fiancee), John. At The Studios, Kalena greets visitors as a front desk associate, coordinates and supports our amazing volunteers, and serves as a bartender or house manager for special events. Outside of The Studios, Kalena balances her creative side by working as a graphic designer and supporting a nonprofit that helps individuals in the criminal justice system prepare for entrepreneurship. In her downtime, you’ll find her sailing, biking, playing volleyball, or enjoying a rum cocktail at happy hour.

Yolande Findlay’s journey began in France, where she earned her degree in English and Tourism from the University of Paris VIII. Her path to Key West took an unexpected turn while hitchhiking to Tulane University in 1980—where, in a stroke of fate, she met her future husband and found her new home. Since then, she’s made a lasting mark on the island as a restaurateur and high school French teacher, with two generations now calling Key West home. Semi-retired but always active, Yolande joined us when former Executive Director Jay Scott convinced her to jump into our community.

Married for 51 years and Key West residents since 1989, Don and Shirley are the creative powerhouse helping keep The Studios running smoothly behind the scenes. From designing department store displays to building backdrops for the Tennessee Williams Theater—and even crafting the ship for “Nutcracker Key West”—they bring a lifetime of artistry and know-how to every project. Shirley also spent 27 years selling her photography at Sunset Celebration, and together they’ve restored vintage cars for Concours d’Elegance shows across Europe.

Emily Berg is a graduate of the University of Puget Sound where she studied art with an emphasis on steel sculpture. After graduating in 2007 she moved to Juneau, AK where she worked in the non-profit world for several years before returning to the lower-48 to be closer to family. Originally from Minneapolis she moved to Key West in 2013 from Chicago. She has been the manager of Books & Books at the Studios since 2018. Her favorite part of working at Books & Books is that everyday is different. She likes reading speculative fiction and true crime. When not at the store she likes seeing live comedy and traveling to visit friends.

Sara Pilat is a graduate of Grand Valley State University where she studied Hospitality and Tourism. After graduating she moved to Key West without ever having visited the island for a job at the Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa. Her plan was to stay for 3 years. That was in 2012. She fell in love with the island but switched careers. She began working with a visual artist, designer and live music producer at Coast and teaching yoga at Key West Yoga Sanctuary. Those jobs led her to Books & Books where she became the Assistant Manager in 2023. Her favorite thing about working at the bookstore is connecting readers with books, seeing the new books come out and taking pictures for the store. Her favorite genres are Mind Body Spirit, Fiction and Young Adult. When not working, she enjoys walking, antique shopping, sewing, taking photos around the island and Sunday movie nights at the Tropic Cinema.

Leslie Concepcion came to Key West in 1994 from Miami. She began her work as a bookseller in 2023 after a long career in banking. She currently also works with her family business, Keys Financial Mortgage, alongside her husband Ruben. Her favorite part of working at the store is recommending books to customers. She enjoys reading memoir & biography, fiction, and picture books. She also loves to travel and do yoga. She has a son named Nicolas and a dog named Cheddars.

Originally from Maryland, Joey Philips came to Key west in December of 2020. He began working as a bookseller at Books & Books in July 2023. He also volunteers with the Key West Cultural Preservation Society, otherwise known as Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square. His favorite part about working at the bookstore is talking to customers and seeing all the new books come in each week. His favorite genres are Sci Fi, Fantasy and Graphic novels. In addition to reading he likes to play video games and pickleball, and spend time with his dog, Cooper and his girlfriend, Theresa.

Robin Wood was bookstore employee #3 and over the years has held several store roles. She is currently the store’s social media manager and newsletter editor. Additionally, Robin is principal of Punctuate Communications, LLC, a public relations consultancy specializing in helping small businesses and nonprofits communicate effectively using a full range of public relations and marketing channels. She is a dog person, currently owned by big poodle Duke and small poodle Birdie. She reads in all formats, but still collects way too many physical books. Robin is still trying to convert her wife Kathleen to audiobooks via Libro.fm. Find her on Instagram @robinlooksatbooks.

Camila Duke moved to Little Torch Key from Miami in 1982. She is a graduate of Key West High School. She then went on to earn a degree in History from Duke University and a Masters of Education from New York University. She stayed in NYC to teach 2nd grade for several years before returning to Key West to teach 3rd grade. Camila started as a volunteer with the bookstore in 2017 before being hired as a bookseller a year later. Her favorite part of working at the store is talking about books with customers and her coworkers. Her go-to genres are Fantasy/Romantasy, Fiction and Historical Fiction. When not working she loves spending time with her sons, Phineas and Cannon, eating delicious meals with her husband Evan, and reading in her backyard, often accompanied by her two dogs, Maui and Jasper, and her hens, Sporty Spice and Circe.

Wendy Joy came to Key West in August 2025 from New Hampshire. She’s a graduate of East Stroudsburg University and has a Doctorate from New York Chiropractic College. Before becoming a bookseller she enjoyed a career in holistic health. Wendy started as a volunteer at the bookstore in September 2025 and was hired as an employee that November. Her favorite genre is Historical Fiction because she loves learning about historical events as it’s blended with a story. Her favorite part of the job is talking to people about the books they love and discovering how unique everyone’s reading tastes are. When not at the store she loves doing yoga, reading books on her porch, doing jigsaw puzzles, writing, drawing, and exploring the island on her bike.

Lori Reid moved to Key West in August 1999 from San Diego. She is a graduate of Scripps Women’s College in Claremont, California. She has worked with non-profits since moving to the island starting with The Key West Arts and Historical Society and then managing The Tropic Cinema for over a decade. She began work as a bookseller at Books & Books in 2018. Her favorite part of working at Books & Books is talking about books with all the people who come to the store. Her favorite genres are mystery, horror, fiction, memoir & bio. When not at the store she likes reading on her porch (weather permitting).