Barbara began her horticulture career working in the ornamental landscape industry in 1984. Her experience ranges from greenhouse propagation, landscape installation, construction and maintenance, to design and sales. Barbara is an alumna of Iowa State University, having earned degrees in plant pathology and integrated pest management.

In 1991, Barbara shifted the direction of her career from the professional sector to the public sector when she began work on her master's degree in education. She was awarded a master's degree in secondary education from Kansas State University in 1997. Afterward, she served as department head and instructor of an associate's degree program in commercial horticulture in Salina, Kansas.

Prior to moving to Illinois, Barbara worked for Colorado State University Cooperative Extension in Colorado Springs where she held the position of horticulture agent. As an agent, Barbara was involved in green industry education, community projects and managed an active Master Gardener Program.

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