Kim grew up in the Appalachian Mountains of western Maryland, where she spent her days swimming and canoeing in nearby lakes and mountain biking through the forest. These early experiences sparked a lifelong love of nature and exploration.

Kim studied biology at Towson University, where she participated in several field research projects, including tracking turtle home ranges at the Baltimore Zoo. Her scientific curiosity took her even farther afield—studying sockeye salmon migration in Alaska and alpine plant ecology in Colorado. While she enjoyed the hands-on work of field research, Kim discovered her true passion lies in sharing her love of the natural world with children.

Over the past twenty years, Kim has taught students from pre-K through eighth grade in a wide range of educational settings—from a Montessori school in Boulder to an independent school in La Jolla and a charter school in San Ysidro. She delights in guiding children through scientific inquiry and nurturing their innate sense of wonder. Kim holds a Master’s degree in Teaching from Johns Hopkins University, along with both a General Subject Elementary teaching credential and a Secondary Life Science credential.

Kim also has a deep love for animals and is an active volunteer in animal rescue. She fosters senior dogs through a local rescue organization and trained her own dog, Theo, to work as a certified therapy dog. Together, they have brought comfort and joy to retirement homes, military families, and classrooms throughout the community.