Lia grew up on the central coast of California and is currently settled in Salt Lake City, Utah. She holds a B.S. in integrated studies with minors in biology and environmental studies, is certified as a California Naturalist, and is a Wilderness First Responder. In addition to volunteering with Audubon Rockies and Great Salt Lake Audubon to study light pollution, she works as a professional guide in the national parks of the Southwest and writes reports on wilderness character for the U.S. Forest Service. In her spare time, she enjoys eco-conscious gardening, canyoneering, and putting fruit in salads.