Christel grew up on Air Force bases world wide where were father was active duty. She lived in Texas, Mississippi, California, Florida, Kansas and Japan. She attended University of Florda Gainesvile for her undergrad in bio/medical sciences. And earned her MD and served fellowships in Houston and Gainesville.



She started riding at the Wimberely Riding School in Japan and served as a riding instructor at the Florida College of Agriculture. Christel has organized Horse Trials in Area VII and holds FEI licenses as a Eventing Steward and Judge as well as her Level 3 Para-Dressage judging license. Christel enjoys hiking, running, photography, writing, family trips and travel, and supporting her daughter's activities.