Allison Pennell grew up just outside of Portland, Oregon immersed in northwest culture at a time when environmental conservation issues were making national headlines. From an early age the mysteries of nature fascinated her and the drive to create art work equally spurred her interest. Growing up alongside the Willamette River made ecology an ever present passion on Allison as a young girl. She developed an understanding and awareness for the environment and how to record its splendor. In landscape design and environmental illustration these talents are merged. She had her first job in a nursery at age sixteen, and never stopped working with plants and gardening.

            As a student Ali became motivated by environmental issues. At high school graduation she was voted “most likely to save the planet” for the class of 2000.  She completed Associate of Science degrees in Fine Art and Horticulture at Linn-Benton Community College in 2005. She attended The University of Washington and earned a certificate in Natural Science Illustration in 2006. Ali graduated from Oregon State University in 2008 with a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts focusing on Environmental Studies.