Austin, a Kansas native, received a BS in Nursing from Kansas University and joined the Navy Nurse Corps.  She has had the opportunity to travel extensively and live overseas, both in Burma and Japan.

In 1986, Austin became interested in pottery and began taking lessons. She now has her own studio and works mostly with Raku pottery. Retired from nursing after 40 years, she now enjoys clay, gardening and travel, primarily cruising.  Austin is a member of Ceramic Designers Association.