Dr. Pavel first learned to weave in the Coast Salish style during the summer of 1996. Her master teacher was subiyay (Bruce Miller) of the Skokomish Nation. Each summer she would take three full months to produce one ceremonial blanket and then gift it to various elders of the tribe. By the fourth year it was suggested to sell her creations and she started along that path. By the seventh year she was invited to teach weaving classes and has taught well over 1000 students to date. Her works have been featured in museum exhibits and collections.