Sanborn is a high school science teacher at South Kent School, and a state and regional representative on Environmental Education boards for Connecticut and New England. She also identifies as an Environmental Educator with a particular interest in cultural and economic implications and their relationship with environmental action. Sanborn is the daughter of an immigrant from the Azores and has always been fascinated with whaling tradition and Portuguese culture. She enjoys traditional blacksmithing as an artist and teacher. She received her B.A. in Environmental Education from Colby College.