Ms. St. Lifer was born in New York City and grew up in Summit, NJ. She is the daughter of devoted art collectors of American paintings and became interested in art as a young girl. After graduating from Syracuse University with a Bachelors Degree in Fine Art, she attended the Collectors Institute in New York City, then headed by Barbara Gladstone. She received her Masters in Art Education from the New Jersey City State University. She holds a Certificate in Appraisal Studies from George Washington University.