As a nurse practitioner, I work independently and collaboratively with our emergency physicians to care for children in the urgent care and emergency departments. I also work in virtual urgent care. I believe each patient deserves dignity, respect, compassionate care and empathetic listening. This approach should be our goal with every patient encounter.

I have always loved children. I listened to my sister-in-law talk about her job as a nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). I want the knowledge and expertise to do that job. I love being a health care provider in pediatrics, the science and the caregiving aspects of what we do.

I was the co-recipient of a patient-services research grant looking at patients who screen positive for abuse and have risk factors for child sexual exploitation. My research involves human trafficking and identifying and supporting victims.

In my free time, I love to hike, garden and travel. My vegetable and herb garden keeps me busy all summer. I have also traveled for many years to Honduras on a medical mission trip.