As a nurse practitioner in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, I care for children and adolescents, in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. I always strive to advocate for my patients and their families so they can focus on what is most important — getting better.

Ever since I was a young girl, helping people who experience illness and trauma has been my calling and passion in life. I have a video of me as a 3- or 4-year-old being the first to help my older brother when we thought he broke his arm. After going through a traumatic event myself at age 12, I knew that the medical and nursing field was for me.

When I started nursing school, I never thought I would work in pediatrics until one patient interaction changed my view forever. I have a strong background as a pediatric ICU nurse and trauma nurse practitioner prior to my role in plastic surgery.

I’ve found that listening to my patient and their family and trying to relate, even if it’s in a small way, is the best medicine. I take considerable pride in including family along with the patients in their daily physical and mental health recovery.

In 2012, I received the Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses at Cincinnati Children’s after being nominated by a patient’s family. This award recognizes the clinical skill and especially the compassion nurses demonstrate. I was nominated for the Florence Nightingale Award in 2013, which is for Excellence in Nursing and recognizes outstanding nurses in the Greater Cincinnati region who go above and beyond to provide exceptional patient care. I was also nominated for the Carol McKenzie Award for Excellence in Advanced Practice Nursing in 2017. This award recognizes those advanced practice nurses whose positive attitude, commitment to teamwork and clinical leadership have helped contribute to an outstanding professional environment.

When I have free time, I love to travel, camp, do house renovations and go boating.