I am an advanced practice registered nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). My approach to care is inclusive — the family knows the patient the best, and I make sure to include them as part of the care team. I also try to make sure that the bedside nurses and the respiratory therapists feel included in the plan of care.

I was born with a congenital heart defect and my defect was repaired at another hospital. I am currently still followed by a cardiologist here at Cincinnati Children's. My experience with healthcare convinced me from the start that I would want to work in the hospital and take care of people.

In nursing school, I fell in love with neonatology. I loved the idea of a job that offers the opportunity to go on transports, deliveries and bedside nursing including critical and stable neonates. In our NICU at Cincinnati Children’s, we encourage the family to participate in the care for their baby. We also try to support them in finding a balance between their critical ill neonate and their home life. Families are welcome at the bedside for as long as they like, and if they are at home we will contact them if there are any concerning changes that they need to be made aware of.

In my free time, I frequently travel back home to Michigan to spend time with my family and friends.