As a social worker, I specialize in medical social work, specifically for patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and their families. My approach to care is that of an "IBD Coach" for our patients of all ages, but mostly with teens aged 14 and older. The main areas I support patients in are matters about school, mental health and growth in self-management of IBD care.

Building relationships and trust with the medical team is vital when we work towards self-management in IBD care. Our goal is for patients to graduate to the adult gastrointestinal (GI) world, feeling ready to take on the responsibility of their care. My job is to coach them at their own pace so that when that time comes, they feel equipped to take a more self-sufficient role in their GI care.

I’m an adult living with Crohn's disease. Growing up, I did not know more than one or two people who also had an IBD diagnosis. That was an isolating experience that drove me to want to coach and empower younger patients with IBD to know that they are not alone and that their goals are still possible despite this diagnosis.

I am a Certified Qualified Bilingual Staff (QBS) member at Cincinnati Children's in Spanish, allowing me to speak directly to Spanish-speaking families without using an interpreter. I provide support in our inpatient and outpatient clinics, specifically at our Mason, Liberty and Burnet campuses and am always happy to schedule a phone follow-up to discuss ways that I can support your family.

In my free time, I like to explore my beautiful hometown of Cincinnati. I enjoy cheering our city on in sports, especially at FC Cincinnati and Bengal games. And finally, I’m a major foodie and love to cook for myself and my friends.