My 15 years as a critical care nurse in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) inspired me to become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). As a bedside RN and advanced practice provider in the PICU, my background allowed me to expand my knowledge and skills to the bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) population.

At the beginning of my nursing career I cared for technology-dependent children in the tracheostomy/ventilator unit, after they were well enough to leave the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) but still too sick to go home. Many of these babies had BPD. Today, as an advanced practice provider 25 years later, I manage this same population as part of the BPD consult team, a new and innovative team working to improve outcomes earlier in the course of illness.

I am also the APRN director of Critical Care Medicine and Pulmonary Medicine.

My experience and background as a nurse and provider in high acuity and complex chronic care have taught me that each patient and family is unique in what they need on this journey with their child. My approach to care is flexible, allowing patients and families to guide what is needed within their lives.

In addition to patient care, I’m involved with organizational quality improvement, with a focus on medication safety. And as a director, I mentor new advanced practice providers.

In my free time, I’m an avid dog lover. My adult daughter taught me about environmental sustainability, so I am learning to live a little differently. I’m educating myself about our native plant and wildlife, which has led me to modify my home and outdoor space.