The events of 9/11 convinced me to go into medicine. I was in high school, and watching the tragedy play out on live TV made me want to be a person who rushed into scary places while others rushed out. I wanted to be able to be there for others in their darkest hours.

While I was in nursing school, a student internship in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) sealed my desire to work in pediatrics. I was drawn to nephrology after working with organ transplant patients as a bedside nurse.

As a nephrology and apheresis nurse practitioner, I believe every patient, parent and family member should feel empowered to participate in their own healthcare with confidence. A good rapport begins with the provider demonstrating that the patient and family can, and should, understand their illness, condition or procedure — and be continuously involved in their care and decision-making.

I also serve as an educator for staff, patients and families of the Division of Nephrology. I enjoy caring for adult patients, those with certain rare conditions, or those who require uncommon and complex acute nephrologic therapies.

I have co-authored several publications. However, I’m more honored by the excellent provider ratings from my patients. I’m also pleased when patients tell me I have spent more time or explained their medical condition more thoroughly than any other provider. To me, this is the truest demonstration of the effort I give.

My research promotes the understanding, identification and treatment of acute kidney injury (AKI) and collateral organ and system damage in certain high-risk populations, such as those who have cancer.

In my free time, I dance! I have danced since I was 5 years old and have continued to as an adult for over a decade. It is my outlet and my joy. I also enjoy spending time with my husband and our three young children.