I have three wonderful children and an amazing husband. It takes a special spouse and child to allow mom to have such a crazy schedule. My family is so great and understanding. I am incredibly blessed! When I am not at work, you can find me spending time with family, outdoors or cleaning (I am a little OCD). We enjoy camping, hunting, swimming and soaking in the sunshine—anything that keeps us busy.

Why did you choose this career?

When I was a senior in high school, my mother passed away unexpectedly—forever changing what I wanted to do with my life. During this difficult time, the love and affection the nurses showed towards her and my family was unforgettable. I knew my purpose in life was to serve others. What better field than Nursing to accomplish this goal? Although I knew that I wanted to be a nurse, I still hadn’t decided what specialty I would like to go into. During a Health Scholars trip to Mexico, I discovered that providing women with high quality care was for me. While in Mexico, I delivered supplies to a women’s health clinic and what I saw changed my life. What was supposed to be a quick in-and-out delivery, turned into spending several days in this clinic. I learned to love these women as they overcame childbirth challenges without the use of modern healthcare interventions seen in the United States. From that day on, I knew I wanted to provide culturally sensitive, evidence-based care to vulnerable populations. When I returned home I immediately began my journey toward the M.S. in Nursing as a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM). While in nursing school, one patient population almost changed my mind on becoming a Midwife and that was Hospice Care. I hadn’t realized the striking similarities between two fields until I became a hospice nurse while in Nurse Midwifery school. It’s about providing patients with compassion and respecting their personal choices and dignity. Most importantly, in both circumstances, the therapeutic use of human presence and skillful communication leads to better outcomes and patient/family satisfaction.

Who shaped the person you are today?

Many people have had a major part in the person I have become. I would have to say my mother was the biggest factor. She was the strongest and hardest working women I have ever met. She taught me that women are strong and amazing. I am reminded of her words everyday that “I can do hard things.”