Why did you choose to become an NP?
As a child I was not aware of balanced nutrition nor did I understand the importance of living an active lifestyle, and as a result struggled with obesity. I think this is what spawned my interest in health promotion, and in school anatomy and physiology became my favorite classes. I went into the field of nursing because it incorporated both my passion for science, and my desire to interact with people. I worked on the medical and surgical floors, and floated to mother-baby, ICU, and the ER regularly. Although I thoroughly enjoyed working in acute care, I knew that in the long run I wanted to work in a primary care setting. I ultimately made the decision to become a nurse practitioner so that I could prevent the chronic health conditions that I had witnessed.

What is your favorite part about being an NP?
My favorite part about being a nurse practitioner is that I get to develop an intimate relationship with my patients. I am grateful that my profession involves something that I am naturally passionate about, which is health promotion and I want to share what I have learned with others.

Why do you like working for Valley Women’s Health? What brought you to Valley? Why does Valley stand out among other clinics in the area?
I really like working at Valley Women’s Health because of the staff that I am surrounded by. I have worked with many different medical providers, and can honestly and unbiasedly say that ours are the best. Our doctors are truly passionate about their work, and always strive to provide their patients with the best, evidence-based medical care. I have seen policies change based on new research and data that emerges. All of them personally value their health too, and truly practice what they preach to their patients.

What is one thing you wish all women could know?
I wish all women could know that they are special, and that they must be true to themselves and their values. A lot of women express concern about their personal appearance to me. I want to emphasize that it is not necessarily about how much you weigh, but how your clothes fit, and how you feel. When you are properly fueling your body with a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting adequate hydration, your body will thrive. Ultimately the people in your life love you for who you are and your personality.

Tell us about your family.
I have one sister, and my parents got divorced when I was 10 years old, but they are now each married to wonderful people. My husband and I are expecting a baby girl in March of 2020! It has been a journey, and we had to do IVF to get pregnant with her. I never thought that infertility would be something that would affect me personally. I was able to consult with Dr. Andrew Moore, and are that time he was in the process of moving from Reproductive Care Center to starting his own practice, Conceptions Fertility. I ended up being in his first round of IVF patients with his new practice!

What are your hobbies and favorite things to do?
I thoroughly enjoy food, so anything that involves eating! I love getting massages, working out, hiking, skiing, traveling, and most importantly spending quality time with people that I love.

What is something your patients don’t know about you?
I enjoy humor, and I love to play practical jokes on people! A lot of the staff can confirm this by telling you the stories that I have played on Dr. Drewes. I also have a salt addiction. I have my own salt shaker in the break room.

What is your favorite restaurant?
It’s difficult to say what my favorite restaurant is because I seriously love all food! I really enjoy Indian, Thai, Greek, and Italian food.

What is your favorite treat?
Anything involving chocolate. I also love homemade bread.