I knew I wanted to be a nurse from a very young age. My sister has a genetic condition that required multiple surgeries and hospitalizations, so I spent a lot of time in hospitals. I knew that I wanted to play a role in helping people get better. I spent more than 20 years as a nurse, working in hospital settings with orthopedic, pediatric and ENT patients. When I started my nursing career, I knew my ultimate goal was to become a nurse practitioner so that I could play an even larger role in helping patients stay well. I enjoy seeing patients and helping them along their health journey. After spending years in family practice, I learned that I enjoyed working with patients with gastrointestinal disease, which led me to focus on the gut. I’m excited to specialize in GI working with patients to manage conditions, recommend screenings and provide education. I believe medicine is a partnership and aim to supply patients with the proper tools for a healthy life. I treat my patients like family, always picturing my father, child, sister, or even myself in their shoes. I believe that patients know their bodies best, and I try to listen to their opinions and experiences before rushing to a diagnosis. Catching a problem when it’s still small can prevent patients from needing hospital care, which is always my goal. Outside of work, I enjoying hiking, biking, and spending time with my family."