My favorite part of being a nurse practitioner is working together with patients to set – and then achieve – their healthcare goals. Optimal physical health is essential for the highest quality of life. I also believe that mental and physical health go hand in hand. When we feel well physically, it is much easier to do the things we love and truly enjoy them! I believe that shared decision making is the best way to ensure the treatment plan is best for the individual. We all like to achieve our goals in different ways!

I grew up in a small town in central Illinois. My first “real world” work experience was in the United States Air Force. I joined at the young age of 18 and loved the camaraderie and teamwork that my colleagues and I shared. After seeing a coworker sustain a major trauma during my enlistment, I felt a calling to healthcare. It created an overwhelming desire in me to be able to help and heal. I completed nursing school at Northern Illinois University in 2006, and loved being an advocate for patients and their families in the nursing role. After a few years at the bedside, I decided I wanted to be able to do more to help patients. I attended the Family Nurse Practitioner program at the University of Illinois at Chicago, graduating in 2015.

I have worked in several settings throughout my nursing career and have learned so much from each of them. I have experience in cardiology and gastroenterology specialties and have spent time working in primary care and urgent care settings. Primary care is where it all starts – prevention is always the ultimate goal.

I have three wonderful sons and love spending time with them and watching them grow. I have always enjoyed time outdoors. Being able to enjoy winters is a new and welcome experience for me here in Southern Arizona! I am having fun experimenting with landscaping and growing different desert plants. I also love spending time with friends, camping, hiking, fishing, and exploring! The variety of landscapes and climates all within this one beautiful state has been so great to enjoy. I look forward to working with you and hope to build a lasting working relationship that is helpful and rewarding for you all!