Why I chose to pursue a career in healthcare:

Ever since I was a little girl, I have been exposed to the medical field. My mother was a nurse and often times had to work weekends and holidays. As a family, we often went to eat with her at the hospital on the days she worked. Being in the hospital and visiting her on the maternity ward sparked my interest in medicine. I loved the idea of caring for other people and I knew there would always be a need for nurses. I visited the campus of University of Pittsburgh and knew instantly that I wanted to study and train at the surrounding world-renowned hospitals.

What I want my patients to know about me:

I attended the University of Pittsburgh and graduated first in my undergraduate nursing program. I was called the "Keeper of the Light." This honor reflected the dedication Florence Nightingale showed her patients while attending wounded soldiers during the nighttime hours. I worked in the intensive care units at Mercy Hospital before going back to school for my master's degree in nursing. During my years attending the University of Pittsburgh, I found an interest and love in caring for the elderly population.

What I do when I'm not seeing patients:

I am a very active person who does not like to sit still. I am married with three children, and "relax" is not a word in my vocabulary. I like fitness and try to stay as active as possible. I volunteer at my children's school and attend as many of their extra curricular activities as possible. I also love animals and have five of my own. I enjoy going to the beach with family, hiking, and will even try camping for a short periods of time.