I became a nurse because I always wanted to take care of others, especially my parents. Then when a man I was dating was diagnosed with testicular cancer, I promised I would care for him. I first went into Pediatric Oncology and then became an OR Nurse.

I completed and received my BSN from Adelphi University and finished about 2/3 of my MSN there, as well. I also completed course towards a degree in Doctor of Chiropractic. I took courses in Operating Room Nursing and ICU Nursing from the Nassau County Medical Center.

The biggest challenge I have had to overcome was after graduating from Holy Trinity High School when I was accepted to Yale, Harvard and the Merchant Marine Academy. I wanted to be an engineer and would have been the 3rd woman to graduate in Engineering out of Fort Skyler University. Women were not accepted by men and as it was a male dominated profession, there was certainly some resentment. I was there on a scholarship and I actually wound up changing my educational plans as a result.

My greatest strengths are my ability to relate and empathize with generations older and younger than myself. My communication and my compassion shine through.

I feel my greatest accomplishment is that I helped my father survive with bowel prostate cancer from 1983-2001, with no chemotherapy, due to my care-giving.

I would love to work as a volunteer, maybe as a Pink Lady, in a hospital instead of a paid employee. 

In order to do that I need more travel assignments so I can get a new car and have money to finish my DC or MSN.

What inspires me is God, my faith and my Grandmother. My Grandmother was a success despite all odds. She was found in a Dumpster and became a Ziegfeld Follies Girl and a Juilliard Student and was a WWII Nurse.

I want to be remembered as a good daughter.

• Legion of Mary

I love traveling and body-building.