I was in Healthcare for 32 years, most recently working as the Scientific Manager of Patient Care for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Prior to that, I worked for the American Nurses Association, where I worked on the quality indicators of nursing. I chose this career upon graduating from college with my B.S. IN Biology and Chemistry, when I began my career as a medical technologist. I did that for about a year and I found I was more interested in patients then I was in lab results. I loved the healthcare field and working with people, so nursing seemed like the perfect fit for me. 

I have a BSN from the Medical College of Virginia and an MSN from the University of Virginia in Pediatric Nursing. I was a Pediatric Nurse specializing in child and adolescent Mental Health. I then received my PhD in Health Administration and Research from the Medical College of Virginia. I am Certified in Child and Adolescent Mental Health through the Medical College of Virginia and I am an RN.

My biggest challenge is being taken seriously in mixed gender work. Many people do not realize the work that goes in to becoming a Nurse and the education it requires.

Among my strengths are my ability to bring people together for compromise and consistency and my ability to see the big picture, rather than just focusing on the smaller parts.

Professionally, my biggest accomplishment is my work with Quality Indicators on the scientific side in an organization. Personally, my greatest accomplishment is my dedication to Philanthropic causes and working in politics, and volunteering with children.

This year I retired and I am doing more volunteer work. I envision myself continuing to work in politics and working with small children. I would perhaps work part-time in healthcare helping in the child and adolescent mental health field.

I have a passion for children with PTSD from childhood sexual abuse, as I have been a victim.

I want to be remembered for being caring and working to make the world a better, healthier place.

• Sigma Theta Tau Sigma Zeta

• Virginia Commonwealth University Star Award 
• MSN- Merrill Outstanding Nurse Practitioner Award

• The Animal Rescue-Alexandria, VA
• Amnesty International Heifer Project International

I love walking in the woods, gardening, doing home repairs and playing with my animals.