As a nurse practitioner, I care for children and adolescents in the Heart Institute at Cincinnati Children’s. I specialize in treating patients with a ventricular assist device (VAD), pediatric heart failure or cardiomyopathy. I also enjoy mentoring new registered nurses (RNs).

I was drawn to cardiology when a resilient family member was diagnosed with pediatric cardiomyopathy and underwent several surgeries. I wanted to work in an area where I could help children who experienced the same diagnosis.

My approach to care is simple: It’s all about the patient. I believe all questions are worthwhile and patients and families should ask for clarification about what they don’t understand. I encourage patients to advocate for themselves, and if they can’t, I advocate for them.

I received the 2019 American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Impact Research Grant as the principal investigator for “Virtual Simulation: The Future of Onboarding.” In 2016, I received the Florence Nightingale Award for providing exceptional patient care.

In my free time, I love being with my family, our dog, and being outdoors. I run, bike, kayak and go to lakes.