I am a pediatric nurse practitioner with 25 years of experience in primary care. My practice is now focused on children who have concerns about antibiotic allergy through the Pediatric Antibiotic Allergy Testing Service (PATS) within the Division of Allergy and Immunology.

Medication allergies are scary for families, but it is essential to evaluate these presumed allergic reactions because avoiding some antibiotics can have a negative impact on a child's health, now and in the future. The mission of PATS is to ensure all children have access to the best antibiotic when needed. I want patients and families to know that antibiotic allergy testing is safe — we value safety first and foremost.

I feel very fortunate to have specialized in pediatrics for the past 36 years, seven as a pediatric registered nurse and 29 as a pediatric nurse practitioner. Delivering care to children requires a partnership with families. Families know their children best, and providers need to listen and develop plans that work for the child and their family.

As a researcher, I know children can develop a rash while on an antibiotic, but the rash is not always caused by the antibiotic. My research focuses on learning more about antibiotic-associated rashes, the characteristics of children experiencing antibiotic-associated rashes and further exploring ways to increase access to testing.

I'm honored to have been awarded the Graduate Research Assistantship (1993-1994), the Florence Saul Scholarship (1986), the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) School-based Health Care Special Interest Group (SIG) Award (2018) and to be named a March of Dimes Ohio Nurse of the Year finalist (2016).

When I'm not working, my family and I enjoy visiting national parks in the United States and Canada. While traveling, you'll always see me with my camera ready to capture the beauty in nature. At home, I enjoy gardening, spending time with my family and playing frisbee with my dog (who can play for hours).