What is your current title, and how long have you been with Oto?
My title is Nurse Practitioner, and I have been with the Otolaryngology department for two years. Before joining WashU Medicine, I worked at Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers for six years. I started as a registered nurse but later obtained my MSN as a family nurse practitioner (FNP).
What do you like most about your work?
What I enjoy most about my work is the relationships I build with my patients and co-workers. Listening to patients and providing feedback to help develop rapport is invaluable. I primarily work at the CHNE location, where we function like a family. I have a passion for learning new things, and I genuinely care for my patients.
How would you describe life in your household?
A few words that describe life in my household are structured, positive, loving, peaceful, affectionate, joyful, and somewhat challenging. I have fraternal twins, Remy and Rainah, who are eight years old, along with one dog named Skipper, who keeps me very busy. The twins are growing and discovering who they truly are through various activities and friendships. After school and work, we cook dinner together and complete homework. Weekends are our family time, filled with activities like movies, skating, and bowling.
Do you have a favorite activity or pastime?
I enjoy various pastimes, including watching good movies, listening to music—especially live bands—fishing, walking in the park, and kickboxing. I am very family-oriented, so spending time with my family and friends is critical to me.
Is there a special something at the top of your bucket list, and why?
As a traveler, I love visiting new places, experiencing different cultures, and meeting new people. My travel companions are my twin sister, LaDona, and my best friend, Kelly. Together, we have visited several countries, including the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, Italy, Spain, Mexico, and Oman. My goal is to travel to as many countries as possible and to take my twins to various destinations. I want my children to see the world, not to hesitate or be frightened, but to embrace life through travel. This summer, I intend to add Jamaica, and our yearly girls’ trip this year is to Aruba, to my list of destinations. Other destinations on my bucket list include Honduras, Japan, South Africa, Belize, Barbados, Australia, Thailand, Greece, France, Singapore, China, Brazil, Costa Rica, India, and the Philippines, among others.