Dietetic Intern / Sales Professional / Passionate Cook

Cardiovascular disease wreaked havoc on my family for generations.  I was 17 years old when my father died of a first and fatal heart attack at 43 years old.  My grandmother died from a second heart attack at age 66 and my grandfather died of a first and fatal heart attack at age 42.  In March of 2020, my mother thankfully survived her first myocardial infarction.  My husband has also endured two heart surgeries due excessive arterial plaque.  This disease literally surrounds me.  Because of this, my mission in life is to help patients recover from these devastating events and work to prevent cardiovascular disease from progressing.

Prior to this education and journey, I spent 20 years in the fast-paced world of corporate sales and leadership.  I am all too familiar with the lifestyle that prioritizes work over self-care.  Constantly, I was traveling and working long hours in pursuit of hitting a number.  It was a successful career by most American standards.  Unfortunately, it did not fill me with much purpose.  I am grateful because I have an intimate understanding of this lifestyle, which is common in American culture.  I will be able to use that experience and understanding in helping patients combat cardiovascular disease.  The lack of professional purpose inspired me to go back to school to get the education I need to do the work that I am meant to do.