" /> Born and raised in Pennsylvania, I joined the U.S. Army at the age of 17. During my 20-year career as a non-commissioned officer, I served as an Intelligence specialist, drill sergeant, and first sergeant. I earned a BA in Liberal Arts from Regents College (now Excelsior University) while serving on active duty, and after completing military service applied to and graduated from Saint Francis University in Pennsylvania, earning a Master of Physician Assistant Science degree in 2007.
After graduation I worked in general pediatrics, as well as picking up shifts at a local ER. In 2012, I took a position in PA education with my alma mater, Saint Francis University. I dedicated the next 13 years to educating PA students there, first as the Academic Coordinator, then as the Program Director. Due to my passion for psychology and extensive experience diagnosing and treating mental health disorders in the pediatric setting, in 2019 I completed a doctorate in psychology (PsyD) with California Southern University. In 2024 I accepted a position with MEDEX Northwest, working at the Kona campus.
I love to travel, and have visited over 40 countries across six continents. I hate the cold, so a trip to Antarctica is probably NOT in my future!