Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism near Charlotte, NC

Biography: I remember, as a seventh grader, falling in love with how genius the human body was. I knew then I wanted to work in healthcare. \n My younger brother was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was 9 years old. One month later, my family was in a car accident that led to all of us being hospitalized. These personal experiences led me to choose a career in pediatric intensive care nursing. I wanted to be at the bedside with the patient and their family. Six years after our hospital stay, I applied to pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) school. \n My experience as a pediatric intensive care nurse has taught me that pediatric healthcare must be a unified effort that includes participation by the patient and their parent or guardian. Each of us in the field must do our part to ensure that every child receives optimal care. I believe bringing my personal experiences to my role as a pediatric nurse practitioner benefits my patients as well as my fellow healthcare providers. \n I am married with a young son and a dog. We love traveling, bowling, exploring local parks and spending time with family.

Biography: As a child, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, which my father also has. It was a lot to take in and manage, and the experience inspired me to go into medicine. I specifically was - and am - interested in endocrine disorders. \n I aim for balance in my own life and encourage my patients to seek a healthy balance, too. I encourage patients to be aware of what they eat, to make healthy choices and to make exercise a part of their daily lives. At the same time, I know we're all human and that we occasionally eat something we know isn't good for us or fall off our exercise routine. And that's OK so long as, on most days, we aim for the best possible health. \n I'm a transplant from the West Coast. I was born in California, raised in Colorado and came to North Carolina for physician assistant school. I'm happy that my new home gives me access to the beach and mountains. Growing up where I did, I love both - but consider myself mostly a beach person. (Although in the fall, there's no place I'd rather be than hiking in the mountains.) I love travel - both domestic and international - and Spain and Maui are my favorite destinations so far.