About Me

I was raised in West Salem, Oregon, and am a proud to be a native Oregonian. I found my calling at the age of 17, working as a certified nursing assistant. Since then I have committed my life to service in health care. After my enlistment in the Navy, I completed nursing school at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU). Then I joined Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center as a critical care nurse. After eight years I left Kaiser Permanente to live and work in rural Oregon as a public health nurse. After graduating from OHSU's physician assistant program, I joined a small, private family practice in Salem. I enjoyed having my own panel of patients for 12 years. I returned to Kaiser Permanente to be part of a larger team focused on prevention and high-quality, coordinated health care. I feel privileged to be here.

About my practice

As a family practice allied clinician, I oversee a diverse panel of patients. I am particularly interested in orthopedic injuries and helping patients resume their lives. I support my patients by adding length and quality to their lives. I know what it is like to face challenges and still continue to advance and evolve. It is that aspect of my practice with patients that I particularly enjoy. I feel honored to assist people in reaching their goals and maximizing their lives. I am dedicated to helping people fortify their mind and body, achieve weight loss goals, and thrive.

How I thrive

Raising a family and having a full-time career makes it challenging to fit in other activities. I exercise and engage in outside interests when I can. I haven't been bored a day of my life. Each day brings something new. Travel is one of my favorite pastimes. Since I was a child I have camped, sometimes solo, throughout Oregon and still enjoy an overnight outing in the woods. I have lived on a sailboat and even sailed in open ocean races; I am a fish at heart. I am fortunate to live a very full life and wish the same for others.