Originally pursuing a degree in genetic engineering, she began working part-time in urgent care and the emergency department at a children’s hospital during college. Although she initially worked in research at the Medical College preparing tissue samples, she found herself missing meaningful human connection. Despite an early childhood prediction from her grandmother that she would become a nurse, she had not planned on that path—but ultimately transitioned into nursing to combine science with direct patient care. She began her career in high-acuity settings, including ICU, emergency department, and helicopter nursing. Over time, she realized she was most fulfilled by the one-on-one connection, autonomy, and creativity found in home care. She transitioned into hospice approximately two years later and, although initially unsure, quickly found deep purpose in the profound human connection hospice provides. She has worked in healthcare since 1985 and in hospice since 1992.



