Work/teaching experience prior to LLCC?
I was a cardiac ICU nurse for 3.5 years at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. I have worked as a nurse practitioner for 1.5 years in Springfield.
Degree(s) and Alma Mater(s)?
University of Missouri-Columbia: bachelor of science in biology and nursing
Maryville University: master of science in nursing: adult nurse practitioner
Tell us about your family/pets/etc.
Husband, Chad. Got married in Las Vegas with 50 family/friends on March 15, 2014.
Boston terrier, Fenway
Most challenging course taken in college?
Organic Chemistry 2 and Biochemistry
Best memory in college (besides graduating)?
I organized the 2003 Mizzou Homecoming parade in which the grand marshal was Sheryl Crow. She was so nice to meet.
One thing very few people know about you?
I was one of 1,000 seniors in high school chosen across the country to dance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for the Mike Miller Dance Team.
Best prank pulled on someone?
I never was a kid that pulled pranks.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An astronaut. I loved space (and still do). I went to Space Camp several times as a child. What halted my career was my first plane flight. I was terrified, and I remember my mom telling me that was a big part of the job!
What was the worst job you ever had?
I got paid $7 (one dollar for every room) to clean the house every week as a kid. Dust, mop, vacuum, bathrooms, kitchen, etc., etc., etc.
What was your first job?
Pro shop girl at a country club and lifeguard at a local public pool.
Farthest you’ve ever traveled from home.
Multiple places in Europe: Turkey, Santorini, Greece, Italy, France, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Estonia, Germany
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Sydney, Australia, to see the Opera House. I feel that it is a huge icon, and I would love to see the brilliance of it in person.
Any historical figure you’d like to meet – and why?
Maya Angelou. Her quote, “They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel,” are words to live by, and just to be in her presence, would be calming.