I began my career in healthcare in 1989 as a Medical Assistant and later became a phlebotomist, gaining early hands-on experience in patient care and clinical practice. Driven to expand my role in medicine, I returned to school and earned a Master of Medical Science from Saint Louis University. In 2005, I became a certified Physician Assistant.
I began practicing in Family Practice and Internal Medicine in San Antonio, Texas, where I developed a strong foundation in primary care. I later worked as a locum tenens provider in California and spent two years with the California Department of Corrections, where I managed specialized Hepatitis and Coumadin clinics. During that time, I also cared for patients daily with complex chronic and debilitating conditions that required thorough evaluation, diagnostic workups, and ongoing medical management.
Afterwards, I moved to El Paso. Texas, where I began a long career in Emergency Medicine, providing care in a fast-paced environment and treating a wide range of acute conditions. My emergency medicine career eventually brought me to Arizona, where I practiced with Abrazo Health and later with Dignity Health. While practicing in Arizona, I became advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) certified and was actively involved in running numerous emergency codes and performing a variety of life-saving procedures.
After many years in emergency medicine, I chose to return to Family Medicine, where I can focus on the aspects of care I value most – patient education, preventive medicine, and building lasting relationships with those I serve. I believe that the best healthcare comes from a partnership between provider and patient, build on trust, communication, and compassion. My goal is not only to treat illnesses, but also to empower patients with the knowledge and tools they need to take an active role in their health and overall well-being.
Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my husband of 17 years, our dog, and our wonderful family, including our children and grandchildren. I also have a lifelong love for everything Disney, which reflects in my appreciation for imagination, joy, and finding magic in everyday moments.