I was born and raised in Michigan. I moved to Colorado in June of 2006. I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting and gardening. I love country music and classic rock. I am an animal lover. If I was not in healthcare, I would open an animal sanctuary!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have been married to my husband Kevin for 17 years. We have three daughters: Emily 22, Ava 15 and Leah 13. We recently became first time grandparents to our granddaughter Paisley.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have worked in healthcare for 23 years. I started as a Licensed Practical Nurse and worked my way up to a Family Nurse Practitioner. I currently work for Lincoln Health as one of the primary care providers. I primarily work out of our Limon clinic but occasionally cover our Gordon Clinic and our Flagler Clinic. What I love most about what I do is that I actually get to know my patients. Working in rural health allows me to spend the time I need to build a trusting relationship with our community members; many of which have become friends. Working in Lincoln County has shown me what a true sense of community is. I cannot tell you how many times folks have reached out when a storm is coming and have offered me a place to stay because he or she was worried about my safety driving. Any time someone needs something this community comes together in ways I have never seen prior to working out here.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Oscars and Jenny’s are my favorite sit-down restaurants. Flying J has some of the best pizza and wings as well!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Nearly 8 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Oh boy! There are so many. I don’t think I could name just one!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Seven Brides for Seven Brother is one of my top movies. An oldie but a goodie as I watched it with my grandmother many times growing up. Princess Bride is up there as well. I am obsessed with Yellowstone, Outlander and Stranger Things.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
If you have made mistakes in the past, learn from those mistakes and push yourself to be the person you would be proud of.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
My childhood friend Heather. She and I recently reconnected over social media. She said I would either become a doctor or a veterinarian. She was not too far off. I would take her to Oscars.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My absolute favorite thing about our community is the true sense of family.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Continuing my work as a rural healthcare provider and building my dream home on a couple hundred acres.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
In high school , I was a member of the Young Marines. I also lived in Alaska and was part of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary from the age of 17-19. I volunteered my time to help veterans apply for disability benefits.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Seeing my children become strong, successful women.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My family and those who I care for in the community.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Comfort, security, family
