What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite?
I am the Division Director of the Movement Science Lab (MSL) in Dallas. I also am a researcher with an interest in understanding treatment outcomes in the patients we treat here at Scottish Rite.
What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
The key to successful research is having a strong team of collaborators with technical and clinical expertise. The most fulfilling part of my job is seeing our research efforts directly impact clinical care.
What makes Scottish Rite a special place to you?
The staff is what makes Scottish Rite a special place. The people here are friendly and genuinely happy to help.
What made you choose a career in health care?
I was looking for a research job in biomechanics and found Scottish Rite’s job posting for Clinical Gait Lab Biomechanist. When I came to interview, I got to sit in on the lab’s monthly research meeting. That’s when I knew this was a perfect fit. What makes my career even better is that I get to work with kids and do research!
What is something unique you get to do in your position?
I get to study movement patterns using 3D motion capture, which I think is super cool!
What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Gardening (but not weeding), growing plumerias, travelling and sewing.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I am the “fixer” of all things in my house. Whenever I tell my family something is beyond repair, they get deeply disappointed.
Where are you from and what brought you to DFW?
I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and graduated from college in Southern California. I moved to Dallas to join the MSL team.
If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I love to travel and have a long bucket list. If I had to pick just one trip, I would really love to make it to Australia and New Zealand. I want to dive into the great barrier reef and do the “Lord of the Rings” tour in New Zealand.
If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Only one meal for the rest of my life?! If I had to choose, I would have to go with fresh seafood, pasta, a salad and a Diet Dr. Pepper.
What movie do you think everyone should watch at least once?
“Elf.” Will Ferrell still cracks me up after all these years.
What was the first concert you attended?
I want to say Whitney Houston or George Michael, but I can’t remember who came first.
Favorite DFW hidden gem?
I would recommend Gloria’s for their swirl margarita and pupusas.
If you were to have a movie based on your life, which actress/actor would you choose to play your character?
I would pick Drew Barrymore. She seems to be a positive person who might appreciate a good garden.
What is some advice you would give your younger self OR what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
The best advice I received was to get on the board of a professional society. It has really been wonderful working with other health care providers who share a passion for treating children.
