What is your role at Scottish Rite for Children? Or describe what your average day looks like. 
I’m a certified physician assistant in the Orthopedics department. On any given day, I’m meeting with our patients, performing patient histories and physical exams while diagnosing and formulating treatment plans. Aside from meeting our patients and their families, I really enjoy the ability to work with a variety of physicians, nurses, clerks and techs. 

What do you enjoy most about Scottish Rite?
In the more than nine years of working here, I’ve learned that Scottish Rite truly is my family.  

What was your first job? Why did you decide to do the work you are doing now?
The road to where I am today actually started right here at Scottish Rite! After graduating from college with my undergraduate degree, I started working in the Research department, primarily studying scoliosis. Even though I had a desire to become a physician assistant, it wasn’t until I started at Scottish Rite that I knew this career field would become my passion. I’m so thankful for the entire Scottish Rite family who pushed me to study and pursue this incredible field. I jumped at the opportunity to come back to Scottish Rite immediately after graduating from PA school and have not looked back. 

What’s the coolest or most interesting thing you have been a part of at Scottish Rite?
Without a doubt, the most life changing moments for me have come while being part of our Amputee Ski Trip and summer camps. 

Our Amputee Ski Trip takes a group of teens to Winter Park, CO for adaptive skiing (through National Sports Center for the Disabled). Many of these teens have never even seen snow prior to this trip. To watch them learn how to ski, sit ski, snowboard or anything in between is incredible. Throughout the week, these teens push themselves to the limits (while being safe) and make lifelong relationships while doing it! I’ve also had the opportunity to serve as the Medical Director for Out on a Limb and Camp Freedom for the last few years. Both camps give kids an opportunity to go out and try new things, while being around their peers. 

These experiences bring me so much joy and it’s humbling that we have this incredible opportunity to give back to our patient population. My favorite quote that is on the wall at NSCD at Winter Park is, “The only disability that any of us have in life is a negative attitude”. 

If you could snap your fingers and become an expert in something, what would it be?
I enjoy learning. I don’t know if I would want to snap my fingers and be an immediate expert. 

What advice would you give to your teenage self?
I would tell myself that, “It will all be okay; life is really good!” I would also make sure I knew that you only learn by asking questions, traveling as much as possible and most importantly, continue to have fun! 

What’s something you saw recently that made you smile?
My husband and I are expecting our first child in less than two months. It makes me smile to see the sonogram and feeling the baby move. 

What’s your favorite sport to watch and which team do you root for? 
I played soccer in college, so my favorite team is obviously the U.S. Women’s National soccer team!

What three words would your friends use to describe you?
I had to poll my friends on this, but they said smart, bubbly and loyal.