What is your role at Scottish Rite for Children? 
I am nurse coordinator in Frisco, primarily for Dr. Karol, Dr. Podeszwa and Dr. Sucato. I manage the coordination of patients, clinics, pre-operative preparation, clearance for surgery, education, referrals and triage many patient calls. I stay very busy - multitasking while maintaining a sense of calmness when things are hectic.  

What led you to Scottish Rite? How long have you worked here? 
I have always had a love for children and a keen interest in orthopedics. I had heard nothing but wonderful things as well as the incredible reputation of Scottish Rite. I started as the nurse coordinator for Dr. Karol in Dallas. Due to family responsibilities, I took a leave of absence, but came back with full force when the additional campus opened in Plano and now Frisco. I am approaching my eleventh year at Scottish Rite. 

What do you enjoy most about Scottish Rite?         
The culture and most importantly our mission. The entire staff treat each other with respect and the leadership team provides support to all levels of service. It is remarkable! I am fortunate to be part of the Scottish Rite family where there is a can-do attitude and commitment to provide the best care for patients. I enjoy working with the doctors to provide specialized care for our patients, such as children with developmental dysplasia of hips. It is gratifying to see how treatment, such as a harness or brace, can be effective to improving development or how it can sometimes even prevent surgery. Our aim is to get kids back to being their best. They are so resilient and that is what I love about taking care of them.

What was your first job? What path did you take to get here? 
My very first job was when I was 16 years old, working at a day care as a teacher’s assistant in Toronto, Canada. My first nursing job was in an adult medical-surgical inpatient unit at a hospital in Dallas. I did not work with adults too long because I felt called to work with children. I have worked for pediatricians and at two major children’s hospitals across the country but had a special interest to be in orthopedics. Scottish Rite for Children is truly unlike any place I have worked.  

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to spend time with my family, cook/bake, read, dance and go on walks. 

Three words to best describe you:
Compassion, patient, loyal

What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?
Probably be a professional dancer! 

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
Scuba diving in Hawaii and in Mexico, zip lining over the ocean in Tahiti, para sailing and bungie jumping a few times at amusement parks.