International Conference and Exhibition on Nursing

I was born in Independence, MO. I have been married for almost 21 years! The most important job I have is being a mother of an 11-year-old girl. Our daughter came to live with us when she was 5 ½ and adopted at the age of 8. Her story is long but interesting. What it has taught me the most is that everyone has a story and embedded in the stories are moments of sadness, moments of resilience, and moments of great success!

My educational journey is long. I have two Bachelor of Science Degrees and one Master of Science Degree. My first BS degree in Recreational Therapy was obtained from UCM in May 1999. I obtained my certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist (CTRS) and worked in mental health for 10 years. I worked with people of all ages in acute care hospital settings, both inpatient and outpatient. I maintain my CTRS to this day. I provided education to patients with various mental health illnesses including anger management, stress management, leisure education, and self-esteem. I am also an active member of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA).

My second BS degree in Nursing was obtained from UCM in December 2011. I am a Renal/Med-Surg nurse for St. Luke's Health System in Kansas City, MO. I am trained to care for medical surgical patients, as well as specialized training in patients who receive kidney transplants and are on dialysis. I have also been working PRN as an Outpatient Infusion Nurse where patients come in to receive antibiotic therapies, hydration therapy, as well as injections for various illnesses. I have served as a mentor, preceptor, and Charge Nurse as well as an active member on the Hand Hygiene and Quality Improvement Committee. I have engaged in research projects and presented information in both poster and podium presentation format.

I am active member of the Missouri Nurses Association (MONA) and American Nurses Association (ANA). I am a graduate of the Missouri Leadership Academy, sponsored by MONA.

Most recently I received my MS degree in Nursing from UCM in May 2018, emphasizing in Nursing Education. While obtaining my MSN, I served as an Adjunct Professor and Graduate Assistant for UCM Nursing Department. I have taught face to face, online, and clinical nursing courses during my time at UCM. I will be teaching full time as an Assistant Professor of Nursing starting in August.  

I am a National Society of Leadership and Success NELA recipient. I am an active member of NSLS.

I am an active member at large with Boy Scouts of America. I am an Honored Woman in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, an honor society within scouting. My responsibilities with this include involvement in a Special Needs Youth Hunt at H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation in Osceola, MO each fall. I serve as the lead cook for approximately 80 youth and adults for an entire weekend.

While I don’t have any published work or numerous committee responsibilities, I am eager to start this next journey in my life and see what the next Chapter has in store!