About Me

I was born and raised in and around Chicago. I settled in Dekalb County to raise my family in 2008. I received my Associate’s in Nursing in 2006 and continued to complete my Bachelor of Nursing from Northern Illinois University. I started my nursing career in the emergency department and quickly found my calling working with the pediatric population. I have worked in various settings including the pediatric emergency department, pediatric medical/surgical unit, and pediatric primary care. I was a Nationally Board Certified School Nurse for a local school district for 10 years. I worked with students and families who received special education services and chronic health needs. As a parent, I have experience raising neurodivergent children. Working in the education system and working with families sparked a desire to sharpen my teaching skills. I returned to Northern Illinois University and completed my Master of Science in Health Education. I feel my experience personally and professionally makes me an empathetic and understanding provider who can help parents be the best advocates for their children. The healthcare system is becoming more complex as is the medical field to navigate. I find through educating my clients, they can achieve a higher level of health by being better and more educated healthcare consumers. I graduated from Regis College with a Masters in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing. Although I can provide care across the lifespan, I have a special passion for working with children, adolescents, and their families.

Areas of Clinical Specialty

I provide psychiatric evaluations, ADHD testing, and medication management for people 6-50 years old. I treat most disorders but specialize in  Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, and treating symptoms associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health

When a child is struggling with a mental health issue it can impact not only their emotional health but their physical, social, and academic well-being. I understand that waiting months to see a provider can seem like forever when your child is struggling. I chose to become a provider to help decrease wait times, so children can get help sooner and closer to home. Many parents are cautious when it comes to giving their child medication. It is not an easy decision to make, but I hope that by educating my patients and their families they can have the information they need to make the best choice for themselves. My treatment philosophy includes educating the family and child about their condition and working together to develop a treatment plan based on the needs and goals of the patient and family.

 

Certifications

ANCC board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Memberships

American Psychiatric Nurses Association