How did you discover your passion for what you do, and what opportunities have helped shape your career?

I became passionate about trauma nursing after the unfortunate suicide of my uncle. I realized then that caring for a patient and the patient’s family during that immediate crisis was so important, and I wanted to be the person that could be a bright spot in a dark time and navigate families and patients through their crisis.

Who has been an invaluable mentor for your professional career? What did you learn from them?

Tina Rowe. She was my trauma preceptor and taught me how to be a trauma nurse. She not only taught me clinical skills, she taught me how to communicate with trauma patients at the scariest time of their life. She taught me that trauma doesn’t care who you are, your age, race or ethnicity. That it could be any of us and to always treat trauma patients with the love and respect that we would expect.

How do you make sure you stay connected with your professional network?

I am currently serving as the Co-Chair for the Maryland Trauma Quality Improvement Program. I’m a member of Maryland TraumaNet. I also am the Maryland state rep for the national group-Society of Trauma Nurses Geriatrics special interest group. I attend conferences such as the American Trauma Society National Conference and Trauma Con.

How have friendships helped you professionally? Is there a friend (or Delta Zeta sister) that has been behind you every step of the way on your career journey?

There have been a few. I made friends with Alexa Waggoner, Kyryn Hayes, Tina Spradlin Rakes and Lindsey White while in Delta Zeta in college. We have remained extremely close, and these ladies have supported me through every step in my career journey – including my big move from Virginia to Maryland!