Originally from Freeport, Illinois, but moved to the Tampa Bay area in 1986. Now lives with her family in Clearwater Beach.  Graduated with a BS in physical therapy from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1986 and a clinical doctorate in physical therapy from University of South Florida in 2014. Has practiced in many areas of physical therapy including sports medicine, orthopedics in both outpatient and inpatient settings, and other areas that include acute care hospital work, rehab, and contract services in a multitude of healthcare settings. After performing patient care for 20 years, felt it would be exciting and challenging to teach and share wealth of knowledge and experience with students. Became a full-time faculty member in the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at St. Petersburg College in 2006. Still continues to do PRN patient care as a physical therapist with BayCare Health Systems to assist in teaching patient care realities to make things up-to date in this ever changing healthcare arena.