I utilized the baby steps method of completing nursing school, attending school whenever I could while raising my family and supporting my former husband’s military career. I worked as a nursing assistant and became an LVN while living in Southern California. I was an LVN/LPN for many years before earning my associate degree in nursing at Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma in 1996. When my family relocated to Tampa Bay, I had the opportunity to attend the University of South Florida BSN program, and then the graduate program. I graduated from USF as a family nurse practitioner in 2003, and completed my PhD on July 9, 2013.
 

I consider myself incredibly fortunate because I get to work every day in a career that I truly love. I am invigorated by my interactions with students, and I strive to make those interactions stimulating for my students as well. Level l of our program is not easy, but the rewards are great in terms of student personal growth.

My classroom utilizes many different forms of learning – case studies, computer assisted instruction, music, films, role play, and appropriate guest speakers, to name a few. My unofficial motto is that nothing works exactly the same all of the time.  My goal as a teacher is to always remain flexible so that I can respond to the varying needs of my students. I try to provide an environment where students can acquire the skills to take charge of their own learning. Once that mountain is successfully navigated, the sky becomes the limit.

Please know that my door is always open, no question is stupid except the one you don't ask, and no concern is too insignificant to be addressed. My office hours are posted, but if those hours do not meet your needs, you are encouraged to make an appointment whenever the need arises - and no matter what that need may be.

On a personal note, I am blessed to have 3 wonderful adult children and four remarkable grandchildren.