I graduated from Vanderbilt University with a B.A. in Biology longer ago than I want to admit. I have an MS in Zoology (immunology) from University of Georgia (also longer ago than I want to admit). I attended nursing school at St. Petersburg College - St. Petersburg Junior College at that time. Finally, I have an MSN from the University of Tampa, with an Education focus.I am board certified as a Nursing Professional Development Practitioner.

I have been teaching for St. Petersburg College since 1994. Courses have included: Human Anatomy & Physiology, Human Anatomy, General Pharmacology, and General Biology. I retired at the end of 2020 from my 18-year role as the Nursing Professional Development Specialist for progressive care/telemetry (designated heart failure and stroke units) at Mease Countryside Hospital. This is a wonderful position that combines nursing and education. I continue my role in a PRN status (as needed, so wonderful flexibility while still helping develop new team members), filling in where needed for my Clinical Education Services Department. Facilitating others' growth in their learning journey is my passion.

When I can grab a chunk of free time, I like to camp - even better when I ride out into the wilderness on horseback to find the camp site. However, when the free time is limited, I love a good fiction book, puttering in dirt with plants, or playing with the members of my zoological family: 2 dogs, 2 cats, 1 cockatiel, 2 fish tanks (both fresh water) and my 1, very tolerant, husband.

My personal life philosophy is that the purpose of life is to live a life of purpose.