Where did you grow up?
Saratoga Springs, NY; the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, a beautiful place I have family and continue to visit.
Why did you choose a career in medicine?
Two of my loves are science and education. Medicine beautifully combines these. I was a chemistry major with a teaching minor in college. In the days before the internet, my mother sent me a newspaper clipping about the PA program at Albany Medical Center. What a great idea!
What is your favorite part about being a PA and why?
Relationships are important to me. The collaborative relationship with work colleagues and patient relationships I have developed over many years are most special to me. Despite moving all around the world for my husband’s Army career, I have had a wonderful career too.
Is there a specific event or learning experience that you had that served as an “a-ha” moment or growth opportunity?
As a military spouse, I should have considered staying in the government system in Germany in the early 1990’s. If someone had told me that I would be pension-eligible and have hiring preference, it would have been invaluable information. I had a government job for one year and resigned the position when we moved. Bad idea in retrospect. Now, I advise military spouses to evaluate all options.
What is the best piece of advice someone has given you?
‘Don’t hold a grudge, life is too short’ – Carol Waldron RN, my mom
What advice would you give to new MSV members?
Get involved in something that is of interest to you. There are many options within MSV, lots are not very time consuming, and so many interesting MSV members to meet!
If you could interview one person (dead or alive) who would it be and why?
Pearl Scarbalis, my husband’s mother, she died before he and I met. I have been told she and I would have liked each other. I have so many questions, and imagine we could make good use of our time together.
What are some of your hobbies and/or passions?
Travel, visiting wineries, knitting, practicing golf
Complete this statement, ”I am happiest when…”
Spending time with my husband, Dave, and my friends