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I have been an RN for many years, and I have been practicing as a nurse practitioner since 1992. I received my BSN in 1987 from Holy Names University in Oakland, and my MSN from UCSF in 1992. I started working as an NP with Kaiser Permanente Oakland in 1995. Prior to that I worked in Kaiser Oakland's Home Health department. That job prepared me for the work I now perform with other Kaiser nurse practitioners and physicians in nursing homes.

My nurse practitioner practice entails diagnosing and treating acute, chronic, urgent, and emergency medical and psychosocial conditions. I work with an interdisciplinary team comprised of Kaiser doctors; case managers; facility nurses; physical, speech and occupational therapists; social services; registered dieticians; and pharmacists. I also help patients and families make difficult decisions about lifestyle changes and end of life care. It has been extremely satisfying for many years to collaborate with a team of dedicated, competent, and caring Kaiser physicians and nurse practitioners in the nursing home/rehab arena.

When I graduated from UCSF, my intention was to work for Kaiser. I have worked at other hospitals around the country and in the Bay Area. I chose to work at Kaiser because of its emphasis on cultural diversity and health and wellness. I have never regretted my decision, and I am proud that Kaiser Permanente is leading the way in aggressively fostering and celebrating healthy eating habits, physical exercise, and mental wellbeing.

During my down time, I love to play and relax, read, dance, walk (especially by water), meditate, attend cultural events, and visit beloved friends and family. I love to give and receive hugs, and I feel that my day is not complete unless I receive or give at least 2 hugs a day. I am an enthusiastic soprano in my church choir. I am a world traveler. I worked in Vietnam as a civilian with The National Council of Churches in 1969-71. My travels have taken me to Nigeria, Kenya, India, Europe (Greece 3 times), Jamaica, Hawaii, Thailand, the Philippines, and Egypt to name a few. One of my future goals is to drive the Great Highway to visit Alaska. I also enjoy cruises, but visiting a specific country is what truly enriches me most. Another goal is to refresh my Spanish and travel to Costa Rica and Brazil. Because of my travels, I have acquired a taste for various cuisines. I was raised in Oklahoma, but the Bay Area, especially Oakland, is the city that I love.

I went into the field of nursing because I wanted to help individuals. I have remained in this profession as a nurse practitioner, because I want to help others help themselves. We are partners in helping each other to THRIVE.

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