1. What are you working on now that excites you the most?

Preparing the future generation of Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students as an educator and witnessing their professional growth and development who are leading system, clinical, policy, and practice change across healthcare systems has been a fulfilling and rewarding experience for me personally. Partnering in a student’s ongoing DNP journey and scholarly work and acknowledging their inquisitive nature for asking the tough questions gives rise to how change happens, and through their world view and experiences, has made me a better person, educator, clinician, and advocate for others whom we serve (collectively) as a healthcare profession. Our students remain the greatest asset we have for advancing the health profession(s) and to learn from this, is a gift.

 2. What book has had the greatest impact on your life?

Griffin, J. H. (1961). Black Like Me. Boston, Houghton Mifflin. I read this book while attending high school that profoundly impacted my world view and allowed me to better understand the tragedy of the human condition and experience of other peoples seeking justice in an unkind world.

3. What is your most prized possession?

My wedding ring, and still married for 36 years. This symbolizes for me my life experience through the best and worst of personal, professional, and health issues encountered, and reminds me why I continue to get up every morning, understanding the importance of taking it all simply “one day at a time”. This has allowed me to develop a spirit of mindfulness to carry on with great resilience through the support of family, true friendship, or through experiencing the ‘kindness of others’ in ordinary-everyday life. In the words of Simon Sinek, “No Crying Alone” …”…[others] need to have a “Willingness to Sit in the Mud with You” and this has been profoundly impactful for me.

(Sinek, Simon. “Be There For Your Friends.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sV8trjqpQU)

4. What is something that surprises people about you?

I was a competitive Irish Step Dancer.

5. What piece of advice would you give to five year old you?

Be bold, be brave, and be kind; and always speak with integrity and be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, don’t make any assumptions, and always do your best—my favorite Toltec Wisdom Book, The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. Easier said than done.