Medical School / Education
West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
Internship
Boston Children's Hospital / Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Fellowship
Boston Children's Hospital / Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Psychology
Behavioral Medicine
Cystic Fibrosis
Academic Affiliations
Adjunct Faculty, Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Professional Affiliations
American Psychological Association
National Register of Health Services Providers in Psychology
Society of Pediatric Psychology
Society of Behavioral Medicine
Positive Psychology
Arizona Psychological Association
Sudden/Chronic Illness
Cystic Fibrosis
Complex Pain
Parenting Issues
What led you to your career as a psychologist?
I first wanted to be a teacher. Then, the kids started talking with me about their private lives and issues, and I realized I wanted to be able to help them individually.
What is the best thing about your job?
I love seeing my patients show so much progress – finding the strength and resilience within themselves to work through whatever issues were challenging them.
Have you received a special gift of thanks or piece of artwork from a child?
Yes, and all of them hold a special place in my heart. A child going through many challenging medical issues drew a card in which she and I were surrounded by beautiful flowers. She was just learning how to write, and she wrote on the card “Thank you. You helped me SOOOO MUCH!”
What is your favorite children’s book?
The Kissing Hand. It is such a sweet book, showing the love between a parent and child, while helping the child gain more independence. It has helped many a child!
How do you go about calming a child’s fears, aside from the wonderful work of the Child Life team?
Often, I start by helping them express their feelings in many ways. Then, I see what misperceptions they may have and clarify those. Depending upon the fears, I may help them through desensitization; find comforting objects, thoughts, and imagery.
How do you build trust with a parent?
Working with parents is an important part of what we do. I show them that I’m here to help their child, and I listen to their concerns. Finding out their goals for our work together is also important.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love playing with my kids. We love swimming, being silly, playing games, taking the dogs for walks through the desert, going to the beach, Sea World, Disneyland…everything!
I first wanted to be a teacher. Then, the kids started talking with me about their private lives and issues, and I realized I wanted to be able to help them individually.
What is the best thing about your job?
I love seeing my patients show so much progress – finding the strength and resilience within themselves to work through whatever issues were challenging them.
Have you received a special gift of thanks or piece of artwork from a child?
Yes, and all of them hold a special place in my heart. A child going through many challenging medical issues drew a card in which she and I were surrounded by beautiful flowers. She was just learning how to write, and she wrote on the card “Thank you. You helped me SOOOO MUCH!”
What is your favorite children’s book?
The Kissing Hand. It is such a sweet book, showing the love between a parent and child, while helping the child gain more independence. It has helped many a child!
How do you go about calming a child’s fears, aside from the wonderful work of the Child Life team?
Often, I start by helping them express their feelings in many ways. Then, I see what misperceptions they may have and clarify those. Depending upon the fears, I may help them through desensitization; find comforting objects, thoughts, and imagery.
How do you build trust with a parent?
Working with parents is an important part of what we do. I show them that I’m here to help their child, and I listen to their concerns. Finding out their goals for our work together is also important.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love playing with my kids. We love swimming, being silly, playing games, taking the dogs for walks through the desert, going to the beach, Sea World, Disneyland…everything!
