What led you to your career as a neurology doctor/surgeon?
The nervous system is so complex that it will remain an area of cutting edge research for my lifetime, and probably many after me.

What is the best thing about your job?
Seeing children recover.

Have you received a special gift of thanks or piece of artwork from a child?
I've received numerous drawings, all of which I've saved and peruse when I need a little pick-me-up.

What is your favorite children's book?
Petronella. It's about a princess who saves her prince.

How do you go about calming a child's fears, aside from the wonderful work of the Child Life team?
Talking to them the way I would my own children. Choosing a cartoon character they may identify with and trying to distract them with something fun.

How do you build trust with a parent?
Talking to them about their child the way I would want someone to talk to me, using my own children as an example.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Running, hiking, taking my children on adventures.

What is your favorite local restaurant?
Barrio Cafe.

Can you tell us about your family?
I have a husband who is also a neurosurgeon. I have two children, boys ages 4 and 7. They are interested in swimming, piano, and tae kwon do.

Where are you originally from, and how did you get here?
I'm from New Hampshire and went to college in Maine. I wanted to see a new part of the country for medical school, so I went to New Orleans. From there I wanted to go to the best neurosurgery training program in the country, and that lead me to the Barrow Neurological Institute. After my fellowship in Los Angeles, I was excited to join the faculty here in Phoenix.