Bio
What are your specialties and certifications?
FNP-BC, APRN, family practice specialty.
Is there any other notable training we should know about?
I worked with a weight loss program in the past and am passionate about
using natural therapies and dietary interventions for weight management.
Why did you go into medicine? Why did you choose your particular field?
I had migraines as a child and always wanted to solve the problem of migraine
headache. Fortunately, we have many more choices now than we did in the
past to effectively treat migraine. Additionally, I love the connection
with patients I get to develop over time. My goal in our clinic is to
create an atmosphere of calm and peace to allow teaching and learning
to be smooth and accessible. It is difficult to learn in a chaotic environment,
so we do all we can to provide a calm environment.
What are some of your clinical interests?
I love to assist in weight loss, headache management, and to help people
stay in the best health possible without medication whenever possible.
My philosophy is as many medications as are necessary, but no more. I
work with patients to reduce medication burden whenever clinically possible
and healthy for that patient. Each medication or treatment decision is
individualized for best patient benefit and consideration of patient choice
and preference.
What do you love about practicing medicine?
I like to connect with patients and learn about their personal life goals
and the things that are most important to them. From this perspective,
managing chronic illness or maintaining chronic wellness become more personalized
and effective for my patients and fulfilling for myself.
"My goal in our clinic is to create an atmosphere of calm and peace
to allow teaching and learning to be smooth and accessible."
What is your philosophy of care?
We strive to create and maintain an environment of peace and calm as a
cornerstone of care. I work to discover patient goals and what is most
important to them as a foundation for treatment plans and educational
strategies. I aim to treat conditions and problems not only for the patient
but also consider the family and work systems, and changes in these that
may affect personal health and illnes.
What do you most want people to know about the way you practice medicine?
I will do my best to personalize the care you receive and I pledge to give
you all the information I can to help with decision making. I will stay
as up to date as is possible with the current recommendations and scientific
studies and consider your preferences as we determine the best plan for you.
What can your patients expect during an appointment?
Time, attention and personalization. I expect input regarding patient preferences,
but will provide answers to questions that are asked.
What do you wish you could tell every patient (and they would actually
do) and why?
Choose your foods carefully. Move your body everyday. Consider mindfulness
practice. Curate intake of foods/drinks and information. Ask questions
if you have them, don't rely on social media or the internet for health
information, that is why we are here.
What have your patients taught you?
That people are amazing. I learn something from a tough, resilient, Montana
patient every day.
Who is someone you admire, and why?
I love Betty Neuman's Systems theory and admire her thoughtfulness
as she developed it. I use this philosophy daily. I appreciate Dr Wayne
Jonas and his HOPE note approach to integrated care and strive to include
his research and practice into mine. I admire every MDMH health care provider,
physician, nurse and all the many others that make up our team that come
to work every day and do what they do.
Where did you grow up?
Darby, Montana.
"I am an avid journaler which includes writing about my life, tracking
my efficiencies, drawing, painting and pondering."
What brought you to the Bitterroot Valley?
My parents. Haha, I kid. What brought me back after college was the beauty
and unique character of the area. It is a lot like a boomerang. Once you
have lived in the Bitterroot, no where else feels quite like home.
What do you enjoy about living and working in a small community like ours?
I enjoy the connections, the friendly faces, help when you need it and
watching the coming together of our communities whenever something happens
to one of our own. If you live here, you belong to us. It is home.
Living in such a close-knit community, how do you create a successful work–life balance?
My work is fulfilling and I rarely feel unbalanced. When I do, I create
space and time to regroup and reconnect with myself or good friends depending
on the balance issue. I like to run (well... jog) and walk as well as
practice yoga and mindfulness, all which keep me grounded and feeling balanced.
What are some of your non-professional interests and favorite hobbies?
I am an avid journaler which includes writing about my life, tracking my
efficiencies, drawing, painting and pondering. I also enjoy running, especially
with the run-walk-run group I belong to. I like to hike and be outdoors
when the weather allows. Otherwise, hanging out with the family and dogs
is about the best life I can imagine.
Is there anything about you that might surprise people?
I'm working on handstands... so far not a skill.
What would be your personal motto?
Be kind and cite your sources.
Do you have pets?
Yes, two dogs.