Growing up, my younger sister was ill and frequently in the hospital. Because of her, I decided I wanted to become a pediatrician while I was still in grade school. My husband, children, and the rest of my family are the reason I’m the pediatrician I am today. They have taught me so much about the personal side of medicine.

I have always had a special place in my heart for babies and children. At one time, I thought of specializing in neonatology. Then we had our first daughter while I was in medical school, and I wanted to spend as much time as I could with her. Since neonatology involves long hours in the hospital, I made the decision to care for families in my community instead. I can always go back for a specialty fellowship — while I can't go back and watch my children grow up.

I’m passionate about family-centered care, with the doctor and the family working as a team to help each child grow up to reach their full potential. I had personal experience of being a parent of children …who required specialized care when my twins were born at 29 weeks. We are very fortunate that they are happy and healthy now. But it was eye-opening to be on the other side as the parent in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

I work hard to balance my roles as mother, wife and pediatrician. I think this gives me insight into the balancing act that being a parent is for most people. I relate to other moms and dads and enjoy building relationships with families. By establishing mutual trust, we can be a true support system for growing children.