I grew up in the Air Force, so we got to move frequently. As a result, I attended six schools before graduating from high school. Although I sometimes envy folks who have known each other all of their lives, it was great getting to know many people from many interesting places. One of these places was Spain, where we were stationed for 3 years when I was a child. This time overseas instilled an appreciation for our wonderful country, and all of the things we sometimes take for granted.
Since graduating high school, I have spent much of my adult life serving the public. I managed a couple of retail shops, a pizza parlor, and a leather craft shop. I worked as a housekeeper in an adult home in Albany, NY, an operator in an answering service in Lancaster, CA and as a salad maker in Ponca City, OK. I took care of my favorite elderly aunt in PA, where we waited for 2 lovely visiting nurses to come and tend to her twice a week. It was during this time I considered pursuing a career in nursing. (It seems I had tried everything else!)
When my aunt passed away, I enrolled in LPN school in OK. Since graduating, I have worked on Adult Psychiatric units, chemical dependency units, worked as an outpatient case manager for chronically mentally ill veterans, and at an ambulatory care clinic. I love nursing, and have never regretted making that decision.
After 22 years as an LPN, I am finally here at Regis, raring to go, and thanks to a generous scholarship from the VA, I am able to go full-time, without having to work. Regis is the only institution I applied to, I love the Jesuit philosophy, and the atmosphere and academic standards.
I’m married to a Viet Nam veteran, and have a 23 year old step-son and a 17 year-old son.
I love my fellow man, and love God. My life is in his hands, and I am so thankful to be here at Regis, to complete an education that began many years ago!
