​Tell us about your occupation.

I am a cross-functional, innovative, data-driven leader. I have worked mostly in healthcare in many different areas, such as marketing, user experience, and customer-centric measurement. Within adult and pediatric hospitals, and now for a consulting organization, I aim to develop and implement systems that help companies grow by monitoring engagement of key stakeholders, building co-designed solutions for improvement, and enhancing brand identity.

Why did you choose to go into your particular field of medicine/healthcare?

Data informs, stories persuade. Understanding what a statistic represents provides an opportunity for discovery. I want to know the story behind the number and figure out whose life can be better once we know more about that data point. Then, my job is to convince others to join in the improvement and start making a difference!

Where were you born?

Rugby, ND, USA

Where have you been?

I grew up on a family farm in North Dakota. After high school, I attended a liberal arts college in Minnesota, including a language-immersion program in the Bemidji (MN) woods, and my JYA at Lancaster University (Lancaster, England). I moved to Seattle and after 6 months embarked on an exploration of Germany while living in Starnberg, Gauting, and Munich. Seattle has been home to me off and on for over 30 years. My travels have taken me primarily to Europe, but also Ecuador for a sabbatical. I'm most at home surrounded by tall trees.

Medical style you grew up with?

Rural. I got my vaccine shots from the public health nurse, and we always went to the dentist twice a year. A clinic and hospital were less than 20 miles away. Bare bones. Overnight once.

Your views on health in your own home?

Breathing in fresh air keeps you healthy, best if we're outside moving faster than a stroll daily. Sleep is critical - so schedules are followed. Fifty percent veggies along with a protein for our nutrition. Say how you're feeling so we can help problem solve; don't hide the pain.

The book that changed your life?

The Overstory

What is the most difficult aspect of your work for you to accept?

I see too much suffering in healthcare - the patients, the caregivers, the clinicians, the administrators - because people don't speak the truth or are too wrapped up in their own thing instead of seeing it as the dynamic organism that health is. I witness profound greed, misplaced dollars, and the fear of saying something, doing something, or being someone that is different than the norm.

What are you most proud of/grateful for about your work?

Working together with families and others who know that the system can be better - because the people within it deserve that much!

Tell us something about the communities that you serve.

My communities tend to be groups - patient experience professionals, compassionate administrators, warm-hearted clinicians, dedicated mid-level managers, amazing team members - or patient family members, who are dedicating their stories and lives to helping the first community drive change and catalyze new ways of thinking and focusing on what matters most.

What is your go-to home-remedy for a cold?

Tea, rest, a good book, and maybe a TV series.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Always do your best - be impeccable with your word - don't make assumptions - don't take things personally. (Ruiz, The Four Agreements)

Favorite place to be?

In the middle of an ancient tree stand, walking outside anywhere in the Pac NW, or on an adventure with my family

Is there a piece of music, composer or artist that gives you strength and/or healing?

Ruiz (see above); Soul II Soul; Barbara Kingsolver; Louise Erdrich

What is your greatest strength as a provider?

I see the system and I care about people

What does self-health mean to you?

Getting and giving love to my family and encouraging them to do the best the can, but not to beat themselves up if it doesn't go the way they want Moving every day Being a good friend, sister, mother, partner in life

Car, bike, or...?

Feet