My goal as a diabetes specialist is to help each of my patients identify where they are in their diabetes journey, and create an individualized treatment approach that helps them integrate excellent diabetes care into their regular daily life. I like to take a “big picture” approach to diabetes. What are your goals in life? How do you learn? What are your hobbies? What makes you happy?
Diabetes is fascinating because there are so many factors that affect glucose control: genetics, stress, nutrition, sleep, physical activity, hormone changes, behavioral health, family dynamics, etc. Diabetes impacts heart health, kidney function, bone health, cognitive function, sight, balance, and mood. It affects how long we live, and, more importantly, our quality of life.
I’m an extrovert who loves spending time with people, traveling, and trying new experiences. I’ve been very fortunate to work in a variety of clinical settings: residential psychiatric care while in nursing school, community and public health in Argentina and Nicaragua; medical and thoracic ICU in Utah; cardiac cath lab in Washington, DC; cardiology clinic in both urban and rural Texas; primary care in both inner-city and military clinics, a nurse-run diabetes specialty clinic at Evans Army Community Hospital. These experiences have taught me that it’s critical to consider how culture, language, gender identity/sexual orientation, disabilities, behavioral health, socioeconomic status, and racial/ethnic background affect our life circumstances and health outcomes. I’ve also learned how important it is to be inclusive, creative, flexible, and open-minded in working together to achieve our health goals.
My husband is an active duty army physician. We’re grateful to be part of the military community, and deeply honored whenever we have the opportunity to care for our nation’s heroes and their families. We have two intense and quirky children who make us laugh every day.
Our family has lived in Colorado Springs for over ten years. We enjoy mountain biking, hiking, skiing/snowboarding, and spending time with our adorable pandemic pooch, Ollie. When I get alone time, I recharge by reading, swimming, practicing yoga, and gardening.
Locations
719.365.7630
719.365.7631Qualifications and experience
- Specialties
- Endocrine System (Hormones) - Adult Type 1 Diabetes, Endocrine System (Hormones) - Adult Type 2 Diabetes, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Pregnancy and Reproduction - Gestational Diabetes
- Gender
- Female
- Languages spoken
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English
- Education
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Graduate
George Mason University (2003)
Undergraduate
Brigham Young University (1995)
- Board Certification
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Certification Agency Specialty Year The Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists Board Certified- Advanced Diabetes Management 2015 The Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist 2014 American Nurses Credentialing Association Family Nurse Practitioner 2003 - Clinical interest for patients
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• Type 1 Diabetes
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Diabetes in Pregnancy
• Diabetes Technology- smart pens, continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps with hybrid closed-loop systems
• Diabetes and Cardiometabolic Health - Insurance
- UCHealth strongly encourages you to consult with your health insurer to determine accurate information about your coverage and benefits for a particular health care service provided at a UCHealth facility. Read more here.