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Education
University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Optometry – Doctorate of Optometry
University of Missouri Columbia – Graduate Certificate of Public Health with an emphasis in Global Health
Bachelor’s of Health Science
Minor in Spanish
Minor in Human Development and Family Studies
Why did you become a optometrist?
When I was younger I would always play both doctor and teacher. I went to college to study science and human development in hopes of becoming a pediatric nurse or physician. It wasn’t until one summer on a Student Athlete Service Trip in Haiti that I knew I wanted to become an optometrist. As we were serving in local schools, we were informed that there was a shortage of optometrists visiting the villages. Young students were not returning to school because they were struggling to learn and advance appropriately, and with the limited resources and teachers in the setting, they could not obtain the help and attention they needed. Many of the other volunteers and doctors saw this correlation and realized that children were being labeled with “learning disabilities”, when their true battle was poor vision. I have always been passionate about education, and believe it is every child’s right to be given an education that will allow them to make their dreams a reality, and support themselves through life. It was on that trip that I knew I didn’t want lack of vision services to ever be the barrier a child’s education in a world where optometry and vision science are so solidified and advanced. I love treating my patient’s knowing I helping them succeed and grow, and seeing their interest spark as I teach them about the eye and vision is the cherry on top!
Interesting Facts
I grew up in Kansas City, MO and love the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals!
I did gymnastics in college and was a floor specialist! Although I did play seven other sports growing up.