Current job: Director of Nursing, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.
Family: Husband, Dan; daughter, Alison, a sophomore at Oxford College of Emory University; and son, Alex, a high school sophomore.
What makes a good leader?
“There are several values I believe a leader must exemplify. First, a leader must have integrity; trust is vital. Communication is crucial, and an important element of communication is active listening. Thirdly is collaboration; a leader must recognize the importance of working together in order to have dynamic results.”
What are you most proud of in your career?
“I am proud whenever I am able to be a part of making an improvement for our patients, especially when I can help a nurse drive that process.”
Who has inspired or mentored you?
“I have been blessed with several people, both personally and professionally, in my life who have truly inspired me. The strongest influence in my life was my mother, who effortlessly role-modeled what a strong mother, wife, friend and professional woman is. She also taught me true priorities in life: faith, family, work and to always do your best.”
What’s your favorite thing to do away from work?
“Spend time with my family, watch my kids’ sporting events [and] travel together.”
Who’s your favorite fictional nurse? Why?
“There was a book I had as a little girl with a story of a nurse taking care of her family, friends, even her animals. I really think that book is what influenced my decision when I was very young to become a nurse.”
What’s your favorite guilty pleasure?
“That one is easy. Shopping!”
Tell us something that nobody at work knows about you:
“I was adopted as an infant. I have always been so thankful for my great family.”
— Compiled by John Brieske, Pulse Plus editor
