My desire to become a doctor started after I survived a serious illness at the age of 16. I realized helping others achieve health is an amazing gift. My desire did not waver from that time on. I attended Vanderbilt University for my undergraduate degree, graduating magna cum laude with a double major in Mathematics and Chemistry. I stayed at Vanderbilt for medical school. While doing rotations my third year, I realized my passion for women’s health and that being an Ob/Gyn would give me the unique opportunity to help women focus on prevention throughout their lives. I chose Emory in Atlanta for residency so I could work at Grady Hospital, a large inner-city hospital where I experienced almost everything in the textbooks.

After residency, I briefly practiced in Atlanta and then moved to Portland, Oregon, a quality of life decision. After 5 wonderful years in Portland, I moved back home to Chattanooga. Besides being in private practice, I also enjoy the opportunity to promote quality and safety in a leadership position I hold in one of the local hospitals.

I am married to a wonderful guy, we have one son and a beautiful golden retriever puppy. I have a voracious appetite for reading especially medical journals and information to keep me on the cutting edge of health and wellness. I love almost every outdoor activity including skiing, hiking, climbing, standup paddleboarding, swimming, camping, and biking. Being outside, being in the beauty of creation reminds me of the necessity to recharge in order to continue to serve others. One of my favorite quotes is from Parker Palmer: Self-care is never a selfish act, it is simply good stewardship of the only gift that I have, the gift that I was put on earth to offer others. Anytime we can listen to true self and give the care it requires, we do it not only for ourselves but for the many others whose lives we touch.

As a board-certified Ob/Gyn for 20+ years, my mission is simple. I want to partner with women as they experience new health challenges and continue to find unique opportunities to improve their health through each stage of life. In recent years, I have focused my learning on functional medicine and taking classes through IFM (Institute for Functional Medicine) to improve my ability to address health issues through lifestyle changes instead of immediately going to conventional prescription medications. Many women are asking for this, including myself, and I have seen so much success with this approach. It is an approach that leads to empowerment and vitality in wellness. I am here to learn, listen, teach and walk alongside women as they acquire the tools to make healthier lifestyle choices in addition to offering appropriate medical interventions–basically treat the whole person.