I am a nurse practitioner at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute who treats adult patients with skin cancer types such as:

• Melanoma
• Ocular melanoma
• Merkel cell carcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma

Some of the treatments I provide include immunotherapy and oral chemotherapy/targeted therapy.

I also work to reduce the side effects of treatments and offer surveillance follow-up.

I take pride in educating patients about their treatments and care plans, focusing on their treatment goals and keeping them active. I feel honored to be part of difficult conversations, especially when treatments aren’t working as hoped.

Having cared for a family member who passed away from metastatic melanoma has given me empathy for the challenges patients and families face. At the time of her care, treatment options were limited. I believe that if she had been diagnosed today, she might still be alive. It brings me joy to know that we can embrace hope for the advancements in treatment that OHSU is pioneering, and I often share this hope with my patients.

In my personal life, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I have three adult children—one is a welder, another is studying to be an occupational therapist and my youngest is in medical school. I also have a grandson who fills my heart with joy and a toy poodle named Dahlia. Outside of work, I love cooking, wine tasting and camping. My faith is very important, and I'm actively involved in my church.