Biography
Originally a native of Virginia, I first experienced the beauty and hospitality of the West during my pediatric neurosurgery fellowship at the University of Utah. After spending 6 years practicing in Florida, I realized my heart was still in the west and I am grateful to be in New Mexico serving as the Division Chief for Pediatric Neurosurgery at the University of New Mexico. I am passionate about being part of the team building a premier neurosurgery department and residency program.
My primary passion is to serve those with limited access to high quality medicine. Having done my medical school training in a rural state (South Dakota), I know the challenges of providing health care to patients who live far from our main hospital. Therefore, I prioritize finding ways to make sure that high quality neurosurgical services are available for every child in New Mexico. I am also proud to be leading a division with the only two board certified pediatric neurosurgeons New Mexico has ever had. In addition, our department is leading an initiative to set up clinics throughout New Mexico where we can go to our patients and help families avoid at least a few lengthy drives. I am also creating a global program that will benefit our residents and the countries where we will travel.
My primary research interests are in traumatic brain injury, epilepsy and white matter development. I continue to lead research through collaborations with Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston University and Kings College in London, England.
I completed my neurosurgical residency at Brown University in Providence, RI and did a pediatrics fellowship at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT, which is one of the busiest pediatric neurosurgery fellowships in the country.
Areas of Specialty
Pediatric Neurosurgery
Education
Fellowship: Pediatric Neurosurgery Fellow, University of Utah, Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT
Residency: Neurosurgery Resident, Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI
Medical School: M.D. Summa Cum Laude, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD
Undergraduate: B.A. with Honors, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Achievements & Awards
Castle Connelly Top Doctor, 2022
Outstanding Elective Rotation Faculty, Florida Atlantic University, 2020
Vitals 5 Year Honoree for Patients’ Choice, 2020
Vitals On-Time Physician Award, 2019, 2020
Vitals Compassionate Doctor Award, 2018, 2019, 2020
Vitals Patients’ Choice Award, 2016, 2019, 2020
AANS/CNS Resident Traveling Fellowship in Pediatric Neurosurgery, 2011
Gender
Female
Languages
- English
- Spanish
Research
My research interests focus on neuroimaging applications in epilepsy and traumatic brain injury. My goal is to utilize novel neuroimaging techniques to help improve the care of pediatric neurosurgery patients.