During my senior year of high school, I ventured into public safety by becoming an emergency medical technician and a volunteer firefighter.  I began my career in public service in early 1994 when I became a Paramedic in Washington County, Maryland.  I spent several years working between various EMS companies in Maryland and Pennsylvania where I also earned my certification as a Nationally Registered Paramedic.

 

After working 10 years as a paramedic, I felt it was time for a change.  I began nursing school while working two jobs as a paramedic.  I graduated from Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV in 2004 with an associate degree in nursing.  I was quickly hired for a full-time position as an emergency department nurse at Gettysburg Hospital in Gettysburg, PA. 

 

I have always had a passion for the law.  When I realized that I had an opportunity to combine the law with my nursing expertise, I couldn't resist.  I took the course to become a forensic nurse in 2005.  I quickly became very passionate about providing this service to victims of sexual/physical assault.  I took every course, webinar and presentation that I could find to enhance my knowledge and skills as a forensic nurse.  In 2008, I became the supervisor for the forensic nursing team at Gettysburg Hospital. I have made numerous strides to offer the best trained nurses and program available for the patients in that community.

 

In 2010, I was hired into a contract position through the hospital as a pediatric forensic nurse at a Pennsylvania  Children's Advocacy Center.  I provided medical services to 250+ children at the CAC during my four years of employment..

 

In May of 2014, I resigned from all of my positions in Gettysburg to start my own consulting business. I provide consulting services to health care providers on forensic nursing topics including; starting and/or assisting with a medical program at a child advocacy center, implementing and/or maintaining a forensic nurse team in communities and expert witness testimony for prosecutors and defense attorneys.

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I previously worked in Franklin County, PA for Women in Need as a forensic nurse providing services to Chambersburg and Waynesboro Hospitals from 2009 - 2017.

 

In 2013, I graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor Degree in Nursing.  

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In 2014, I was appointed as a board of director at PCAR (Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape).  I served 2, 3 year terms that ended in 2020.

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In 2015, I established a forensic medical program at Over the Rainbow Children's Advocacy Center in Franklin county and provided services to children.

 

In 2016, I joined the forensic nurse team at Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, MD. In 2019, I became the Forensic Nurse Manager at Meritus Medical Center.  Our program sees all victims of violence that present to the hospital.  

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In 2021, I was appointed a board of director for CASA (Citizens Assisting and Sheltering the Abused)

 

I have presented at local, national and international conferences on various topics related to sexual and physical violence and child maltreatment.

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I have been qualified as an expert witness in Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia.