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.  

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After working several 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 and was quickly hired as a full-time registered nurse in the emergency department in a small community hospital.    

 

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 initial training to become a forensic nurse in 2005.  I quickly became very passionate about providing this service to victims of violence.  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 my hospital. I made numerous strides to offer the best trained nurses and forensic nurse program available for the patients in that community.

 

In 2010, I contracted with a Children's Advocacy Center as a pediatric forensic nurse to develop an onsite medical program.  I provided medical/forensic services to 250+ children at the CAC during my four years of employment.

 

In May of 2014, I established my consulting business. I began providing consulting services to members of the multidisciplinary team for victims of violence and other health care providers. Notably, I became the only traveling forensic nurse instructor in Pennsylvania.

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I contracted with my local victim advocacy center to provide medical/forensic care to victims of violence to the local hospitals in my community from 2009 - 2017.

 

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

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In 2014, I was appointed as a board of director at PCAR (Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape, now Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect) I served 2, 3-year terms through 2020.

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In 2015, I developed another medical program at a brand new Children's Advocacy Center in Pennsylvania and provided medical forensic exams to children of suspected sexual abuse.

 

In 2016, I began a prn position at a level 3 trauma center as prn emergency department nurse, psychiatric nurse and forensic nurse.  In 2019, I became the full-time Forensic Nurse Manager of that program.  I have expanded that program to all victims of violence.  The program evaluates approximately 800+ victims of violence and suspects annually.    

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In 2021, I was appointed a board of director for a victim advocacy center in Maryland, CASA (Citizens Assisting and Sheltering the Abused).

 

I have presented at many local, national and international conferences and have provided lectures on various topics related to victims of violence.

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I have been qualified as an expert witness in Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia.  I have consulted for several prosecutors and defense attorneys.