Creator, Nurse and Healthcare LeaderSHIP Expert

"Be the change you wish to see in the world." 

- Mahatma Gandhi

After spending over a decade as a healthcare leader, I have first-hand experience with the impact leadership skills and culture have on an organization. In order to share these experiences and influence positive change in healthcare leadership, Synergy Healthcare Solutions, LLC was created with the ultimate goal to help "be the change I want to see in the world" of healthcare. 

In my tenure as a healthcare leader, I have successfully led a care team to achieve 100% patient satisfaction on multiple national surveys; successfully implemented unit based shared governance platforms as well as organization-wide strategic planning pillar groups; implemented unit-based recognition programs for both nurses and patient care technicians. 

I have had the opportunity to serve on multiple local and national boards further reinforcing the unique ability for healthcare leaders to influence and promote positive change. These organizations include: Iowa Organization for Nursing Leadership (IONL) Board of Directors (Past President), Iowa Nurses Association (INA) (current President), former Nebraska Methodist College Board of Directors, and American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) Membership Committee. I am also a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), American Nurses Association (ANA), and American Association of Men in Nursing (AAMN).

"Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world."

-Nelson Mandela 

Education has been and always will be an important part of my existence. I spent several years educating myself on the art of practicing medicine resulting in a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree. Quickly, I transitioned to educating patients in a primary care practice and critical access hospital. After gaining clinical practice experience, I desired to make a larger impact on patients by educating the next generation of healthcare providers which led me to become a full-time health sciences faculty member.  

I am highly productive in the areas of teaching, service, and scholarship within my career as an educator, supported by my promoted rank of Associate Professor and role as an Assistant Program Director. I have educated on various clinical medicine, professional development, and ethics topics. Helping others was the primary reason I pursued a career in medicine and thus know the importance of professional and community service. I am a member of the Iowa Physician Assistant Society (IPAS), the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), and Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA). I am also a previous member of the Des Moines Area Interprofessional Education Collaborative (DMAIPEC) which has a focus on teamwork education in healthcare settings. I have led a team of faculty to a successful revision of an entire medical curriculum with full support from national accreditors. Also, I have volunteered my time providing free school physical and blood pressure checks to name a few. Lastly, I am a published author in the area of educational research.

I am hopeful my educational contributions to the medical community will help "change the world."