About Me

As the former Division Officer for the Multi-Service Unit (F-2) at Naval Hospital Guam and current Division Officer for the General Surgery Clinic, I am the meat in the leadership sandwich. Meeting the needs of internal and external customers while satisfying the demands of senior and subordinate staff has been a supreme juggling act. Overall, I enjoy my role and responsibilities, although at times, they have seemed overwhelming. Everything I have done before has prepared me for this position. It's always nice when you don't have to navigate that steep learning curve.

I consider myself a lifelong learner (which annoys Gregg no end when I announce my intentions to pursue advanced degrees. "Don't you love your family?" he wails plaintively). I am also an avid collector of theories and ideas from many disciplines and professions. The unfortunate consequence is the clutter of papers, books, and journals strewn across my desk and stacked on the floor.

I completed a dual masters' degree in December 2005 and am now certified as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (Adult Health) and Adult Nurse Practitioner. When I undertook my studies in Graduate Nursing, I thought, "How hard can it be? I'm already a nurse." I discovered a huge difference between an RN (registered nurse) and an APN (advanced practice nurse) is not only the depth and breadth of knowledge, it's in the way my brain was completely rewired. APNs provide expert clinical care and coaching for medically complex patients while positioned to develop and deliver healthcare strategies for policy-makers.

In case you're wondering, I am a former Marine Corps Staff Sergeant. Together We Served is an excellent web site for getting in touch with my old Marine buddies. I am also a member of Navy Together We Served.