I was born and raised in Pontiac, IL, located approximately 90 miles Southwest of Chicago. I knew by the age of 7 that I wanted to be a nurse. My interest in nursing increased as I entered high school. While in high school and during summers away from college, I worked as a nursing assistant at St. James Hospital in Pontiac. At Northern Illinois University, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

While at NIU, I performed with the Marching Huskie Show Band and went on tour with them, playing alto sax. Music continues to play a big role in my life. I met my husband, Paul, at NIU. He graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from NIU. A Master of Science in Chemistry degree soon followed from Illinois Institute of Technology. He is a Research Scientist for Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation. He enjoys photography and gardening.

During my early nursing career, I worked as a clinical staff nurse at Augustana Hospital in Chicago and at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield. However, I realized I wanted to pursue further study. I developed an interest in Women’s Health issues, and decided to become a Nurse Practitioner. I earned my Master of Science Degree in Nursing from Rush University in Chicago. I became certified as an Adult Nurse Practitioner, with a specialty in Women’s Health.

While working at the DuPage County Health Department, I provided care to prenatal, family planning and STD patients. I taught weekly on site classes on contraception to potential patients. I also had the opportunity to make presentations at High Schools and Colleges on women’s health issues and family planning.

I worked in several private clinical settings, providing primary care for adult medical patients, and specialized care for patients with various gynecological and urological needs, including family planning, emergency contraception, normal and abnormal PAP smear, infections and treatment of STDs. I developed a special interest in HPV evaluation using colposcopy, and various types of treatment.

I joined Dr. Levy’s practice in September, 2002. I’m responsible for caring for women of all ages, including teens through post menopausal women. I review patient health history, assess current health status, perform physical exams, prescribe medications, monitor lab studies and order and review diagnostic tests as appropriate. I provide thorough follow up and recommend healthy behaviors for reducing health risk factors. My approach involves personalized care for the individual women at her stage of life, incorporating education on health and wellness tailored to each patient. I work closely with both Dr. Levy and Dr. Collins, in a collaborative relationship.

As an Advanced Practice Nurse, I participate in professional conferences, seminars and courses to stay informed of new developments in Women’s Health. My professional affiliations include: Association of Reproductive Health Professionals, Illinois Society for Advanced Practice Nurses, National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health and the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology.

My husband and I have two grown sons, Steven and David.