- Meet Our Team -
Director of Nursing
What I Bring Professionally
I am a Master’s-prepared Registered Nurse with over two decades of experience in behavioral health, specializing in substance use disorders. Throughout my career, I have worked across many areas of nursing—from acute care to outpatient and leadership settings—which adds to the depth and diversity I bring to this role. This broad experience reinforces my understanding that behavioral health does not discriminate; it impacts people from all walks of life. I have held roles as Director of Nursing, Assistant Director of Nursing, and Director of an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), leading multidisciplinary teams and driving clinical excellence. I bring a strong foundation in trauma-informed care, evidence-based practices, and operational leadership across outpatient, residential, and partial hospitalization settings. My leadership style emphasizes mentorship, structure, and integrity, and I’ve worked extensively in policy development, quality improvement, and clinical supervision to ensure that care is both compassionate and compliant.
How I Show Up at Ava
As the Director of Nursing for Ava Health, I lead with a steady hand and a servant’s heart. I work closely with our medical and leadership teams to align clinical operations with regulatory standards and the evolving needs of our patients. I am committed to fostering a nursing culture that is rooted in respect, accountability, and unwavering support for both staff and clients. I am excited to be able to join Ava as we work to reshape the current culture of care in behavioral health.
The Emotional Core
This work is sacred—because every step toward recovery is a reminder that hope is stronger than despair.
What Grounds Me
I find peace and perspective in my faith, the arts, time spent with animals, and exploring new places.