Medicine is my vocation. I feel that I have been called to serve others by helping address spinal and brain pathology that is impacting quality of life and potentially quantity of life. It is a joy to play a role in empowering my patients to achieve the quality of life they desire.

You can expect my full attention and dedication to your symptoms and concerns at the time of our consultation. I will be honest in discussion of what I can or cannot offer you. If I am unable to recommend surgery that will benefit you — with benefits outweighing the risks — I will help ascertain the best next step and connect you with those resources.

I grew up in Colorado and completed my education and subsequent training at Notre Dame, Georgetown, and Mayo Clinic. I now consider Minnesota home. My family even says I say my “o’s” like a true Minnesotan now.

Family and faith are very important to me. I have a wonderful husband with whom I have two young boys — being a boy mom definitely suits me. I also have a goofy golden retriever and we all love to be outside and active. We are very thankful to be in Mankato and raise our family here, while I pursue my passion and work for Mayo Clinic.

Medical School

• Georgetown University School of Medicine

Internship

• Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Minnesota

Residency

• Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Minnesota

Fellowship

• Spine fellow, Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Minnesota

Membership

• Congress of Neurological Surgeons

• Degenerative diseases of the spine (stenosis, spondylolisthesis, scoliosis, radiculopathy)
• Spinal tumors
• Metastatic disease of the brain and spine
• Traumatic brain and spine injuries
• Education of medical students and advanced practice providers (physician assistants and nurse practitioners)
• Mentorship of women pursuing the medical field and surgical specialties

• Predictors of Discharge to a Nonhome Facility in Patients Undergoing Lumbar Decompression Without Fusion for Degenerative Spine Disease; October 2017
• Lumbar decompression in the elderly: increased age as a risk factor for complications and nonhome discharge; March 2017
• Risk factors for dural tears: a study of elective spine surgery; February 2017
• Micro vs. macrodiscectomy: Does use of the microscope reduce complication rates?; January 2017
• Unique cause of right hemispheric syndrome: Embolism of myocardium after open septal myectomy; April 2016