I grew up in Knoxville (Bearden Bulldog). I graduated undergrad from UT in 2006. After a very brief stint in adult nursing, I worked in the NICU at Children's for 5 years as a nurse. I graduated from UT with my MSN in 2011. I was actually about 8 weeks postpartum with Paxton when I started grad school, and I was 8 months pregnant with Owen when I finished! I began working as a PNP with Blackmon in May 2012.
I have 3 kids; Paxton (turning 7 this Friday!), Owen (5), and Laney (3). They are my absolute joy! I've been married to my husband Thomas for 10 years. We met while training for the Knoxville marathon. My kids obviously keep me very busy (and entertained!). This year, I will have a kindergartener and a first grader. Weeknights are usually spent at varied sporting events for my boys. My youngest is the only girl and knows how to boss us all around (no wallflowers in this family!).
In my spare time, I love to run (I've done two full marathons and run several days a week.. I can sometimes be spotted running down Emory Rd on my lunch break!). We also love to boat in the summer.. I slalom ski, wakeboard, and surf. Most of summer is spent in the water or outside in some capacity.
It didn't take me long working as a nurse with adults to realize it was not my calling. I am a kid at heart and love to spend my days with kids (my own and at work). Nothing makes me happier than when I know a child's name as soon as they walk in the door. Except maybe when they run to hug me! I pray all of my families feel that I am invested in their lives and have genuine love and concern for the children I care for. Parents in the office often ask me, "what would you do?" I can say without a doubt that I will always treat my work babies as I would treat my own, and I will always answer this question honestly. I love them all deeply and do my best to care for the whole child and family. I especially love new parents.. having your first child is such a pivotal time with so many emotions/uncertainty/excitement. I never mind lots of questions and hope my new mamas (and daddies!) feel that I take time to listen to their concerns and support them and have their backs.
I feel so very blessed to truly enjoy my job. My cup truly runneth over, and a large part of my cup is at Blackmon Pediatrics.
Master of Science in Nursing
University of Tennessee 2010-2011
Knoxville, TN
B.S.N
University of Tennessee 2002-2006
Knoxville, TN
Certifications
2012 Board Certification
2011 Pediatric Nurse Practioner
2006 Registerd Nurse
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