Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.
Describe your educational background. Why Radiologic Technology?
I have always enjoyed teaching, so after high school I enrolled at the University of Minnesota to pursue an Elementary Education degree. I had the opportunity to shadow a first-grade classroom for a week and realized that I thoroughly enjoyed teaching, but elementary age students were exhausting. I successfully completed one year at the U of M and realized I wanted to pursue a different career path.
I have also always been passionate about helping people, so my mom suggested I seek a career in Radiologic Technology. My mom is also a Radiologic Technologist, so I had the opportunity to shadow her for a day and I absolutely loved it! I attended the North Memorial School of Radiologic Technique and trained in a fast-paced, level-one trauma center for two years. I graduated with a certificate in Radiologic Technology, passed the national board exam, and became a Registered Radiologic Technologist in Radiography RT(R).
Shortly after that, I enrolled at the University of St. Francis and completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Healthcare Administration.
Why did you decide to teach at Dunwoody?
When North Memorial hired me as a RT(R), I had the opportunity to work with Dunwoody Radiologic students each day. I thoroughly enjoyed teaching the students in a clinical setting and inspiring them to provide compassionate patient care. An opportunity to teach full-time at Dunwoody came up, and I was encouraged to apply by other students and staff.
Initially I was hired at Dunwoody as a Clinical Instructor, but I have since moved into the Clinical Coordinator position. All of my passions really came full circle with this opportunity. I am able to teach and help people every day!
How long have you been working at Dunwoody?
7 ½ years!
What do you find most rewarding about teaching?
It is my personal goal each day to get my students excited about their career path in Radiologic Technology. I find it so rewarding to have the opportunity to pass my passion onto my students.
The best part of teaching though, is knowing that I am shaping future Radiologic Technologists to provide the best patient care possible. Hopefully they will continue passing that on to future students and fellow technologists for years and years to come. Our patients deserve the best!
What do you like about Dunwoody’s hands-on educational philosophy?
Our program gives students the opportunity to learn skills and exams in the classroom and immediately apply them to a clinical setting. I will teach a chest x-ray exam on a Monday, and the students will be practicing on actual patients the next day. They have the opportunity to see an exam and then do it. In my opinion, this is the best way to learn!
What are a few of your hobbies?
In the summer my husband, Mark, and I love going up North and spending time boating and jet skiing with our kids, Luke (4) and Lucy (2).
We also enjoy riding ATVs pretty much every day at home (we live on three acres). In the winter, we enjoying snowmobiling and playing in the snow. I also play volleyball in a women’s league one evening a week.
What is the most recent item/thing you’ve crossed off your bucket list?
I went sky diving, and it was pretty incredible! But I don’t ever need to do it again…
What is your all-time favorite meal?
Tater Tot Hotdish!
Do you have any favorite winter/holiday traditions?
We have a tradition of cutting down our Christmas tree every year. We head out to the local tree farm, get bundled up, and go on the hunt for the perfect tree. The kids love running in and out of the trees looking for the right one. After we successfully cut down our Christmas tree, we stop at McDonalds for hot cocoa and french fries!