About Me
My foundation in nursing began at the University of Kentucky, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing before advancing through the Wake Forest Baptist Nurse Anesthesia Program/UNC-Greensboro School of Nursing master's program. My clinical experience spans the full spectrum of anesthesia practice, from ambulatory settings to Level I trauma centers, cultivating an unwavering dedication to clinical excellence.
Pursuing scholarly advancement, I completed my Doctor of Nursing Practice at Wake Forest University School of Medicine Department of Academic Nursing. As the inaugural graduate of both Wake Forest nursing programs, I embrace my unique "Dual Deac" heritage with deep pride and responsibility.
My leadership extends beyond the academic realm. As past President of the North Carolina Association of Nurse Anesthetists, I developed a strategic perspective on the evolving landscape of our profession, and the critical role education plays in shaping practice standards. This experience refined my ability to champion innovation while honoring the foundational principles that define excellence in nurse anesthesia.
As Program Director of the WFUSM Nurse Anesthesia Program, I embrace the privilege of advancing an educational tradition established in 1942. My leadership focuses on creating an inclusive and dynamic learning environment, developing transformative curricula, and prioritizing the needs of both students and patients while innovating educational delivery and clinical practice. I am dedicated to preparing nurse anesthetists who will not only meet the demands of contemporary healthcare but will also drive meaningful innovation in patient care and professional practice.