Author, Nurse, and Wellness Advocate
I became a Registered Nurse in 1997 and have worked in a variety of settings that include hospital postoperative care units, surgery centers, urgent care facilities, an apheresis cell collection and infusion unit, hospital medical and surgical floors, and clinics. I specialize in surgical recoveries and have earned ACLS, PALS, and CPAN certifications. From orthopedic, neuro, general, plastic, and oral surgery to urology, internal medicine, and pediatrics, my nursing background is quite diverse. I have also volunteered as a volleyball coach and as a member of a charter school board and committee.
Helping people is the foundation of who I am, and inspiring people of all ages is my goal. I published Beyond Ikenick Creek with Christian Faith Publishing in 2016, and it was a 2017 Cascade Awards Finalist.
I have always lived in the beautiful state of Oregon where my novel takes place. Camping, gardening, reading, and spending time with my husband, grown children, and pets are my favorite hobbies.
As a nurse, I am an advocate for promoting whole body wellness. My website NurtureYourWholeSelf.com has information about how the body, mind, and soul all need to be nurtured to help you become the best version of yourself. (NurtureYourWholeSelf.com is currently being developed and will be available soon.)
Sixteen-year-old Eli Parker is in trouble with the law—again. Raised by a single mother and plagued by a tragic accident, all hope seems to be lost. With his crimes getting progressively worse, it is now up to Judge Mosaron to turn Eli's life around. He sentences Eli to New Beginnings Camp for Troubled Youth for the remainder of the summer. Located just beyond Ikenick Creek—near the McKenzie River—this camp will change Eli in ways he never expects.
Through a series of team-building activities and near-death mishaps, Eli learns about trust, forgiveness, and God's grace. He also discovers the campers have more in common than he initially thought. Everyone, including the mysterious Amber, has their own personal battles to overcome.
Beyond Ikenick Creek utilizes action, adventure, drama, and a bit of humor to capture the imaginations of both teen and adult readers. It is a story about how courage, wisdom, faith, and hope might inspire an individual to change and prevent the lifelong consequences of poor choices.