Kia ora!

As your Professional Nursing Supervisor, I strive to cultivate an environment where supervision transcends the traditional hierarchical structure and transforms into a collaborative partnership that empowers you to reach your full potential. My approach is based in reflective practice. I will guide you through introspective exploration, encouraging you to examine your values, experiences, decisions, and outcomes. Through this process, you will develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your practice, leading to continuous improvement, increased self-awareness, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

To provide you with a little background, I am originally from California where I graduated from the University of California (UC) at Berkeley with a degree in Molecular Biology/Biochemistry. I also obtained certification as a Biological Electron Microscopist. I started my career in pharmaceutical drug design. However, after a two-year Peace Corps stint in West Africa as a Science Teacher Trainer, I met an amazing Nurse Practitioner, heard about her compassionate, holistic role and decided right there & then to become a Nurse Practitioner.

As a Returned Peace Corps Fellow, I obtained another bachelor’s degree in nursing via an intensive 13-month program at Johns Hopkins University. I then went on to obtain my master’s degree as a Nurse Practitioner at the University of Maryland. During my 30+ year long career in nursing, I have provided health care with the Indian Health Services in Arizona and with Planned Parenthood in Southeast Washington, DC. In addition, I have cared for Peace Corps Volunteers as the Medical Officer for the US Peace Corps in Tanzania, East Africa. I have also taught nursing at the University of Maryland, Marymount University and Frederick Community College. I then went on to develop The Headache Center at Parkway Spine and Neuroscience Institute as the Clinical Director, which focused on the clinical, research and educational aspects of headache management. Additionally, I worked on the national level as the Field Medical Affairs Manager for Depomed, a pharmaceutical company specialized in neuropathic pain.

Being a life-long learner, I moved to New Zealand in 2017 to work on a doctorate at Massey University focused on expanding the nurse practitioner workforce in NZ. My work experiences in New Zealand include working with the Hospice Palliative Outcome Initiative (Poi) and with Vityl Medical's Men's Telehealth Program, which utilized Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Polyvagal Theory, & Motivational Interviewing. I am currently the Primary Mental Health Coordinator for Mahitahi Hauora PHE in Northland, where I provide professional supervision to the Enrolled Nurses, Registered Nurses, and Nurse Practitioners in the Primary Mental Health and Addictions Nurse Credentialing Programme.

After working in many countries and cultures around the world, I recognize and respect diverse backgrounds and perspectives. I currently work within a Kaupapa Māori organization and am acutely aware of inequity in our healthcare system. Cultivating an environment of trust and openness, my intention is for you to feel valued, seen, heard, and understood. Most of all, I want you to feel you can be your authentic self, where you feel safe to both cry and laugh about this crazy, wonderful world in which we live.

In summary, my goal for working with you is to utilize all my diverse skills and experiences to create a dynamic, supportive, and culturally safe environment where you can thrive, continually enhance your practice, and uphold your values and the standards of the nursing profession. I look forward to meeting with you soon.