Once a Tiger, always a Tiger.

I value the all-girls education that NDB uniquely offers, as the experience enabled personal development by strengthening my confidence and my ability to communicate well with others. I work with researchers, doctors, nurses and all kinds of patients and communicating effectively is very important. An NDB education allowed me to enter college and the workforce with confidence.

An NDB education shaped the foundation of who I am as a woman and business owner. NDB was where I learned how positive self-talk can transform a girl into a woman. My time at Notre Dame gave me the confidence and ability to handle life’s greatest challenges, to not be afraid to ask for help, persevere through adversity, and most importantly, be exactly who I am. Women supporting women is so incredibly powerful and I believe receiving an education in such a positive and encouraging environment is what helped to develop my courage, grit and determination. Go Tigers!

At NDB, I was always encouraged to speak up, make mistakes, try new things, challenge myself, and be a go-getter. This made me fearless in college and starting my professional career. This propelled unbelievable passion, ambition, and growth that I continue to build upon today. There was also an unbelievable support system between faculty, staff, and fellow peers, which taught me the importance of community and its impact. Anything is possible when there is a sense of community and purpose, and I learned that at NDB.

What I learned most from NDB was determination and the belief that I could achieve anything I wanted. I studied kinesiology/athletic training in college which at the time was predominantly a profession for men but was starting to see an increase of women joining the profession. At times during my career, I would be the only female amongst a group of all high level collegiate male athletes and coaches, working as the lead healthcare provider for mens' athletic teams. I never felt intimidated or insecure and always earned respect for my professionalism and expertise. I gained so much confidence in myself because of my time at NDB.

I am appreciative of NDB’s variety and rigor of coursework, which prepared me for the next chapters in both education and life. The most important benefit of an all-girls education is a growing sense of confidence. By the time I graduated from NDB, I was ready to take on the world.

NDB taught me to work hard. It taught me to not give up. It taught me to advocate for myself and for others. It taught me empathy. I didn't know I was learning these skills at the time. Then, I thought I was simply learning to study and how to be a friend. But looking back? NDB wasn't just preparing me for my career working with at-risk LGBTQIA youth, it was preparing me for life. 

Notre Dame instilled in me the conviction to pursue my dream to become a physician. My high school experience gave me the confidence to strive as a woman in the field of science. My Notre Dame roots have helped me to succeed as a compassionate physician, daughter, wife and mother.