Question: How long have you been with HonorHealth?
Answer: I’ve been fortunate to call HonorHealth home for the past eight years.
Q: At what point in your early life did you decide you wanted to go into a career in research?
A: My interest in research didn’t come from one specific moment, it grew naturally over nearly 30 years working in healthcare. Over the years, I worked in many different medical specialties, which gave me hands-on experience and early exposure to research back when studies were still completed entirely on paper.
In the early 2000s, I became involved in clinical research through a blood pressure study in an internal medicine practice, followed by a dermatology rosacea study where I coordinated a small ten-patient protocol. Those experiences introduced me to the research world and sparked my curiosity, but it wasn’t until I joined HonorHealth that I truly discovered how meaningful research could be.
Working in pancreatic cancer research especially opened my eyes to the real impact clinical research has on patients and families. Seeing how new treatments can improve quality of life and even extend survival made the work feel very personal and rewarding. It confirmed for me that research is not only where I belong professionally, but also where I feel I can make a meaningful difference.
Q: What is a work-related accomplishment you are proud of?
A: One of the things I’m most proud of is how much I’ve grown during my time at HonorHealth and the opportunities I’ve had to make a meaningful impact along the way. Early in my career here, I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Research Management from Arizona State University, which helped expand my knowledge and gave me the confidence to continue growing within the Research Institute.
Over the past two and a half years, I have been highly involved in internal audit work, identifying opportunities to improve compliance, documentation, and financial accuracy. During an audit of a high‑enrolling study, I identified approximately $1.5 million in missed revenue. I have partnered with cross‑functional teams to prepare studies for closeout, resolve missing data, and maintain audit readiness. Additionally, I have helped develop improved workflows, provided education and training to staff, and identified process improvement opportunities to strengthen overall study oversight and efficiency.
One accomplishment that has been especially meaningful to me this year was leading the relaunch of the YUNU radiology program across the Oncology team. After the program was paused for restructuring, I helped rebuild the process by creating training materials, developing standardized workflows, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to support a smooth rollout. Seeing the program come back stronger, more organized, and set up for long-term success was incredibly rewarding and something I’m very proud to have been part of.
Q: Why is it so important to encourage younger and diverse groups to pursue a career in research?
A: I think it’s incredibly important to encourage younger and more diverse individuals to pursue careers in research because some of the best ideas and breakthroughs come from people with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. When research teams reflect the communities they serve, it helps create more inclusive studies and better outcomes for patients.
I also believe mentorship can make a lasting difference in someone’s career journey. Having people who support you, encourage you, and help guide you along the way can build confidence and open doors that may have otherwise felt out of reach. I know how valuable that support can be, and I think creating those opportunities for others is incredibly important.
At the end of the day, research is about helping people. The more diverse, supportive, and inclusive the research community becomes, the stronger the impact we can make for patients, families, and future generations.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself?
A: I was born and raised in Illinois and have happily called Arizona home for nearly nine years. Outside of work, family means everything to me. I’m the proud mom of three adult sons, and I always look forward to trips back to Chicago to spend time with extended family and longtime friends.
One of the things we enjoy most as a family is traveling together, especially taking vacations and cruises multiple times a year. It’s become a meaningful way for us to slow down, reconnect, and create lasting memories. This year feels particularly special as I help prepare for my oldest son’s wedding, an exciting and emotional milestone for our entire family. When I’m not working, I’m usually spending time on the lake in Illinois—my happy place—with my family, or relaxing with my dog, Bella, who always keeps me smiling and grounded.
