Andrea graduated from St. Louis Community College with an Associates Degree in Applied Science nursing degree (ADN). She graduated from Purdue University Global with a Bachelor of Science nursing degree [BSN].
Her previous experience includes: Four years of service in the U.S. Army, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, serving active duty military and their dependents, first on the hospital floors, and then as an AMOSIST (Automated Military Outpatient Systems Specialist) in the Acute Minor Illness Clinic. She worked with an Emergency Room triage team under the leadership of General Andre John Ognibene, Commander, and Dr. Robert Slay, Emergency Director.
For eight years, she worked, and later managed, phase I clinical trials in Overland Park, Kan., at PRA International, where she enjoyed participating and managing multiple, successful clinical trials with multiple sponsors.
For 10 years, she was the nurse for Dr. Patricia LoRusso (Stand Up 2 Cancer) in phase I oncology clinical trials, and worked in oncology continuation of care [COC] clinics for melanoma, breast and sarcoma at the Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, Mich, where nurse navigation became an integral part of her work.
In 2019, Andrea joined the HonorHealth Research Institute team, working in oncology clinical trials as a nurse navigator and trial slot management task member. From 2019-23, she participated in the task force for clinical trial slot management led by Dr. Frank Tsai. That work culminated in two consecutive poster presentations at the International Association of Clinical Research Nurses (IACRN).
She remains a member of the SALUTE National Honor Society, Women In Military Service For America Memorial Foundation Inc., and was nominated for membership to the Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement (SCLA).
Andrea enjoys new adventures with her large family, including two grown daughters and 11-year-old granddaughter. She also enjoys five cats: two polydactyl female cats, and three male shelter cats. In her free time she engages in swimming, movie watching, reading and sewing.