When did you start working at UTMB?
May 2016. I originally started as a PCT II until I graduated in June 2022
Why did you decide to go into burn care?
I feel like burns kind of chose me. Being involved with the Masons and Shriners growing up, I always wanted to be in burn care. Having my son at such a young age, I realized I could not work with children—hurt children just broke my heart. So I started working in the adult burn unit and have never looked back.
What characteristics do you feel are important for someone in your role?
You have to have compassion. These patients are experiencing unimaginable pain, and we have to be sensitive to that.
What is the best thing about your job?
The best part of my job is watching a patient who has been recovering for months finally get to leave the hospital.
What is the most challenging thing about your job?
Watching the amount of pain the patients go through and not being able to take it all away.
Who are your heroes?
God is my hero. He got me here and leads me every day.
what is your favorite quote?
"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."— John 15:12
"Do everything in love."—Corinthians 16:14
What are three words that describe you?
Loud. Outgoing. Advocate
What is your life outside of work like?
My life outside of work is my family. My husband, Frank; my two boys, Gabriel, 12, and Luke, 15 months; and my two stepdaughters, Anzley, 13, and Aayla, 12 are the most important things to me. My entire world revolves around the love for my little family.
Your favorite:
- Book: the Bible
- Color: Pink
- Movie or TV show: Gilmore Girls, hand down. Huge Gilmore Girls fan
- Food: Mexican
- Song: Anything by Elvis
What is the coolest thing (or a fun fact) about you?
I am legally a little person and hearing impaired.
What is a dream that you want to make come true one day?
i want to see all of my children graduate from college.
What is a cause you’re passionate about?
This is a tie between "adopt don't shop"—there are so many shelter pets out there who need a forever home— breastfeeding education for young women because I was a teen mom and felt like the staff at the hospital I delivered at just pushed bottle feeding on me and did not want to take the time to teach me how to latch my baby. I dont want young mothers going through the same.
When have you felt the proudest?
The day i graduated nursing school. I am a first-generation graduate in my family.
What is a favorite memory from childhood?
i grew up in a big family. There were six kids, so every holiday that we all got together are very fond memories—especially Christmas.
What’s the best trip you’ve ever been on?
My husband and I take our kids camping in a new Texas state park every year. One year we went to lake Whitney. We had no technology, no phones, video game, nothing—just the kids, some bikes and canoes. The kids were not happy about it on the drive up there, but once we got to the campsite it was magical. The stars were so bright, and the lake was gorgeous.
What has been your most meaningful accomplishment so far?
This one is easy: my children and graduating nursing school. I have wonderful children, and it might have taken me six years to finally go through school, but I would not change it for the world.
What is one thing you can’t live without?
My faith in Jesus Christ and my family.
If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be?
Paris. i would love to go to Paris.
If you could pick any superpower, what would it be?
The ability to eat anything I want and be/stay a size 2. I love food.
You’re planning a dinner party. What three people would you invite?
I would invite Jesus, Elvis and my husband.