Who's on the board

I have lived in Sarasota County for 18 years.  My Associate Degree in Nursing was earned in Syracuse NY in 2001 and I began working in the Intensive Care Unit and Emergency Rooms.  In 2016 I earned my Bachelors in the Science of Nursing and worked in public health for the State of Florida.  A common theme in my life has been “with great privilege comes great responsibility”.  I started working with the homeless population in the early 1990’s in Bridgeport CT, as well as Philadelphia PA, West Palm Beach FL, Syracuse NY and Port Charlotte, FL.  The ability to combine my medical knowledge and skills with a population that has always been important to me makes On The Spot Aid, Inc a natural partnership of privilege and responsibility.  

I came to street medicine from the other side of the tracks.  For years I worked in the health insurance field, culminating with a role as Executive Director of a Health plan serving several western states. I spent a good deal of frustrating time at the local, state and Federal levels lobbying for various healthcare measures.  We have so many resources and dollars in a broken system, and too many people are living on the margins with no access to medical care, except at the most expensive places; the emergency department or the prison system.  My inability to effect change on the policy side of the equation drove me to school to become an EMT, and then a nationally certified paramedic.  Eleanor Roosevelt advised, “...do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”.., and that has become my north star, and the driving force behind providing basic medical care to those facing homelessness in our community.  We may not change the entire system, but for today, On The Spot Aid, Inc can help people where they are with what we have.

Volunteering and public service have always been important to me. I began as a hospital volunteer in high school and then proceeded to nursing school. A Masters in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing increased my commitment to under served populations. At that time, I began my involvement with individuals who were without a home though Interfaith Hospitality Network, the precursor of Family Promise. While teaching at Rutgers University, my community service was to provide health education, screening and healthcare at a day center for the Camden homeless population. I also served on the Red Cross Board of Directors in my community and was active in numerous professional nursing and education organizations and honor societies. Since retiring to Florida, I have been on the board of Venice Interfaith Community Association and have served as a member of the South Venice Beach Endowment Trust. It is an honor to serve on the Board of On the Spot Aid Inc as I strongly believe that all individuals are entitled to accessible, affordable health care provided with dignity and compassion.

I graduated with my bachelor's degree in Nursing in 1986 from Walla Walla College. I practiced for 15 years in the operating room and then 10 years in hospice. It was during my years in hospice that I decided I wanted to further my education. I attended Washington State University and in 2008 received my master's in nursing and became a Family Nurse Practitioner. I have specialized in emergency and urgent care medicine. Practicing in the emergency room has given me a close up view of the harsh reality of the disparities and inadequate health care that the uninsured population receives from our current medical system. It has been my privilege to serve a widely diverse community. I enjoy bringing my skills and compassionate heart to the most vulnerable members of our society and appreciate the trust On The Spot Aide, Inc places in me.