I chose my specialty because...
It actually chose me! My focus in graduate studies was on patients with chronic mental illness and family therapy. In 2008, a psychiatrist from The Lindner Center of HOPE was looking for a family therapist and they recommended me. At the time, I didn't have any plans to work with patients with eating disorders, but after I started working there and learning more about the physical and psychological aspects of care I fell in love with that field.
I like working with kids because...
They are usually blunt about what they are thinking, which helps me to meet the patient where they are when they are so direct! It also gives me the opportunity to be a kid a little bit, and show a little angst with the adolescent population I work with!
I chose to work at Dayton Children's because...
I love the size and closeness of the hospital, and I was so glad to see Dayton Children's take the lead on bringing eating disorder treatment to the area. I worked with many patients from the Dayton area in my other roles, and it was always frustrating and sad when I could not find follow-up care for these patients and their families closer to home.
Dayton Children's is special because...
The hospital deeply cares about the service it provides to patients and children in the region. Beyond that, they also truly care about their employees' well-being. Since I started at Dayton Children's I've met a lot of professionals from around the hospital, all willing to meet with me and help answer my questions. I have felt very welcomed.
my hobbies/interests outside of work are...
Coaching football and softball, spending time with my wife and two children, traveling, and being outdoors hiking, fishing and camping.