Tell us a bit about your background. How did you get started in mental health and psychology?    

I fell in love with the field of psychology late in my college years and earned a master's degree in clinical psychology. After working in an inpatient mental health setting for a few years, I decided I wanted to go on and earn a doctorate to try to make a difference in the lives of others, and I'm so glad I did.  

What drives you to do the work you do?  

When you see the difficulties that people often have - whether after critical illness or after Covid - it moves you to act and to try to make a difference.   

You have spent much of your career as a licensed psychologist and clinician. Why did you get involved with the long COVID community?  

When long COVID emerged as a concern, I had been working with chronically ill people and survivors of critical illness for almost 20 years.  

We had a program in place, and we pivoted the program a bit to try to meet the gigantic needs we were observing. It was obvious they were so great, and that help was needed. As The Field of Dreams quote says, "If you build it, they will come." 

Is there something memorable about your time working with people in the long COVID community you wish to share?  

The people; the regular interactions with people with long COVID who we’ve been able to help, encourage, and empower.  

How has your experience in healthcare impacted your views regarding the pandemic?  

I've long believed that a challenge in healthcare is access and affordability, especially regarding mental health. I'm sadly more convinced of this during COVID-19 pandemic. 

What are you looking forward to most about the upcoming Kindred Café?  

I'm eager to share my experiences with others in a way that will hopefully be helpful.   

Last question: Just wondering, did you have any childhood heroes?   

It sounds very funny now, but Al Kaline, the Baseball Hall of Fame outfielder for the Detroit Tigers. He always tried to do the right things in the right way, and I've tried to emulate that in some small fashion.