1. What is your current role at CMRI?

I am a clinical research coordinator that works with the teen population in the emergency department at the Adele campus and out in the community. I am currently working several studies:

• Mental health study where our overall goal is to improve the care we give to teens 
• Juvenile detention center studies to learn about current practices and policies on current sexual and reproductive health care and how to improve it.
• Adolescent health study to help understand what adolescents know and how they feel about contraception.

All of my studies that I work on have impacted me to want to keep learning and helping as much as I can with this unique population.

2. What drew you to a career at CMRI?

I have worked at Children's Mercy for 24 years. I previously worked as an ER Tech in the Emergency Room and got the opportunity to join research in 2016. I have always been interested in research since my mother died from ovarian cancer. I knew that I wanted to try and make a difference and what better way than being part of research.

3. What are your research/career goals?

My goal is to get my certification. I would also love to bridge the gap between the black and other communities and research. Teaching my community to trust and understand that there is so much good that comes out of research  

4. What is your favorite thing about working at CMRI?

I love working with the community and collaborating with other areas in the hospital.

5. What is on your bucket list?

I would love to travel internationally.