I am a board-certified family medicine physician specializing in obstetrics. My professional interests include prenatal care, childbirth and understanding the meaning of symptoms.

Hometown: St. Paul

Best part of my work: Getting to know many members and generations of the same families over time gives a meaningful, holistic approach. I have worked in the same neighborhood for 31 years and this gives me amazing perspective.

Why I became a ­­­­­­physician: When I started my menstrual cycle I would get terrible cramps and thought that I might die. I had to learn new ways to interpret messages from my body and creative ways of managing the symptoms. I decided that I wanted to share that approach with others. We all worry about things with our bodies and symptoms.

What I tell my friends and family: Take care of yourself first. This is a hard lesson for parents, teachers and healthcare professionals.

How I spend my free time: Indoor gardening, doll collecting and the MN Twins.

What patients say about me: I explain things so that they are easy to understand.

Favorite health tip: Eating vegetarian is great.

Practice philosophy: Each person has an important story to share; I listen and we share the journey together.