Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: I was born and raised in Wahpeton, ND, and attended the University of Mary, where I completed my undergraduate degree in athletic training before earning my doctorate in physical therapy in 2015. My high school sweetheart and I moved back to the Fargo area that same year, got married, started our careers, and have been here ever since!
After starting my job at Apex, I found my passion in pelvic health, earning my board certification in women’s health in 2020. I am a passionate advocate for pelvic health, dedicated to educating and empowering my local community to make these services more accessible and widely understood. My ultimate goal is to help individuals achieve an improved quality of life and well-being.
When I’m not at work, my mom duties are in full swing between my 7-yearold and almost 3-year-old. We are an active family who loves everything outdoors—summers at the lake, trips to the beach, and spending time with friends and family.
Q: Who are some people who have been influential in your journey?
A: Without a doubt, my mom has been my greatest teacher, mentor, role model, and friend. From a young age, she instilled in me the values of kindness, responsibility, courage, and determination—principles that have helped me navigate life’s challenges. Her unwavering support, in both good times and bad, has built my resilience and confidence to face anything. She pushes me to be better, think critically, and keep an open mind and heart toward new experiences.
In my professional community, what started as a clinical rotation has turned into a full-time career doing what I love. Brooke Erstad, one of the co-owners of Apex, introduced me to pelvic health and has played a key role in shaping my career. Through her mentorship, I have been able to step out of my comfort zone, embrace new challenges, and confidently pursue my passion.
Q: What drives you?
A: What drives me is seeing my patients reclaim the activities and joys they thought they had lost. Hearing, “I wish I would have known about pelvic PT sooner,” fuels my passion to spread awareness and provide lifechanging care.
In many countries, pelvic health services are a standard part of postpartum care, and I am dedicated to shifting that standard here in the U.S. to ensure more people have access to the care they need.
Q: What do you think can be improved in our business community?
A: I believe we can do more to encourage shopping locally and supporting small businesses. Additionally, a greater emphasis on overall well-being—whether through mental health initiatives or general wellness programs— could provide more resources for stress management and work-life balance. When business owners and employees feel supported in their well-being, they are more energized, focused, and motivated, leading to less burnout and increased creativity, innovation, and problem-solving.
Q: What are some important life lessons you have learned?
A: Life has taught me that the greatest rewards come from the relationships we build, the commitments we honor, and the authenticity we bring to each interaction.
I’ve learned that dedication doesn’t mean perfection—something I struggle with—but prioritizing what matters most and remaining persistent creates incredible opportunities. These lessons remind me every day of what truly matters: the people I love, the work I am passionate about, and the legacy I hope to leave behind.
Q: What are some of your favorite things to do in our community?
A: Anything outdoors or kid-friendly! I love that our community offers so many engaging activities through the parks and recreation department, many of which are within walking distance of our home.
I also appreciate the opportunities I have to give back through my workplace, participating in initiatives such as United Way, the Great North Pole, and the Matthew’s Voice Project.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: In 10 years, I hope to still be at Apex, continuing my work in patient care while expanding my passion for marketing. Whether in my current leadership role or a new opportunity that aligns with my goals, I want to live out Apex’s mission, vision, and values. Beyond my career, I hope to maintain a balanced lifestyle between work and home, take fun vacations with my family, try new experiences, and fully embrace life’s adventures!
Q: What are you hoping to gain from the United Way 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program?
A: I am excited for the opportunity to collaborate with amazing women in our community, grow in my leadership skills, and network with like-minded individuals. I also hope to gain deeper self-awareness, professional development, and inspiration that I can bring back to my workplace, community, and personal life. Being part of such a dynamic group of women is another step toward achieving my personal and professional goals while contributing to a larger movement of empowering women in our community.
