Tell us about yourself.
I currently live in West Fargo with my husband (Corey), one-year-old son (Huxon) and Goldendoodle (Scout). We are excited to welcome another baby boy in May—bring on the chaos! My hobbies include running, reading, being in the sunshine, binging the latest crime show, sports of any kind and spending as much time as I can with my growing little family. I love cozying up with a good cup of coffee in the morning and winding down with a good glass of red wine at the end of the day.
I am a physical therapist, specializing in all things pelvic health. My passion lies in pre/postnatal populations but I also treat incontinence, prolapse, pelvic pain, pain with intercourse, constipation, digestive issues and more! These issues are something most women will experience at some point in their lives and are often not talked about or brushed to the side as a “normal” part of life. Although these issues may be common, they are definitely not normal and there is help for them! Oftentimes, I get women in my office feeling hopeless about their symptoms and I love providing education, support and hope that they can and will find relief. I am so passionate about this as I feel there is such a need for continued improvement in women’s healthcare. We all deserve to get the care we need!
Who are some people who have been influential in your journey and why?
At both of my professional jobs, I have been so fortunate to have very strong, influential female leaders. These women have been fearless in their pursuit to push boundaries to stand up for what they feel is right. They lead with vulnerability, grace and confidence. They push their staff to succeed, but it is easy to want to work hard for someone who is putting in the work alongside you!
What drives you?
Since starting a family of my own, this answer has changed. I would say my family drives me now. I want to be at my best for them because that is what they deserve. In order to be at my best, I need to continue to work in a field that serves the women in my community and breaks barriers for women’s healthcare, allowing me to feel fulfilled and satisfied with my professional work as well as taking care of myself mentally, physically and emotionally. I owe it to them to strive to work towards my best self all of the time!
What are some important lessons you have learned in your lifetime?
Being a people pleaser at heart, I think the biggest lesson that I have had to learn (and still am learning) is that it is OK not to please everyone all the time. Really, there’s no way you can please everyone all the time. As long as you follow your own moral compass and do what you believe is right and are comfortable with your choice, that is what matters in the end.
What are some of your favorite things to do in our community?
My husband and I love to visit local coffee shops. Now, with kids, we are learning the fun in checking out different parks and walking paths in the warmer months!
What is your dream job and why?
My dream job would be to continue raising awareness surrounding women’s pelvic health, specifically in the pre and postnatal populations. Making sure moms get the care they deserve and need allows them to feel their best and be the great moms they are.
Do you have any book or podcast recommendations for our readers?
Dare to Lead by Brené Brown. I feel this really sheds new light on leadership and how to look inside yourself, allowing yourself to be vulnerable in order to grow.
What are you hoping to gain from the United Way 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program?
I am hoping to improve my overall self-confidence, especially when it comes to leadership. I am generally quiet and an introvert by nature so [I] tend to stay a little more reserved. I hope to step out of my comfort zone and see true growth within myself.
What do you think can be improved in our community?
I think the community is already working towards this in a positive manner, but the continued support of everyone in the community. To me, a community is defined as people supporting people, people rooting for each other and helping each other succeed. There are times when part of a community, people make personal sacrifices for the greater good of the group. It is my hope that we can continue to see women supporting and lifting up other women. We are all so much stronger together and it is so rewarding to help another individual grow into a better version of themselves.
What do you think can be improved in our business community?
I think trying to shop local as much as possible is the best way to improve and keep our business community flourishing.
What are some of your passions outside of work?
Spending time with my family is my absolute favorite. I love to stay active— running, strength training and yoga. In the nicer months, you can find me spending time outside as much as I possibly can. When I’m able to, I love to sit down and read a good book. I’m an introvert by nature, so anything that gives me quiet time and allows me to recharge definitely fills my cup.
