I moved back to PA and worked as a CNA in a Nursing Home (NH) for 10 yrs., during which I advocated for NH reform and helped implement the Eden Alternative philosophy. We experimented and found what worked and what didn’t. It took time but eventually we became THE HOME that families and elders wanted to move to when they that time came.

I finally decided it was time to go to college so that I could a NH Administrator, and continue to make changes in the way we deliver care to elders… and while in college, I fell in love with research and statistics.  Yep, I’m a nerd!

I didn’t know it at the time I started, but this took me down another 10-year journey studying and conducting research on Culture Change in LTC using quantitative, qualitative, and various research methods. Who knew you could actually study this stuff! I was in what I thought was my true element.

During a writing trip to the beach, I met a friend, who talked me into applying for a job with the Navy conducting data analysis and visualizations. I needed a full-time job to help get me through grad school, so why not? And thus began my next adventure with a Navy Cyber Command, which brings me to where I am today: creating change (again!), sharing human experiences, and telling the stories behind the data.

In summary, my story could be summed up as: “Abandoned child found belonging creating change.” 

I hope that sharing my reflections and insights provides an opportunity where we can connect, share and learn from each other.