When I left Iowa after college graduation, I had no idea what was in store for me! I lived in Louisiana and Alabama, and I returned to college for my nursing degree. While working and starting a family, I was also able to obtain my master's degree and nurse practitioner certification in family practice. It has been exciting to be a part of the growth of pain management as a specialty. My first exposure to pain management was in the hospital setting. I worked at a local hospital for 13 years before joining Kaiser Permanente, and I am now enjoying practicing pain management in a clinical setting. I am also board certified in pain management.