I am a native of Fort Collins, Colorado, and since graduating from high school I have lived in 5 states and 3 countries. I obtained my undergraduate degree in biochemistry from the University of California, San Diego. Not knowing for sure what to do with this degree, I moved to Sandpoint, Idaho, to work as an AmeriCorps volunteer. I fell in love with North Idaho and lived there for 5 years, working as an outdoor adventure guide for teens in crisis. I realized, however, that my true calling was to become a doctor, which combines two of my passions, science and helping others. I headed to Chicago for medical school and chose to specialize in family medicine because I enjoy the academic challenge that comes with its broad scope of practice and because it allows me to care for people during every life stage. For almost 10 years I cared for service members and their families as a member of the United States Navy. My family and I moved from Italy to Oregon in 2015 and are thrilled to make Portland our forever home.