Director of HIV Prevention and Treatment at St. Thomas Community Health Center
President of the Louisiana State Board of Nursing
Why did you decide to pursue a career in HIV care and research?
The job actually found me. There was an opportunity for a nurse practitioner to work in a brand new clinic at the local community-based organization in northeast Louisiana, and the HIV linkage coordinator thought that I would be a good fit. I sent in my resume and met with her and the executive director, and the rest is history. This has by far been the highlight of my career.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Besides being the launching provider for the newly established clinic in northeast Louisiana, I have since relocated to New Orleans. I'm most proud of the work I'm doing with my team at St. Thomas. We have managed to grow the program and remain among the leaders in viral suppression in our community. Additionally, I'm loving the community service activities in which I'm involved including the
Louisiana State Board of Nursing, the Commission on HIV, AIDS, and Hepatitis C Education, Prevention, and Treatment, and the COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force. I'm a very proud
AACRN! And, I somehow managed to complete my Ph.D. in the middle of a global pandemic!
What do you enjoy most about being an ANAC member?
Anything else you would like your fellow ANAC members to know about you?
That I'm very passionate about what I do. It is an honor to care for people living with HIV and I work hard every day to give them the best care they can possibly receive.
