Current Pediatrics Residents

Hometown: St. Louis, MO/Baghdad, Iraq
Medical School: American University of Antigua College of Medicine
After residency: Most probably Outpatient General Pediatrics, but also looking into exploring Hospitalist, ER, and NICU
Hobbies/Interests: Cooking, Dancing, HIIT workouts, Nature, Hiking, Hookah and chill, Turkish soap operas, Movies, Arabian nights, Concerts, Hanging out with family and friends, Travelling, Beach, Night out vibes, Anything with good people and good food
Bio: I was born and raised in St. Louis, MO with Iraqi roots and frequently visit relatives back home in Iraq. Bilingual (Arabic and English). Did my last 2 years of medical school in Miami, so minimal fluency in Spanish. Dislike very much cold weather and winter, love the heat!! Fun fact: my mom graduated from pediatrics residency at Mizzou around 30 years ago, so I guess me being at Mizzou is now generational. I completed my bachelor’s at Mizzou as well. Columbia is a nice small town and it’s nice to also be close to home with friends and family nearby. What stood out to me with completing my training here at Mizzou was the X+Y schedule. Also, the small, family-oriented feel of the program, being a university program knowing I will be receiving a well-rounded training experience, and everyone is so nice, welcoming, helpful, and supportive.

Home Town: Oceanside, CA
Medical School: A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
Career interests/research: Infectious Disease, Child Abuse, Advocacy
After residency: Undecided - General Pediatrics, Sports Medicine, Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Newest hobby is fishing! Soccer, going anywhere I can bring my dogs, and hosting festivities.
Bio: Grew up by the beach with salt in my hair and a ball at my feet. Played soccer, the most beautiful game in the world, for 18 years, which took me all over the country. My most exciting memory in sports was my international goal in Canada during my time on the California State University Los Angeles Women's Soccer Team! When I’m not seeing patients, you’ll find me at home cuddling my dogs or watching them eat (it’s the cutest thing), at any park, trail, or restaurant where dogs are allowed. Some may even say I am somewhat of an ice cream connoisseur. Dreaming of having my own little farm one day with two mini-Highland cows and three adorable goats. My perfect world = love, adventure, and lots of paws and hooves.

Home Town: Oklahoma City, OK
Med School: University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine
Career interests/research: NICU, PICU, and Child Abuse
After residency: Hopefully going to a fellowship program
Hobbies/Interests: Crochet, Pilates, NBA (Go Thunder!), true crime, and trashy reality TV
Bio: I was born and raised in OKC, Oklahoma with my parents and two best friends who double as my little sisters. I went to Southern Nazarene University where I received my BS in biology in 2020. During my gap year I got my EMT license and started working as a clinical research coordinator for a COVID-19 vaccine trial. The pandemic really highlighted for me the impact social determinants of health can have on patients’ lives. I wanted to learn more about the effect of the social determinants of health and how to best address them, so I went to the University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine for medical school. In medical school, I knew peds was the specialty for me when I realized there was nothing that motivated me more to get out of bed than knowing I got to spend my day bringing comfort to little ones, helping them heal, and ease families’ worried hearts. It’s true that pediatrics is a magical place where princesses are real, stuffed animals make the best of friends, and stickers make everything better and if that doesn’t sound like the best work environment I don’t know what does😊 My patients are my superheroes and I am honored to be trusted with the responsibility to care and advocate for them.

Home Town: Fairbanks, AK
Medical School: A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Medicine, Kirksville, MO 
After residency: Outpatient general pediatrics
Hobbies/Interests:St. Louis Blues hockey, reading, playing video games, building Lego sets
Bio: I was born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska - also known as the “Golden Heart City” - where I also completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. My journey then brought me to Missouri when I was accepted to ATSU-KCOM, and I’ve loved calling this state home ever since. I’ve always known I wanted to become a pediatrician, and after spending the past four years here, I knew Missouri was where I wanted to continue my training. Mizzou immediately stood out as the perfect fit, offering the ideal blend of a small, supportive class and the expansive resources of a large university. It provides not only exceptional training, but also a close-knit, family atmosphere that makes learning and growth truly special. When I’m not in clinic or in the hospital, you can find me watching a hockey game, reading, or catching up on a TV show at home.

Home Town: Hannibal, Missouri
Medical School: University of Missouri - Columbia
Career interests/research: Breastfeeding & lactation, mental health, preventative healthcare, rural medicine, child advocacy
After residency: General Pediatrics, IBCLC
Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, Reading, Biking, Skiing, Photography, Hanging out with my husband & German Shepherd
Bio: I was born and raised in Hannibal, MO, which is a small river town in Northeast Missouri. My husband is an emergency medicine resident at Mizzou, and we are so grateful to be taking this next step in our training together. I have wanted to be a pediatrician since middle school. I love working with children and families, and I am especially passionate about continuity of care and building long-term relationships. Training at MU provides a wide variety of clinical experiences while also fostering a strong sense of community. I appreciate the supportive faculty, the emphasis on resident well-being, and the X+Y schedule, which offers both balance and valuable outpatient experience. I feel grateful to be part of a residency program that truly feels like family. MIZ!

Home Town: St. Charles, MO
Medical School: A.T. Still University - Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kirksville, MO
Career interests/research: I initially though outpatient pediatrics, but now I'm leaning pediatric hospitalist.
After residency: Maybe a fellowship in peds hospital medicine!
Hobbies/Interests: Hanging out with family and friends, playing with my dog, cooking and baking, basketball, concerts...
Bio: I grew up around St. Charles, MO, about 30 minutes west of STL. I have a family history of Mizzou grads and I came here for undergrad/graduate school. Medicine became a reality when I was accepted to A.T. Still University. Naturally, my family was telling me they needed 'this' or 'that' kind of doctor, and a pediatrician was always one of them. Peds was always on my mind and, after my core peds rotation 3rd year, I never looked back!

I met my husband in medical school and we were fortunate enough to couples match. I had previous exposure to and liked what they were doing at the Children's Hospital, and we wanted to be closer to family, so Mizzou was on the list. Fortunately, my husband really liked the FM program, too! I ultimately chose MU Peds because of the smaller class size, the welcoming environment, the growing program and area, and the fact that it felt like a good fit for me. I felt like I could be myself and that it was a supportive environment for me to grow as a physician.

Home Town: Sturgeon Bay, WI
Medical School: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Career interests/research: Primary care, rural medicine, public health, sports medicine, global health
After residency: Rural general pediatrics
Hobbies/Interests: Pickleball, baking with sourdough, reading mystery/thriller novels, running, travel, card and board games, Wisconsin sports
Bio: I grew up in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin and completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in pharmacology, toxicology, and biology with a certificate in global health. I stayed at the University of Wisconsin for medical school, where I was part of the rural medicine program. As part of that program, I completed my clinical rotations at a community hospital in Green Bay, WI and surrounding rural clinics. I also completed a path of distinction in public health and participated in a public health field course in Thailand after my M1 year. I’ve always been interested in pediatrics because of the long-standing relationships we form with patients as they grow up. I also love the unique opportunity pediatrics provides for us to not only be physicians, but also to be teachers and advocates. I chose Mizzou because it’s a smaller size program within a larger academic institution that provides an abundance of educational opportunities. I also really appreciated the tight-knit community feel between residents and the strong relationships that the residents have with the attendings. I’m excited to become a part of the Mizzou pediatrics team and make Columbia my home!

Hometown: San Diego, CA
Medical School: University of Missouri
Career/Research Interests: General Pediatrics, Lactation, Advocacy
After residency: Most Likely General Pediatrics but also interested in NICU and Pulmonology 
Hobbies/Interests: Needlepoint, Pilates, Reading, Hiking, Trying new restaurants, watching Mizzou Sports!
Bio: I grew up in Poway, California, right outside of San Diego. I attended the University of Missouri for undergrad where I studied Biological Sciences and History. Before starting medical school, I spent two years in North Carolina at the NIH where I did clinical research on pre and post- menarcheal adolescents. I came back to Mizzou for medical school and during my clinical rotations, I solidified that pediatrics was the right specialty for me. During my education, I have gotten to witness firsthand how strong the Mizzou Pediatrics community is. I loved seeing how close the residents were and how much of a family feel this program had. The attendings are so supportive and passionate about teaching, which is evident in how capable and well- prepared the residents are. I am so excited for the next three years! MIZ!

Home Town: Tirupati, India
Medical School: Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupati, India
After residency: I might be interested in looking into a specialty.
Hobbies/Interests: Cooking, watching Netflix, spending time with family.
Bio: I was born and raised in Tirupati, India which is also called Temple City, where I completed my medical school. I found my passion for Pediatrics while doing an internship in India. After marrying my husband who was pursuing fellowship at Mizzou, I moved to the United States and have since made Columbia my home. I love Columbia for it's small town, family friendly environment and the perfect balance it provides. My son has made great friends here, which makes Columbia even more special to our family. During my observership at Mizzou, I felt welcomed by residents and faculty here. I love the program for it's strong clinical training, excellent didactics, supportive environment and family friendly values. I am excited and grateful to be part of this well-rounded program and to continue my journey in medicine.

Hometown: St. Charles, MO
Medical School: Kansas City University, Kansas City, MO
Career/Research Interests: Primary Care, lactation, and asthma
After Residency: Outpatient general pediatrics
Hobbies/Interests: Hunting, fishing, golfing, billiards, motorcycles, and many more
Bio: I grew up in St. Charles, Missouri where I made my way to Truman State University for undergrad and then to Kansas City University for medical school. Staying in Missouri close to family was important to me, and I was fortunate enough to rotate twice at MU during my 4th year which gave me all the insight I needed into why I would pick Mizzou. I chose pediatrics at MU because I quickly found that I loved the people, the environment, and the patient population. I ultimately chose Mizzou because I felt like this was a program where I could be myself in, be treated with respect, and grow as both a person and a physician.

In my free time, I have been enjoying my time as a new dad and spending time with my wife and little boy. When time allows, I love spending time in the outdoors whether it’s golfing or going on an hunting adventure.

Hometown:& Webb City, MO
Medical School: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Jonesboro, AR
Career Interests/Research: General/Inpatient Pediatrics, NICU, Medical Education, but still exploring!
After Residency: Undecided
Hobbies/Interests: running, pickleball, reality TV, cheering on the Arkansas Razorbacks
Bio: I grew up in a small town in Southwest Missouri just outside of Joplin, MO. I attended the University of Arkansas for undergrad where I majored in Kinesiology. I then stayed in Arkansas for medical school where my love for pediatrics grew and solidified. I couples matched with my fiancé who I met during medical school (he matched internal medicine). We searched for a place that fit both of our requirements and Mizzou ended up being the perfect fit! What stuck out to me the most during my interview day was the relationships the residents had with each other and the attendings. It was evident this program makes their residents feel supported and valued. I also enjoyed the aspect of it being an academic center but small enough that it really promotes a close-knit community.

Hometown: Washington, MO
Medical School: University of Missouri - Columbia
Career Interests: Autism spectrum disorder/neurodivergent population, lactation, rural medicine
After Residency: Rural General Pediatrics
Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, spending time outside, playing pickle ball, watching sports (MIZ!), cooking, and spending time with family and friends
Bio: I was born and raised in Washington, MO, which is a smaller town about an hour outside of St. Louis. I grew up in a family full of Mizzou grads/fans, attending many sporting events as a kid. So, I naturally ended up at Mizzou for undergrad to study Biochemistry and for medical school. During medical school, I was a part of the Rural Scholars Program and spent part of my training in Hannibal, MO. This experience made me even more excited to practice rural pediatric medicine. I've always wanted to be a pediatrician for as long as I can remember. Interacting with kids all day is the absolute best! Forming connections/relationships with patients and their families along with the continuity of care from newborn to adult is such a rewarding experience. Kids are so resilient and constantly impress me in how they can be so happy even in times of illness or injury. Columbia and Mizzou have been my home for the last 8 years, and I am so happy I get to spend the next 3 years here for residency! The top reasons that drew me to this program were the supportive faculty members, the small class size where all the residents feel like family, and the opportunity to further pursue my interest in gaining diagnostic training for autism spectrum disorder to better serve my future patients.

Hometown: Greenwood, IN
Medical School: Indiana University SOM
Career/Research Interests: Current include infectious diseases, sports injuries, and Global Health
After Residency: Considering Fellowship! But deciding between Hospitalist, Infectious Disease, and Sports Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Sports, fishing, and my dog
Bio: I grew up in a suburb about 20 minutes south of Indianapolis, IN called Center Grove. I went to Indiana University for both undergraduate and medical school. I then completed a one-year Transitional Residency program at Southeast Health in Dothan, AL, and this experience really solidified that Pediatrics was the specialty for me. I chose Mizzou because I wanted a smaller program with a family feel that still provided all the educational opportunities needed to be a successful Pediatrician. When I’m not in the clinic or in the hospital, I enjoy fishing, watching sports with my friends, or being with my dog- a little black Lab named Annie.

Hometown: Portland, Maine
Medical School: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Career Interests/Research: Advocacy for all Children 
After Residency: I am considering fellowships in pulmonology or pediatric hospital medicine. 
Hobbies/Interests: Surfing, Hiking, Football, Baseball
Bio: I grew up in Portland, Maine and attended Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia for a bachelor's in biology. I was interested in Medicine because it is a unique field where I truly feel like I can help and serve my community while continuing to educate those who will come into the field after me. My interest in pediatrics stems from watching kids grow up and being their first face in healthcare! I genuinely think it's impactful to help them build their own understanding of their health and help them start to participate in their own care. I think that Mizzou is the place to help me accomplish that goal because of the connections I can make with other residents and physicians due to the small class size and the overall cohesiveness of the program. I am greatly looking forward to the next three years in Columbia.

Hometown: Marion, IL
Medical School: Southern Illinois School of Medicine, Springfield, IL
Career/Research Interests: I am currently interested in Pediatric Emergency Medicine and I have also completed research in Pediatric Infectious Disease.
After Residency: Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship
Hobbies/Interests: Golf, working out, going to St. Louis Cardinals games, concerts, traveling
Bio: I was raised on a farm in Southern Illinois and since my father is a practicing veterinarian, my first exposures to medicine came at an early age with helping him with animal surgeries and delivering puppies at 2AM. I have known since high school due to a large amount of volunteer/shadowing experiences and my own personal health issues that I wanted to go into Pediatrics. The care I received from my amazing pediatricians during my health journey, along with my passion to serve children and their families both at home and abroad through medical missions, confirmed my decision to become a pediatrician.

I completed my bachelor's degree at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee and I attended Southern Illinois School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois. I am forever grateful for the mentors and experiences I gained along the way. I truly could not have made it through those times without my faith, family, and friends who supported me every step of the way.

I chose Mizzou Pediatrics Residency for many reasons: I loved their smaller class sizes which I was accustomed to from medical school, the feeling of family and camaraderie I sensed during my interviews with the faculty/residents was palpable and inviting, and finally, I really loved the fact that we had the privilege to begin our training in a brand new pediatric hospital! All of these reasons and more made me very excited to match with Mizzou and move to Columbia.

Hometown: Stillwater, OK
After Residency: As of now, I would like to become a general pediatrician in the outpatient setting.
Hobbies/Interests: I was born in Tucson, AZ, but a majority of my childhood was spent in Stillwater, OK. I pursued my undergraduate degree at UMKC, where I majored in Biology, and minored in Chemistry. I went to medical school at Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. I have always enjoyed being around children, but I truly began considering pediatrics as a career during my time as a Child Life Volunteer at the Children’s Mercy Hospital. When I’m not in the hospital, I enjoy cooking and experimenting with new recipes, listening to music, or spending time with family and friends.

I chose Mizzou because of the combination of a large academic institution combined with a small, close-knit residency class. During my interview with Mizzou, I was struck by the warmth and camaraderie of the team here. This program provides a supportive atmosphere and the opportunity to build close relationships within a smaller class size.

Hometown: St. Charles, MO
Medical School: Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
After Residency: Fellowship (Still deciding which one!)
Hobbies/Interests: Writing music, rock climbing, rec sports, video games
Bio: I grew up in St. Charles, just outside of St. Louis Missouri, and completed my undergraduate education at Drury University. I then came back to St. Louis for medical school at SLU, which then led me to Mizzou for residency! I chose Mizzou because of the friendly atmosphere, it being close to home, and the small class size. The nature of this smaller program lends itself to a great work environment where I really feel like I can get to know both my superiors and co-residents.

I chose pediatrics because I find the resilience of children in the face of debilitating illnesses very inspiring. Plus, getting a hi-five from a kiddo is a sure fire way to cheer me up even on the worst days! Being able to create these long-lasting connections with patients throughout important parts of their lives is incredibly fulfilling, as well, and is what drew me to medicine to begin with.

When I’m not at the hospital, you can likely find me on the soccer field or in the rock climbing gym. Or more likely, when I’m too tired from work to do all of that physical activity, you’ll find me lounging on my couch playing video games, or by my alarmingly expanding wall of instruments writing music.

Hometown: St. Augusta, MN
Medical School: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Career/Research Interests: Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Medical Education
After Residency: Likely General Pediatrics, including Adolescent Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Baking, rec league sports, woodworking
Bio: I grew up in central Minnesota, then went to the University of North Dakota for college. In North Dakota I earned degrees in both Biology and Secondary Education, with a brief side path as a high school teacher in chemistry before going to medical school back in Minnesota.

To me, medicine and education always go together - especially in pediatrics, where you're often teaching parents, siblings, or other support systems just as much as (or more than) you're teaching the patient, depending on age and understanding. My background in teaching can be especially helpful with adolescent populations where people are figuring out who they are, building independence, and deciding on the next steps of their lives.

I chose Mizzou because of its environment as a large academic center with a comfortable feel, as well as the excitement about my medical interests that was shared by everyone in the program that I interacted with.

Hometown: Mansfield, IL
Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine, Rockford, IL
After Residency: General Pediatrics
Bio: I grew up in the middle of a cornfield on my family farm in central Illinois and went to the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign for my undergraduate education. I stuck with the University of Illinois for medical school and moved to the Rockford campus. I chose Mizzou because it has all of the opportunities you could want from a large academic center while still keeping a friendly, welcoming environment. When I’m not at the hospital, I like to fish with my fiancé and spend time with our two cats, Pumpkin and Scraggles.

Medical School: A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Medicine, Kirksville, MO
After Residency: Outpatient General Pediatrics
Hobbies/Interests: Reading, Netflix, naps
Bio: I grew up in St. Louis Missouri. I went to college at Bradley University in Peoria, IL where I majored in psychology and met my husband, Dallas. We went to medical school together at ATSU. I love kids so pediatrics was a natural fit, and Dallas chose family medicine. We knew we wanted to stay in Missouri and Mizzou offered the tight-knit program we were looking for. Along the way we adopted three fur babies. Ellie is a sassy but sweet Maltese I’ve had since college. Oscar is our loving, snuggly boy cat, and Luna is our big, playful German Shepherd Australian Cattle dog mix. They keep us on our toes but make our home so bright.

Hometown: Greenwood, Indiana
Undergrad: Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
Career/Research Interests: Adolescents, kiddos living with varying abilities, service dog assistance, mental health, SDOH, nutrition/exercise
After Residency: General Outpatient Pediatrics
Hobbies/Interests: Family, dogs, college basketball (go Hoosiers!), Cincinnati Reds, Indianapolis Colts
Bio: I grew up in Greenwood, Indiana, a suburb of Indianapolis, and completed my Biology BS and Psychology minor at Indiana University. As a medical student, I found a sense of peace when working with children. Their contagious laughter and incredible resilience are simply unparalleled. The field of pediatrics offers the special opportunity to build relationships with and provide education and empowerment to both children and their families. There is nothing more rewarding than sitting down with a family and developing a plan that meets their specific needs and goals. When I interviewed at Mizzou, I knew that they valued the physician-patient-family relationship in this same way. I felt the genuine interest that the staff and residents here have in helping both their patients and each other succeed. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to expand my pediatrics knowledge and get to know the Columbia community here at Mizzou.


 

Hometown: Green Bay, WI
Medical School: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health
Career/Research Interests: Primary Care, Rural Health
After Residency: Rural General Pediatrics
Hobbies/Interests: Baking bagels, reading, game nights, Lego, craft beer, the Packers, and spoiling my cat Robin
Bio: I grew up in Green Bay, WI (Go Pack!) and completed undergrad at Marquette University with a major in biomedical sciences and minors in chemistry and history. I went to UWSMPH for medical school where I was in the rural health and public health programs. As part of the rural health program, I completed my clinical rotations at a community hospital in Green Bay and several outlying clinics. As part of the public health program, I completed a public health field course in Thailand and worked on several community projects in Green Bay. I chose pediatrics because the rotations that involved child health were my favorite in med school. Children brighten any day and I enjoy the unique opportunity pediatrics provides to form impactful relationships with patients and their families. It is incredibly rewarding to watch patients grow up and support them and their families along the way. I chose Mizzou for residency because being a smaller-sized program at a large university creates a program with a family feel and plenty of learning opportunity. Columbia, as a smaller midwestern city with minimal traffic and lots of local restaurants and bars to explore, also felt a lot like home.

Hometown: Cleveland, MO
Medical School: Kansas City University, Joplin, MO
Career/Research Interests: General/Inpatient Pediatrics, NICU, Heme-Onc
After Residency: Undecided
Hobbies/Interests: Videogames, reading, boardgames, LEGOs, hiking
Top 3 TV Shows: Letterkenny, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Scrubs
Top 3 Movies: Twister, Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, Toy Story 2
Favorite Food: Chocolate Chip Cookies
Bio: My parents live in a small town just south of Kansas City, but I went to school in Lee’s Summit, MO where both of my parents worked. I attended the University of Kansas for undergrad, majoring in Biology and minoring in Business. After taking a gap year, I went on to earn my Masters Degree from Kansas City University, and eventually matriculated into their medical school in Joplin, MO. I knew I was going to be a pediatrician early on in medical school. My mom was a middle school principal (MY middle school principal actually), so I grew up seeing her work with both parents and kids for much of my early life. Coupled with a strong relationship with my pediatrician, the writing was on the wall! I love pediatrics because it is an incredible privilege to help guide and make a lasting impact on the long-term health of children. I chose Mizzou because I felt a strong sense of community amongst the residents and faculty I talked to during my interview day. I really liked that the cohort size was smaller than most programs, which I felt would offer me a better opportunity to get to know my coresidents and attendings, without the fear of being “lost in the crowd”. I also liked that there were ample opportunities to work with pediatric subspecialists without having to compete with fellows for procedures and learning opportunities. I’m still not 100% sure what my long-term career plan is, but having as much exposure to as many avenues of pediatrics as I could get was HUGE. I’m really looking forward to seeing where my adventure takes me from here, and all the amazing people I still have yet to meet along the way!

Hometown: Paris, AR
Medical School: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, AR
Career Interest and After Residency Plan: Interested in General Pediatrics and eventually becoming an IBCLC
Hobbies/Interests: Most of my free time is spent spending time with my 1-year-old daughter, husband, and our dog. Otherwise, I enjoy baking, painting, cross stich, doing puzzles. We love watching and supporting the Chiefs and LSU.
Favorite Color: Pink
Favorite Food: Any kind of pasta or breakfast food
Significant Other/Children: I have a 1-year-old daughter named Charlotte and my husband's name is Austin
Pets: One dog named Ciri
Bio: I chose Mizzou for residency because I knew I wanted to do general outpatient pediatrics and this program offered me extensive outpatient and elective time. During my interview, I could feel how close-knit, supportive, and family friendly the residents and attendings were and I knew that that was a program that I wanted to be a part of.  My husband and I couples matched (he’s in family medicine) and we knew that Mizzou and Columbia would be the perfect place for our family to call home, and that has certainly been true for us!

Hometown: Florissant, MO
Medical School: University of Missouri-Columbia
After Residency: Outpatient General Pediatrics
Hobbies/Interests: Volleyball, softball, all things St. Louis sports
Bio: I grew up in Florissant, MO, a northern suburb of St. Louis. I went to Saint Louis University for undergrad before moving to Columbia for medical school. I absolutely loved Mizzou Med and am very excited to stay here for residency. I chose Pediatrics because I’ve always loved working with kids and helping families get off to the best start possible.

I am married to my high school sweetheart, Marissa, and we have two amazing kids who help make sure my diaper-changing skills are intact. We also have a small dachshund-mix named Hank that makes sure no visitor to our house goes un-licked.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy playing volleyball or really any sport, watching the Blues and Cardinals, walking on some of Columbia’s many trails, and taking my dog to the dog park.