I currently practice as a board-certified pediatric dentist in Grants Pass, a rural community in southern Oregon that is designated as a health care shortage area. My clinical work focuses on improving access to high-quality dental care for children enrolled in Medicaid, many of whom have developmental, intellectual, or physical disabilities. Beyond the clinic, I serve as a Director-at-Large for the Oregon Public Health Association, where I help elevate oral health and disability inclusion within statewide public health agendas. I was recently honored with OPHA’s Emerging Leader Award, which has further encouraged me to build bridges between dentistry and public health. I also authored Bright Little Smiles: A Practical Guide to Dental Care for Children with Disabilities, a practical manual for caregivers and providers that reflects my commitment to making preventive oral health education accessible to families and communities.  

My MPH training at UConn fundamentally shaped how I understand health inequities and the structural barriers that rural and marginalized communities face in accessing care. Courses in epidemiology, health policy, and social and behavioral sciences gave me the tools to see pediatric oral health not just as a clinical issue, but as a public health and justice issue. That perspective directly influenced my decision to practice in a rural health care shortage area and to engage in statewide advocacy through OPHA. In parallel, my Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) training has been invaluable in my daily work with children with disabilities and their families—helping me communicate more empathetically, partner with parents, and connect them with community resources. Together, the MPH and LEND experiences continue to guide how I design my practice, mentor teams, and advocate for more inclusive and responsive systems of care.