Well, I would say that it went from clinical hygienist to dental hygiene educator to dental industry professional. And the colors bleed throughout. I realized in my senior year of dental hygiene school that there were some significant things I wanted to accomplish. I wanted to become a leader in my professional association, teach/ do research, and move into a corporate dental hygiene role.

I pursued a baccalaureate degree at LSU through a degree completion program 1 year after graduating, while working 3-4 days per week. One of my mentors, Dr. Sandra Andrieu, encouraged me to enter a Master of Health Sciences degree program at LSU geared to Allied Health Professionals. I began teaching part-time one year later. I worked full time throughout the entire process. I transitioned to teach full time in January 2001. I participated in the LSU Faculty Dental Practice 1 day per week. I served in several positions in my professional association along the way, including President of the New Orleans and Louisiana Dental Hygienists' Association. This continued until I left LSU in 2003 to move to Chicago. The week that I moved I also completed the MHS degree program. I accepted a teaching position at the KKC/UIC dental hygiene program and left October 2006, following my son's birth. I discovered the HF position through a colleague, Tricia Osuna. Networking has always opened wonderful doors of opportunity for me.