I am a third-generation retail pharmacist. I started my career at Hartig Drug in Dubuque, then moved home to Ames, IA where I worked for Drug Town/HyVee for 26 years. I moved to Harrisonburg, VA in 2007 where I worked at CVS for 11 years. In 2014 I received the CVS Paragon Award as a pharmacy manager for my district. |

I took a chance in 2018 and spoke to the Vice Provost at James Madison University about getting involved with the students somehow. It was that year that I was hired to work 1 day a week as the Advisor to the Pre-Pharmacy students. What a joy! I advise the students in the Pre-Pharmacy minor on how to get into pharmacy school. I keep them abreast of trends in the profession, and I am totally honest with them about what they can expect from a career in pharmacy. Since I started as an advisor, JMU students have had a 97% success rate in acceptance to pharmacy school. While the students did the work, I hope I have been helpful to them. I also hope they have the satisfaction in their career that I feel 44 years down the road.

In 2019, Walmart offered me 24 hours a week, 3 weeks of vacation, and full benefits. My children (2) were done with college and I was managing a pharmacy and working at JMU. I jumped at the offer and haven't regretted it for a minute. At Walmart I have found the flexibility I was looking for as well as a dedication to professionalism, accuracy, and corporate support that was lacking in my previous job. 

Currently, I am still working at JMU and PRN at Walmart. I work with young people and nothing is more fun than to see a student get the pharmacy "bug". 

I tell people that I have a pharmacy angel on my shoulder when I am at work. That's the feeling I get when I am checking prescriptions or talking with a patient and something says " Look again!" Every time, I find something I need to address with a doctor or a patient. Something that is important to a patient's health or well-being. I am so grateful to that angel, she has led me to some of the most rewarding patient interactions I have had as a pharmacist.