Home: Recently moved from Maryland to Boynton Beach, FL. Age: 34. Profession: Nurse practitioner. Organization: UnitedHealthcare Retiree Solutions. Title: Chief Nursing Officer. Significant other: Chris Nicoli (husband). Children: Logan (going on threenager).
Recent recognition: Heartfelt message from a patient’s family member thanking me for supporting them through the patient’s chronic illness before he passed away. Latest contribution to others: Donation for Child Life Services at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where our son had his final two brain surgeries. Child Life helps to bring joy to children living in the hospital through games, arts and crafts, and social interaction. Latest accomplishment: I was asked last minute to speak as a panelist in a keynote at a national conference. It was my first real public speaking engagement, and I got great feedback! Hobbies: I love the outdoors and wild fooding (identification of edible plants/mushrooms). Recent travel or adventure: I went bow fishing in New Orleans where I caught a couple of fish and saw lots of gators! Last book read: Fierce Conversations, by Susan Scott. Recently viewed and recommended: Is anything besides Encanto even an answer?
Personality profile: INJF / Driven / Compassionate. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Authentic. How do you define a perfect friendship? Being able to snort laugh together over the absurd. What is your guilty pleasure? Watching TikTok. What natural talent have you neglected? I love seeing patients and discussing goals of care/advance care planning. It’s a huge need and I love supporting people through what can be tough conversations. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Nursing assistants and teachers. They are the real MVPs!
What book have you repeatedly read? Tuesdays with Morrie, by Mitch Albom; When Breath Becomes Air, by Paul Kalanithi. Who has had the greatest influence on your life? My son. He has inspired me to be a better person and has taught me how to be a better advocate for the disabled/differently-abled community. What is the best advice you received growing up? 90% of success is just showing up. What is the best advice you received in your career? Everyone has imposter syndrome, so re-narrate the story you tell yourself and stop selling yourself short. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? The microwave to re-heat my coffee! What company or organization do you most admire? Chief.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Working to improve medical and behavioral health outcomes by addressing health equity and social determinants of health. What message do you want to send out into the world? Do small things with great love. What mega-trend most excites you? The global aging population. So much opportunity to improve the care of our elderly. What mega-trend most concerns you? Climate change.
Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My grandmother or Ruth Bader Ginsburg. What object would you first save from your burning home? My memory box filled with pictures and cards. What advice would you give your younger self? Don’t be so hard on yourself, you’re doing more than fine. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? Toddlerhood. Can I get those naps now that I refused then?
Personal motto: Do no harm, but take no shit. Favorite quote: “Sometimes it’s better to beg forgiveness than ask permission” (Grace Hopper). Desired epitaph: Please stop calling me about my car’s extended warranty.
