Sierra with husband Austin and their dog Leland.
I grew up in a small town in northern Michigan, Traverse City — the “Cherry Capital of the World.” Summers were spent farming cherries and swimming in Lake Michigan; winters, in hundreds of inches of snow! Though it remains my favorite place to visit, I have not lived in northern Michigan since I left for college. I studied social work at Central Michigan University and began a career as a medical social worker after graduation. A couple of years later, I followed my husband to Washington, DC, and earned a master’s in social work (MSW) from the University of Maryland. As a small-town girl, I really enjoyed riding the train from D.C. to Baltimore for my classes!
I worked in direct patient care as a medical social worker for almost ten years, in a variety of settings, including the NICU, acute rehab, and family medicine. Prior to coming to UVA, I worked for Indiana University Health, which is where I transitioned from direct patient care to quality improvement.
Since moving to Charlottesville this past June, my husband and I, and our wheaten terrier Leland, have enjoyed hiking in the mountains on the weekends and being just a short drive from both Washington, D.C., and the ocean.
What brought you to Charlottesville/UVA?
My husband Austin’s residency in the Emergency Medicine department.
Tell us a little about your job.
I am the Quality Improvement Coordinator for the Digestive Health Service Line. It is a new role that focuses on organizing data to guide process and performance improvement. One way we are doing this is by pursuing the nationally known Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program.
At work on one of her favorite pastimes — quilting.
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
I would love to be able to sing well!
Where did you go on your last vacation?
My husband and I went to Spain and Italy in May to celebrate his graduation from medical school.
What about you would surprise us?
I enjoy making quilts!
Words to live by?
In a world when you can be anything, be kind.
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