I grew up near Athol. The town of Athol is located between Smith Center and Kensington in Smith County, about 20 miles from the Nebraska state line. When I was growing up, the town of Athol offered a Co-Op, a post office, and a liquor store. The family farm is located approximately two miles south of town where my parents have resided for more than 45 years. I attended Smith Center High School and was a 2008 graduate.

During my high school times, I was unfortunate to be introduced to Sports Medicine as I suffered an ACL tear in both my Junior and Senior years of high school. New West Sports Medicine in Kearney, Nebraska would have an Athletic Trainer come and assess or evaluate various injuries among student athletes. Getting to see firsthand what an Athletic Trainer does and how their role is so critical to athlete health and competition inspired my passion to pursue this career after high school. Being an avid sports enthusiast, I could not think of a more appropriate career path for myself which would continually keep me around athletics.

I attended Hutchinson Community College for 1 year before transferring to Sterling College. Sterling College gave me an opportunity to both participate in football and complete an accredited Athletic Training program. As I continued further into my studies, my favorite part of the Athletic Training program soon became rehabilitation of injuries. I completed coursework at Sterling College and then began the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Wichita State University. My first therapist job after completing Physical Therapy schooling was at Pinnacle Rehabilitation and Sports Performance in Hutchinson. I learned the ins and outs of the profession and gained valuable experience.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my two children, Brady and Rosalynn. Brady enjoys all sports and is never sitting still when at home keeping me very busy. Rosalynn was born in 2019 and her passions include Barbie dolls, baby dolls, and reading books. My interests outside of work and family include following the Jayhawks and Chiefs as well as completing various woodworking and home improvement projects.