Carrie grew up in a suburb of Kansas City, Missouri, but has worked in Monmouth for the last 13 years. She chose to work in family practice medicine because it allowed her to help people of all ages.

She joined OSF HealthCare because of the Sisters' focus on community and their Mission to serve with the greatest care and love.

"I love being a part of a team that encourages health within the community, that we see individuals from all walks of life, and that we have such diverse ethnic backgrounds," Carrie said.

Carrie became a certified nursing assistant right out of high school, continued her education to become a registered nurse, and, now, a nurse practitioner.

"I enjoy hands-on patient care. I've worked in a nursing home, oncology unit, fast-paced clinic and a public health department," Carrie said.

Carrie credits her varied experiences for shaping and guiding her care philosophy.

"I've seen newborns take their first breaths, and held the hands of individuals passing on from this life," Carrie said. "Every aspect has held a special place in my heart, and helped to prepare me for this new role as a nurse practitioner."

Her approach is to encourage health and prevent disease within the entire family by focusing on her patients' goals.

"I hope that each patient feels like they are being heard and that their needs are being met with each visit," Carrie said. "I want my patients to know that I am willing to go above and beyond when it comes to improving their health and quality of life."

Because she worked in public health for more than five years before coming to OSF and her church involvement, she is always out in the community. Her goal is to participate in medical mission trips on a regular basis.

She has been married to her "wonderful husband" for almost 16 years, and they have two children. Her husband is the associate pastor of a local church, and a large portion of their time is spent in their ministry.