Kristy grew up in Minnesota and North Dakota and enjoys the family-oriented community of the Bloomington/Normal area where she and her husband have raised their three children.

She pursued pediatric medicine because she's always enjoyed children and the energy they bring to life. "I always had a passion to help children and their families."

Kristy was interested in becoming a pediatrician when her childhood doctor introduced her to the concept of nurse practitioner as an option. "It seemed to coincide with my goals and allowed for the flexibility to raise my own family," she said.

Kristy appreciates working for OSF HealthCare because it's an "organization that puts the patient first and has a mission to serve all of God's people."

She takes a holistic approach with her patients and their families. "It's not just about physical health," she said. "I enjoy including the children at a very early age to engage in the visit. I want the children to have a positive experience so they are happy to come visit again."

As her patients get older, Kristy likes to "reinforce what their parents are already teaching them about choices. I want the kids to feel comfortable enough to trust me with any topic of conversation."

When not working, Kristy enjoys sports, running, biking, hiking, gardening, traveling and adventures. She also is a wish granter for Make-A-Wish.