I was born in New Jersey and majored in English at Amherst College. After attending Harvard Medical School, I spent twelve years as a general internist and eight years as an adolescent medicine specialist before making the leap to serving as an teacher, advisor, and dean to undergraduates. It was my privilege to engage with students at Washington University in St. Louis, Duke University, and Wellesley College. In addition, for two years I was a member of the staff of the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that promotes humanism in medicine around the world. As the director of the Gold Humanism Honor Society, I partnered with health professionals to uphold the importance of compassion in every aspect of medical care.

Throughout my career I worked to encourage and support teens and young adults. Now I enjoy the adventure of writing fiction that showcases their courage and resilience. I live in Boston with my wonderful husband and our two dogs.