LKS spotlights student and alumni members that are making a difference in their chapters, in their communities, and in the field of pharmacy.
Tell us about yourself: (school, chapter, work, hobbies, LKS activities, meetings attended)
LKS Alpha Pi alumni from St. John’s University in New York and active member since 2008. I was awarded the Ruth Davies Flaherty Service Award in 2019 and Award of Merit in 2008. I was honored to recognized by St. John’s College of Pharmacy as the Distinguished Practitioner of the Year in 2019. Currently I am the Manager of Pharmacy Utilization at NYU Network Integration where we are currently developing CDTM in ambulatory care family health centers. I lecture to healthcare providers and PA students on a variety of topics. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends especially if food and dancing are involved. My favorite days are those that include crafting, crocheting, baking, shopping, spa treatments and reading. Embarrassed to admit that I have not attended any LKS national conventions yet but look forward in the future with my fellow classmates. I am active on Alpha Pi alumni eBoard.
What do you do to continue furthering your knowledge, self-development, and leadership skills?
Staying active and attending local and national meetings for AMCP, ACCP and NYSCHP are a few ways that I keep up on current topics. I maintain my board certification and seek to develop skills that will expand my scope and lead others to do the same. I serve on the NYS Medicaid DUR board and also represent Managed Care pharmacists at the NYS quarterly Pharmacy Conference. I have also been fortunate to take advantage of employer leadership training. As a preceptor for APPE students from several local schools, I learn as much from my students as they learn from me.
Which of our core values (sisterhood, leadership, service, scholarship and integrity) do you feel you most strongly represent and how?
Community service has always been an important part of my life. I support organizations that lift women and their families. On behalf of the Charity Knitting Bee, I crochet blankets for My Sister’s Place which is a domestic violence shelter. I facilitate pack night at the Hillside Food Pantry and also coordinate groups of pharmacists to assist with food prep at Gods Love We Deliver. As an Ovarian Cancer survivor, I speak with medical students about the early warning signs as part of OCRA “Survivors Teaching Students Program.”
What is one thing that LKS has helped you grow and develop in (personally, professionally, etc.)?
Keeping company and contact with a group of successful professionals stimulates me to be a better pharmacist and continually raise the bar. I can always consult with LKS alum for their professional and personal expertise. They are my colleagues, my friends and my sisters. I have never met a pharmacist who I looked up to who was not a member of LKS. We are a powerful and amazing network.
What is the best advice you could give to other members?
Stay active with your alumni chapter, continue to network and find lost lambs during all professional activities and give back to collegiates by volunteering to mentor and connect them with opportunities. Find ways to surround yourself with positive individuals and distance yourself from negativity as much as possible. Learn how to push yourself beyond your comfort zone at times and know when to abort because an environment may be toxic.
If you had not chose pharmacy as your career, what would have been your second choice?
Belly dancing or interior designer
