My passion is helping clients solve their communication challenges. I have worked in the field of healthcare PR and communications for more than 35 years on both the provider and agency side of the business. Now, as an independent consultant, I specialize in communication strategy, issues management and message development and coaching.

Previously, I had the pleasure of working as senior vice president and co-lead of PadillaCRT’s (now Padilla) Health Practice, which serves clients in the fields of hospitals and health systems, insurance, medical technology, health services and wellness. Before merging with Padilla, I served as Executive Vice President and Health Practice Leader of CRT/tanaka, where I had founded and managed the agency’s Norfolk, Va. office.

Prior to joining CRT/tanaka, I was director of corporate communications for Sentara Healthcare, one of the nation’s leading integrated healthcare systems, where I managed public relations, corporate communications and government relations.

Before entering the field of public relations, I worked in radio and television as a newscaster, assignment editor, news director and talk show host. I received numerous awards for broadcast news coverage from both the Associated Press and United Press International and served as president of American Women in Radio and Television.

I’ve received a few accolades, including the Inside Business Top 25 Women in Business Achievement Award and the Marietta College Distinguished Alumna Award. I’ve been a featured conference speaker on Brand Journalism, Crisis and Spokesperson Training, and Communicating with Millennials.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio, and a master’s in business administration from Averett University in Danville, Va.