She graduated from Villanova University in 2003 (#NovaNation) with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. While working as a Neonatal Intensive Care nurse at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, she earned a Master’s of Science in Nursing from Penn as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in 2005—specializing in working with children and families. She earned a Doctorate of Philosophy in Nursing from Penn in 2009, and was selected as the University’s inaugural Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellow immediately upon completion of the degree.