Forensic Nurse Practitioner Strangulation Expert Witness

Expert, FNP-C, MSN, SANE-A, SANE-P forensic nurse practitioner at Palomar Health and co-owner of a Private Forensic Nurses Co. Graduated with a bachelor’s degree in nursing from California State University, San Marcos, an additional bachelor’s degree in arts from San Diego State University and a Master’s degree in family nurse practitioner from Indiana State University. Past nursing experience includes emergency nursing for four years.
Presently working as a forensic nurse practitioner at Palomar Health specializing in child abuse, sexual assault and forensic physical assault. Nationally board certified as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE-A) and (SANE-P) through the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN). Nationally board certified as a family nurse practitioner through American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Serving adult and pediatric patients of sexual assault, domestic violence, strangulation, physical assault and child abuse. Dedication to forensic nursing, collaborating with a multi- disciplinary team, and focusing on providing sensitive, efficient, interdisciplinary services that ensures accurate evidence collection to promote justice.

EDUCATION

California State University, San Marcos, CA
December 2012
Bachelor of Science in Nursing

San Diego State University
December 2004
Bachelor of Arts

Indiana State University, Indiana
December 2017
Masters of Science in Nursing

PUBLICATION

August 2020, Manual Nonfatal Strangulation Assessment: For Healthcare Providers and First Responders, Second Edition. STM Learning, Inc.

CAREER HISTORY

Palomar Pomerado Health (PPH), San Diego, CA
August 2018 – Current
Forensic Nurse Practitioner
Medical and forensic assessment of child abuse in pediatric patients. Conducts forensic exams throughout the life span. Collaborates with a multidisciplinary group of professionals to develop treatment plans and referrals for acute and chronic medical conditions. Performs and analyzes laboratory tests for appropriate treatment and diagnosis. Specializing in HIV prophylaxis. Reviewing of the patient’s medical history accurately for enhanced care. Promotes a holistic wellness philosophy to encourage self-care and prevention of illness through education to adults, adolescents and young children.

Riverside County, CA. March 2014 – Current
Forensic Nurse Practitioner Examiner
Forensic nurse caring for patients of all ages of sexual assault/abuse, domestic violence, strangulation and physical assault. Working with a collaborative, multidisciplinary group of professionals to collect forensic evidence while using the nursing process and workplace safety to care for patients with emotional and physical trauma.

Palomar Pomerado Health (PPH), Escondido, CA
February 2016 – Current
Forensic Registered Nurse Examiner
Forensic nurse caring for patients of all ages of sexual assault/abuse, domestic violence, strangulation and physical assault. Working with a collaborative, multidisciplinary group of professionals to collect forensic evidence while using the nursing process and workplace safety to care for patients with emotional and physical trauma. Collection of evidence and photography of physical trauma.

Rancho Springs Medical Center, Murrieta, CA
February 2017 – December 2018
Sexual Assault/Forensic Program Director, Executive Director Circle of Safe-T, Board Member
Leadership and management in the nursing process and forensic collection; ensuring compliance to goals, objectives, strategic planning, policies and procedures. Prepare and maintain reports and clinical/forensic records. Working with a collaborative, multidisciplinary group of community professionals. Monitor critical practice indicators, identify opportunities for improvement, and guide the implementation of the action plan; analyze and maintain budget accountability; establish communication, monitor performance standards and expectations and use productive group dynamics to achieve teamwork.

Menifee Valley and Hemet Valley Medical Center (HVMC), Hemet Valley, CA
March 2013 – April 2017
Emergency Room and ICU Float Registered Nurse
Emergency room and ICU nurse in a high acuity 327-bed hospital-serving patients in an underserved community. Proficiency in leadership, the nursing process, documentation, and workplace safety.
Serving patients of all ages with immediate treatment for acute illness and trauma while focusing on excellent clinical outcomes, patient safety, and exceptional service.

Temecula Valley Hospital, Temecula, CA August 2014 – August 2015
Emergency Room Registered Nurse
Emergency room float nurse from Rancho Springs Medical Center. Providing professional nursing care to patients and families while utilizing established standards of excellence. Providing dignity and respect to all patients and team members. Team commitment and performance consistent with hospital vision, mission and strategic plan.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES

California Licensed Registered Nurse
Licensed Nurse Practitioner
National Board Certified American Academy of Nurse Practitioners-Family Nurse Practitioner
SANE-A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Adult and Adolescent
SANE-P Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Pediatric
BLS Basic Life Support
American Heart Association ECG certification
Life time certificate
American Heart Association Pharmacology
Life time certificate
Emergency Triage Certified
Life time certificate

STRANGULATION CERTIFICATIONS

Advanced Course on Strangulation: Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention, class of February 2018 Danger and Risk Assessment: Johns Hopkins School of Nursing
Strangulation Investigation Certification: Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention

TRAINER EXPERIENCE

California Clinical Forensic Medical Training Center (CCFMTC) trainer
Emergency room physicians, medical staff, and advocacy in Riverside County on strangulation assessment and protocol implementation

HONORS AND AWARDS

SART Nurse of the Year Riverside County 2017
Exceptional customer service award, Hemet Valley Hospital 2015
Raymond & Dorothy Ede Award, Tri-City Medical Center 2012
Dorothy M. Bolyard Award, San Diego Foundation 2012
Jim Beyster Health Care Award, San Diego Foundation 2012
Orange County Community Foundation: Jackson Award 2012
Vincent Trotter Health Care Award, San Diego Foundation 2012
Kaiser Permanente Academic Excellence Award 2012
Tri-City Medical Center Auxiliary, Virginia Hall Memorial 2011