What drew me to this line of work started at a young age. I always knew I wanted to be in healthcare. I grew up around family members who were nurses, and I admired the care and compassion they showed others. My mother, especially, inspired me—her strength and constant encouragement pushed me to become the best version of myself, something that has stayed with me throughout my life.
As I got older, I developed a strong interest in emergency medicine. I was drawn to the fastpaced environment and the opportunity to help people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
After high school, I attended Angelo State University to pursue nursing, but after a year, I realized it was not the right fit. I returned to my hometown and soon found an EMT class being offered at the Bandera EMS station. From the moment I started, I knew I had found my calling. At the time, EMS was volunteer- based, but that didn’t matter—I wanted to serve my community.
I earned my EMT-Basic license in 2003 and began volunteering. My passion only grew from there. I later earned my paramedic license and gained invaluable experience, including working under a strong EMS director who became a mentor. She led with compassion, valued her team and showed me what true leadership looks like.
As I moved into a supervisory role, I realized leadership was a natural fit. This career has allowed me to combine my passion for helping others, my love of emergency medicine and my ability to lead with purpose.
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a woman in this field has been balancing my career with my roles as a mother and spouse. Working 24to 48-hour shifts often meant being away from my family for extended periods, while also homeschooling my children and working full-time. That balance was difficult, but my husband’s unwavering support made all the difference.
There were moments of guilt and sacrifice, but I had a strong support system that helped me navigate those challenges. Over time, I learned how to be fully present both at work and at home, which made me stronger in every role.
EMS has traditionally been a male-dominated field, but I’ve always focused on working hard, earning respect and being dependable. Another challenge came when I was promoted to supervisor at a younger age than many of those I led. I had to prove myself, build confidence in my decisions and lead effectively in high-pressure situations. I overcame these challenges by staying grounded in my values and always putting my team first.
Being a woman has reinforced the importance of compassion, teamwork and emotional strength in how I approach my work. In EMS, trust is everything. You rely heavily on your partner, often making split-second decisions that can mean the difference between life and death. I approach my work with a strong sense of responsibility—not only to my patients, but to my team.
I also feel a responsibility to uplift those around me and encourage growth. EMS is not for everyone, but for those who feel called to it, it requires resilience, compassion and a strong mindset. We experience difficult situations, and it’s important to support one another through them.
My work absolutely impacts the community, and it’s something I never take for granted. In EMS, we are there during some of the worst moments in people’s lives. They trust us to show up, take control and provide care when it matters most. That trust comes with great responsibility.
Because of that, we are committed to constant training and giving our best every day. No matter what we’re dealing with personally, we set it aside when we walk into the station. Our community deserves that.
This job also requires taking care of ourselves— physically and mentally— so we can continue to care for others. It’s a team effort, from first responders to paramedics to leadership behind the scenes. I’m grateful to be part of a strong, supportive team.
Throughout my life, I’ve faced challenges that have shaped who I am. It hasn’t been easy, but it has been worth it. I was raised to never give up, and that mindset carries into my career, my family and my leadership.
To those considering this path, my advice is to work hard, stay humble and believe in yourself. You will face challenges, but don’t let them define you. Growth comes from stepping into difficult moments.
This career also gives you perspective. It reminds you how precious life is and changes how you value your time, your family and the people around you.
As EMS Chief, I lead a team of about 50 individuals, each playing an important role. Whether this career is a stepping stone or a lifelong path, every person contributes to something bigger than themselves.
The legacy I hope to leave is one of strength, compassion and growth— building an agency rooted in respect, honesty and teamwork, and inspiring those who come after me to make it even stronger.
.png)
