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about april

This page is written for viewers who wish to learn more about the author of this website. It is written as a narrative to help my readers know where I’ve been and where I hope to be, both professionally and personally.

I grew up in the beautiful rolling hills of New Hampshire. My parents owned and operated a children’s arts camp. In the summers my family grew from, Mom, Dad, one sister, two brothers, to a much larger family, encompassing the camp community of counselors and campers. I’m making the family analogy, because that is how close we became, living and playing together all summer long. It was ideal. However, it also conditioned me to a forever changing environment. Every summer a new set of people and circumstance would come together creating a unique experience for all involved. For me, in large part, it made me who I am today.

New Hampshire Lake

With both of my parents being educators, I grew up knowing the importance of education, for both career development, as well as, personal growth. With all my years of education, I have come to realize, it is not so much what you learned in school that matters, as it is, the lessons you took with you, after graduation. Personally, I enjoyed school by itself. I remember a friend once asked me “Why are you taking Calculus IV?” I did it because I was good at it and I enjoyed it. At the time, I had no real future goals in mind. (oh, to be young!) I loved learning new things, discussing new ideas. After getting my PhD in Nutritional Sciences I took a post-doctoral fellowship with MD Anderson Cancer Research Center in Smithville, Texas. It was there that I began to realize research was not the career choice for me. I wanted a more “hands on” career. I do not regret my education. Matter of fact, I feel quite the opposite. The pursuit of any subject to its fullest, holds merit. I would not be practicing to the fullest of my potential, without it. My first-hand knowledge of research has given me perspective on the daily practice of medicine. Similar to doing math in your head first, and then checking it with a calculator, I consider a research study, based on my past experience, before considering the validity of the study’s results. I believe we all do this, whether or not, we have a formal education, or not. We build upon our past knowledge. I am fortunate enough to have been given the opportunity to pursue my intellect to its highest potential. By combining this knowledge with my practical experience, I am a better practitioner for it.


April and Dad at graduation

In September 2001, I got the news that NYC was attacked, 100’s of people died. I was born in Queens, Jackson Heights. It hit home for me. That day I went into my office and closed the doors. As I listened to the News, I began applying to CRNA school and changed my life. At that time, in addition to doing research, I was pursuing endurance sports including cycling, running and swimming. I also enjoyed dancing and went to several dance competitions around the country. Needless to say, I traveled a lot. I wanted to pursue a career that fit my lifestyle, as well as, challenge me intellectually. Lucky for me, Texas Wesleyan, who prides itself on accepting alternative students, accepted me. Being an older than the average student, made the learning experience, I had there, more poignant then it would have been if I went to anesthesia school at a younger age.


April Cycling
April kayaking


My first job out of school was at the same facility I did my clinicians at while in school. I knew all the anesthesiologists. Most of the CRNAs were in my class. It was a great group with lots of opportunity to grow into a well practiced clinician. However, two years into that practice, management changed. CRNAs were “downsized”. Several CRNAs left at once, leaving those who stayed, understaffed and dissatisfied. Overnight, the work environment changed, from good to borderline unbearable. I’ve seen this same scenario play out again and again, till it becomes a part of anesthesia practice. I call it “the politics of anesthesia.” However, this being my first experience, I stayed. I watched as the Anesthesia Department hired more and more travelers. I began to see the advantages of working as a 1099 employee vs. W-2. These CRNAS were professional, confident, and most importantly happy with their career and life style. The majority of them were easy going and highly skilled in both anesthesia care and interpersonal relationships. Now, after 10 years of contracting out, my anesthesia skills, I’ve learned, one of the reasons I travel is, no “politics.” Also, traveling has given me an opportunity to work with a multitude of amazing anesthesiologists--more than had I stayed with the same group for those ten years after graduating. These colleges have been instrumental in teaching me the many decision-making skills I use today. As a CRNA, I continue to learn from the diverse MD community as I move around the country.


Group of cyclists
April in Tahiti

This page is written for viewers who wish to learn more about the author of this website. It is written as a narrative to help my readers know where I’ve been and where I hope to be, both professionally and personally.

I grew up in the beautiful rolling hills of New Hampshire. My parents owned and operated a children’s arts camp. In the summers my family grew from, Mom, Dad, one sister, two brothers, to a much larger family, encompassing the camp community of counselors and campers. I’m making the family analogy, because that is how close we became, living and playing together all summer long. It was ideal. However, it also conditioned me to a forever changing environment. Every summer a new set of people and circumstance would come together creating a unique experience for all involved. For me, in large part, it made me who I am today.


New Hampshire Lake
April's Graduation day

With both of my parents being educators, I grew up knowing the importance of education, for both career development, as well as, personal growth. With all my years of education, I have come to realize, it is not so much what you learned in school that matters, as it is, the lessons you took with you, after graduation. Personally, I enjoyed school by itself. I remember a friend once asked me “Why are you taking Calculus IV?” I did it because I was good at it and I enjoyed it. At the time, I had no real future goals in mind. (oh, to be young!) I loved learning new things, discussing new ideas. After getting my PhD in Nutritional Sciences I took a post-doctoral fellowship with MD Anderson Cancer Research Center in Smithville, Texas. It was there that I began to realize research was not the career choice for me. I wanted a more “hands on” career. I do not regret my education. Matter of fact, I feel quite the opposite. The pursuit of any subject to its fullest, holds merit. I would not be practicing to the fullest of my potential, without it. My first-hand knowledge of research has given me perspective on the daily practice of medicine. Similar to doing math in your head first, and then checking it with a calculator, I consider a research study, based on my past experience, before considering the validity of the study’s results. I believe we all do this, whether or not, we have a formal education, or not. We build upon our past knowledge. I am fortunate enough to have been given the opportunity to pursue my intellect to its highest potential. By combining this knowledge with my practical experience, I am a better practitioner for it.


In September 2001, I got the news that NYC was attacked, 100’s of people died. I was born in Queens, Jackson Heights. It hit home for me. That day I went into my office and closed the doors. As I listened to the News, I began applying to CRNA school and changed my life. At that time, in addition to doing research, I was pursuing endurance sports including cycling, running and swimming. I also enjoyed dancing and went to several dance competitions around the country. Needless to say, I traveled a lot. I wanted to pursue a career that fit my lifestyle, as well as, challenge me intellectually. Lucky for me, Texas Wesleyan, who prides itself on accepting alternative students, accepted me. Being an older than the average student, made the learning experience, I had there, more poignant then it would have been if I went to anesthesia school at a younger age.


My first job out of school was at the same facility I did my clinicians at while in school. I knew all the anesthesiologists. Most of the CRNAs were in my class. It was a great group with lots of opportunity to grow into a well practiced clinician. However, two years into that practice, management changed. CRNAs were “downsized”. Several CRNAs left at once, leaving those who stayed, understaffed and dissatisfied. Overnight, the work environment changed, from good to borderline unbearable. I’ve seen this same scenario play out again and again, till it becomes a part of anesthesia practice. I call it “the politics of anesthesia.” However, this being my first experience, I stayed. I watched as the Anesthesia Department hired more and more travelers. I began to see the advantages of working as a 1099 employee vs. W-2. These CRNAS were professional, confident, and most importantly happy with their career and life style. The majority of them were easy going and highly skilled in both anesthesia care and interpersonal relationships. Now, after 10 years of contracting out, my anesthesia skills, I’ve learned, one of the reasons I travel is, no “politics.” Also, traveling has given me an opportunity to work with a multitude of amazing anesthesiologists--more than had I stayed with the same group for those ten years after graduating. These colleges have been instrumental in teaching me the many decision-making skills I use today. As a CRNA, I continue to learn from the diverse MD community as I move around the country.


April cycling
April Kayaking


Group of Cyclists
April in Tahiti

I have been blessed and will always be grateful for those who helped me along the way. Now, I would like to give back to the community of people who made me who I am. This includes friends, family, and colleges. I am building this website with my good friend MaryBeth, in hopes of bringing people I’ve met and will meet together. I would like to create an educational and safe place for CRNAs and Anesthesia groups to work together towards solving the staffing shortage crisis. It is my hope that ideas can be shared and exchanged openly for the benefit of all involved.