Q: How long have you worked at Rice?
A: Three years.
Q: What is your favorite part about working for the university?
A: The people and location. Rice is filled with curious, thoughtful and passionate individuals. It’s a privilege to contribute to a culture that values innovation, care and personal growth.
Q: What do you want people to know about living in Houston?
A: Houston is an incredibly diverse, vibrant and welcoming city. It’s full of hidden gems, from global food to cultural experiences, and it offers opportunities for connection no matter what you’re into.
Q: What do you do in your downtime?
A: Spending time traveling and going on adventures with my family is my favorite way to recharge, especially being outdoors with my two kids, husband and parents.
Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus to show someone?
A: I’m obviously biased, but the Gibbs Recreation and Wellness Center holds a special place in my heart. It represents movement, community and vitality; but walking through the shaded paths on the inner loop under the trees is great, too. Also, Valhalla.
Q: What’s the most exciting time of year for you as it relates to Rice?
A: The start of the academic year always brings fresh energy, new students, new ideas and renewed purpose. It’s a time of reflection and momentum. It also means it’s a little closer to the cooler weather and being able to walk the campus comfortably.
Q: What’s the one thing that makes Rice special to you?
A: Rice empowers people to lead with intention. There’s a collective sense that we are here to contribute meaningfully, not just to academia, but to each other and to the world.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: Helping people take agency over their health and well-being. Whether it’s through a class, a conversation or a pilot program, I love seeing others discover what’s possible when they feel supported and capable.
Q: What are your most memorable accomplishments?
A: Personally, raising two young children while navigating leadership, growth and service at Rice has been deeply rewarding. Professionally, launching initiatives like the continuous glucose monitor pilot program, the DEXA program and expanding our health and well-being strategy campuswide have been standout moments.
Q: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
A: I love to travel and go places that put me outside my comfort zone. I love to horseback ride, scuba dive and play most sports. It’s been so fun to start teaching my kids different styles of movements and sports.
Q: What advice would you give to new employees?
A: Seek out cross-campus collaborators. Ask questions and offer help. Rice thrives when we work across boundaries.
Q: Would you share a bit about your background and career journey?
A: I’m a board-certified chiropractor with a doctorate in chiropractic medicine. I was in practice for about seven years before coming to Rice. I still maintain an active license in Texas, but wanted to help impact larger populations and be on the proactive side of health care instead of reactive. Over time, my work has expanded into health promotion, health and wellness education, and organizational health and well-being.
Q: What’s your favorite lunch spot or snack?
A: I need to create more time to sit and eat lunch, but I usually eat outside or on the go and have a protein bar and Oikos yogurt drink to get some decent, easy protein.
Q: What’s your secret talent?
A: Barrel racing.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
A: Try cultivating a journey mindset; focus less on that outcome and more on that process.
Q: If you could be Sammy the Owl for a day, what would you do?
A: I’d run to my kids’ daycare and surprise them and their classmates, crash every fitness class, give out free wellness tools, and start dance parties across campus and the Rice University area.
Q: How would you describe your experience as a Rice employee?
A: Challenging in the best way; inspiring; expansive and purpose-driven.
Q: Where do you see Rice in 25 years?
A: As a national model for integrative health and well-being, with purpose and human flourishing embedded into every layer of the student and employee experience.
Q: What’s your favorite memory from your time with Rice?
A: It’s every time I get to make a new connection and collaborate with the amazing minds on campus.
Q: Describe Rice in four words or less.
A: Curious, collaborative, human-centered and bold.
Q: What else have we not talked about yet that merits discussion?
A: The importance of seeing health as something we build together, not just something we manage individually. That shift in mindset has the power to transform both people and institutions.