In 1993, I graduated from Ferris State University with an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Records Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management. At the conclusion of my internship at Mercy Hospital in Muskegon, I was hired as clerical staff. By the end of the year, I was asked to establish and oversee the Cancer Registry. I became a certified Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) in October of 1994. Two years later, I moved to Hastings after accepting a position at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, as lead registrar. After 2 ½ years working in the cancer registry, I became a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) in September 1997. In 1999, I accepted a position with the Michigan Cancer Surveillance Program as a Quality Improvement Field Representative. With my current position, I have had opportunities to travel throughout the U.S., which I would probably not do otherwise. I enjoy listening to books on tape, refinishing furniture, cooking, quilting, camping and spending time with my family.