Valerie graduated Graceland University with her Masters of Science in Nursing with a Specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner in December of 2018.  In addition, she is board certified through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.  Valerie began her career as an Registered Nurse in 2004 with experience in OB, Emergency Medicine and Medical/Surgical before entering the field of oncology.   Quickly after joining Cancer Center of Kansas in 2008, she found her passion was with oncology.

Valerie is a native of Independence Kansas and enjoys being active in her community serving on several committees such as Hannah’s House (woman’s shelter), Forpaz (Independence Park and Zoo), Can We Talk (school mentoring program) and the Neewollah festivals committees.  Valerie is a founder of SEK Cancer Support Group, a local chapter supported by Victory in the Valley that meets monthly with cancer patients and survivors.  In 2017 Valerie was awarded the Soroptimist Impact Award, w which recognizes an individual who works to advance the status of women in their community.  She actively works in her community to promote health care and cancer awareness through serving as the keynote speaker at several community events.