I grew up in a small town in western NY and came from a family of mechanics. As a teenager, I loved working on cars with my dad and my uncle on the weekends. When I graduated from high school, I moved to Charlotte, NC so I could be immersed in NASCAR racing country. I went to college and graduated with a degree in automotive technology. I worked as a mechanic in dealerships and a performance shop. I worked parts counters at a local speed shop and at a Harley Davidson dealer. I bought my first motorcycle in 2005 and learned how to ride. Then I became interested in collision repair and started working in a collision shop. In 2008, the recession hit the automotive industry hard. Jobs were scarce, so I decided to go back to college to study nursing. Healthcare didn’t seem to be affected by the economy, people always need care. I graduated nursing school and worked in a busy emergency room for a year. Then I transitioned into the operating room. The operating room was much like working in a shop. We used technologically advanced equipment, hardware and tools (“instruments”). I felt right at home and I realized my skills in automotive technology actually helped me become a better OR nurse. I cared for many patients in the ER and OR who were victims of motor vehicle and motorcycle accidents, falls, work injuries and other forms of trauma. I advocated for accident victims working in the collision shops and also as a nurse. I saw how injuries can be life changing. I understand the role insurance companies play and the challenges people face with insurance coverage. I wanted to do more to help people with these challenges. I realized I could do that as a legal nurse consultant. From the repair shops to the ER, the OR and now as a legal nurse consultant, I will continue to advocate for people who have been injured.