I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. My parents are from Chile and permanently made Puerto Rico their home in 1961. I finished high school in Puerto Rico in 1986 before attending the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor for my undergraduate studies, graduating in 1990. I then went to the University of Iowa for dental school, graduating in 1994. I remained at the University of Iowa for a residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry, which I completed in 1995.
I have aspired to be a dentist since the 8th grade, when I participated in a school project for career week. The project required me to interview three individuals with different careers. I interviewed a rural veterinarian, a hospitalist internal medicine physician (my godfather), and my hometown general dentist. Initially, I was interested in becoming a veterinarian, but after interviewing the three professionals, I was most drawn to what my dentist had to say about his profession. He was extremely happy being a dentist, enjoying his work-life balance, helping people, and not having to deliver devastating news to patients. He mentioned that every day brought different challenges and that he was always excited to go to work. Now in his late 70s, he still practices part-time at his daughter's dental office. I shadowed him numerous times during high school, and like him, I have come to love all aspects of general dentistry.
I like to engage in a wide range of activities outside of the dental practice, pursuing hobbies such as hiking, playing the piano, and reading. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I have two dogs: Sadie, a 15-year-old Border Collie-Labrador mix who weighs 47 pounds, and Zoey, an eight-year-old German Shepherd weighing about 75 pounds. Sadie was an amazing hiker, but she hasn't hiked for two years now due to a decline in her stamina. Zoey has since become my hiking companion, while Sadie relaxes at home.
