Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Valerie completed her Master's Degree in Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2003. Her career began within the Division of Female Urology at the Mayo Clinic Urology Department in Rochester, Minnesota, focusing on Women's Health, Female Urology and Neuro-urology. She then transitioned to become a Mayo Clinic Dermatology Physician Assistant in 2006 where she treated patients in the Community, Executive Health, Cosmetic and General Dermatology clinics. 

Before PA school, she attended college at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota. Following a long-standing desire to live on the West Coast, she moved to Seattle in 2009.  Since living in Seattle, she has been involved in her local schools, church and Magnolia community in addition to her professional career.

Valerie originally developed a passion for Dermatology because of its visual nature along with the combination medical knowledge, hands-on procedures, cosmetic treatments, and connection to patients.  Understanding the impact of many skin conditions, she has enjoyed the ability to significantly improve the quality of life of her patients. Psoriasis, Eczema, adult and teenage Acne and Skin Cancer are conditions of particular interest for Valerie.

In her career as a Dermatology Physician Assistant, she has enjoyed both the medical and aesthetic components of Dermatology. She enjoys creating individualized anti-aging "roadmaps" with her patients to slow the effects of aging in a way that looks natural and feels healthy.  She has a long history of treating patients with Botox and Xeomin and uses this in combination with laser treatments and prescription products to help balance the aging process. 

She has spent her career treating children, teens and adult patients.  Being a mom of teens herself, she especially enjoys tweens, teens and college-aged patients. She values the opportunity to spend time with all of her patients and to provide quality patient education. 

When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, especially her children.  She feels privileged to be living in the PNW, and takes every opportunity to explore this enchanting corner of the US.  She also enjoys travel beyond this region, experiencing new cultures and exploring the world's natural wonders.  In the summer, you can find her doing anything on or in the water during her free time, especially SUP and kayaking. She also enjoys hiking, skiing, photography and has a budding interest in geology. She also loves pickleball and hopes it does not impact her tennis game too significantly!