I graduated from SIUE in 2002 with a degree in Biological Sciences and teacher certification. After teaching high school chemistry and coaching volleyball and track, I decided in 2005 to return to SIU School of Dental Medicine to pursue a career in dentistry. In 2009 I graduated with my DMD degree. I am currently practicing both in St. Louis, MO and Collinsville, IL.
I agreed to serve on the Homecoming committee because my mom, Debbie Rathert, had previously been on the committee and had a really great time. She encouraged me to get involved, and so I took her advice. Since I continue to live in Edwardsville, seeing SIUE succeed and integrate into the local community is especially relevant to me.
Coming up with a favorite memory from my time at SIUE is tough since I had so many positive experiences. Probably most important to me is that I was able to make some lifelong friends through the Chancellor’s Scholar program. I fondly remember the fall retreats we took to Rend Lake. We always had a good time, and I still keep in touch with several of my friends that I got to know better on those trips.
