About Me...

My childhood was marked by frequent moves across the globe:

I was born in the Netherlands (Holland). When I was 3 years old we moved to Suriname. When I was 7 years old we left Suriname to move to Michigan where I went to first and second grade and learned English. Already at this age I was developing an interest in nature and science. Then we spent four years in Trinidad and I attended Standard 3 to Form 2 in the British system. During these years I continued to be fascinated by science and even received a student microscope from my grandfather as a birthday present. When I was twelve the family moved once more to Michigan and I was able to do my four years of high school in one place before my family moved on to England. 

My young adulthood was marked by a very prolonged educational journey as student and teacher:

I spent four years going to college at Andrews University in Michigan where I obtained a BSc in Biology. While a college student I worked in the biology department green house and laboratories. I was lab assistant for Animal Physiology, Human Physiology, Plant Physiology, Cell Physiology, and Genetics. I already knew I was very interested in teaching.

Next, I spent nine years at Loma Linda University in California where I was one of the first five students who enrolled in a brand new program called The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). This program was designed to turn out professionals with both an MD and PhD degree who would be able to carry out clinical research. I got my PhD in Biochemistry in 1991 and my MD degree in 1992. While in Loma Linda I also met and married (my ex-husband) Graeme Lindbeck who was doing his postdoctoral fellowship while I was getting my PhD. (Graeme Lindbeck also teaches at Valencia)

In 1992 we moved to Florida. I spent the first 4 years at Florida Hospital in Orlando (now called Advent Health Orlando) working at the Family Practice Residency - for three years as a resident and for one year as a faculty member. When my daughter Erica was born in 1996 I quit medicine so I could "have a life" and enjoy being a mother to my wonderful daughter. Soon after that I began teaching part-time at Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences (now called Adventist University of Health Sciences). I taught an introductory course in general, organic and biochemistry to nursing students for four years. During the last two years I was also part of a team that taught physical assessment to nursing students.

In 2001 I started teaching at Valencia Community College (now called Valencia College). During the first two years I was an adjunct teaching only Biology of Human Sexuality. Now I am full time and also teaching Human Anatomy & Physiology. I enjoy the students and subjects that I teach at Valencia and feel that I have found the place where I belong.



Me starting Kindergarten 1967
BSc Graduation 
1983
MD
Graduation
1992
Presenting my research as a poster at the ASM Annual Meeting - 1990
In scrubs & white coat 1994 - On call 
during Christmas party at residency
Erica & myself - 1996