Monica’s early career experiences after graduating with a B.A. in Communications include working at UPS, as a licensed insurance agent, and at the University of Missouri School of Nursing Department of Research where she helped prepare NIH grants. Returning to school to pursue a career in nursing, Monica became a Registered Nurse with a Certification in Pediatric Nursing and then completed a Master’s Degree in Leadership in Health Care Systems. She has worked in health care for over 17 years, primarily in hospital settings such as Boston Children's Hospital and Texas Children’s Hospital, where she gained both pediatric clinical competency and leadership experience. When not at work Monica enjoys spending time with her husband, Joe, their dog Henri, and her parents. Monica and Joe welcomed their first grandchildren in 2022, twin boys born to their daughter Emily and son-in-law Tommy.