• What is your profession and why did you choose it?

I am a neuropsychologist, which is someone who studies the relationship between the brain and behavior.  I chose this field because it simply fascinated me.  When I was in school obtaining my Ph.D. in clinical psychology, I started learning more about neurology and neuropsychology and quickly decided this was the field for me.
 

• How long have you owned your own business?

 I started my private practice approximately two years ago.
 

• What inspired you to own your own business?

 Although I have been a full-time clinical faculty member at Washington University School of Medicine for nearly 15 years, I decided to start a limited private practice doing medical-legal consultation and disability evaluations about 2 years ago.  My inspiration for going into private practice was my desire to use my neuropsychological and psychological experience to assist attorneys and other representatives by providing consultation services in civil litigation. I also consult with the NFL, conducting neutral neurocognitive disability evaluations for their players benefit organization, and workers compensation evaluations for nurse case managers and physicians. I have found the mix of full-time clinical work and part-time legal/forensic consultation incredibly rewarding and intellectually challenging.
 

• What might someone be surprised to know about you?

I was born in a town of 590 people.
 

• Do you have a hobby, play a sport, or have any special interests?

I enjoy weight lifting, cycling, and most other physical activities. 
 

• What job would you be terrible at?

I would not be good at any art related field.

• Who has impressed you most with what they’ve accomplished?

 Oprah.
 

• Where is the most interesting place you have visited?

Rome.  My husband and I backpacked through Rome and other Italian cities soon after we got married and it was amazing.  The Vatican, Colosseum, Sistine Chapel, and the museums were all spectacular.
 

• Do you have any advice based on your area of expertise?

Be ready for the long haul from an education standpoint.  To become a board certified neuropsychologist, a person has to obtain a Ph.D. in clinical psychology or other related field, complete a year-long internship, a 2-year-long fellowship, and then complete a 3-tier process to obtain board certification.  If you move through this training straight out of undergrad, you will be about 30 years old before you get your first job.
 

• If you could work anywhere in the world, where would you choose?

Alaska in the summers and Hawaii in the winters.
 

• How has working in a shared work space influenced your business?

I have thoroughly enjoyed working in a shared work space.  It is nice to see others working on evenings or weekends, which are the times I am typically in this office. The convenience of having someone else manage the details such as printers, the kitchen, trash removal, etc. is essential for me, given that I also work full time somewhere else. 
 

• What is your favorite restaurant from the St. Louis area?

Probably Citizen Kane’s in Kirkwood or Favazza’s on the Hill.
 

• What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives?

Volunteer.
 

• Who’s your go to band or artist when you can’t decide on something to listen to?

That is a hard one, my musical interests vary from classic jazz to top 40. Recently, I have been having fun singing Ariana Grande and Camila Cabello songs with my daughter. 

Since nicer weather is here, we thought what better way to celebrate than go out and visit the area’s best parks! There are many parks and trails in St. Louis and St. Charles that are free to the public and offer various activities for a fun day in the sun. We put together a list of the most popular parks in the area. Check it out!  
1. Forest Park

1. Where is it? 5595 Grand Drive in Forest Park St. Louis, MO 63112
2. How is it different? There are so many different things to do here! It has various landmarks, natural highlights, picnic sites, boat house with paddle boarding, kayaking, etc! There is even a spot that has chessboards set up!
3. Their website- https://forestparkmap.org/dennis-judith-jones-visitor-and-education-center
4. They are open:
   1. Summer (3/1 - 11/30)
      1. Mon.- Fri.: 6:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
      2. Sat. & Sun.: 6:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
   2. Winter (12/1 - 2/29)
      1. Mon.-Fri.: 6:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
      2. Sat. & Sun.: 6:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

1. Tower Grove Park
   1. Where is it located? 4256 Magnolia Ave, Saint Louis, MO 63110
   2. How is it different? It has 3 playgrounds and fountains, 12 tennis courts, 8 pickleball courts, 21 fields for baseball/kickball/soccer, and a farmers market! They also offer a senior program that hosts Chair Exercise, Line Dancing, and Tai Chi.
   3. Their Website: https://www.towergrovepark.org/
   4. They are open: Sunrise to sunset every day
2. Citygarden Sculpture Park
   1. Where is it located: 801 Market St, St. Louis, MO 63101
   2. How is it different? This park displays interesting sculptures alongside dining restaurants on Market Street. There are two buildings that have green roofs to capture rainwater to increase conservation efforts throughout Citygarden.
   3. Their website: http://www.citygardenstl.org/
   4. They are open: Sunrise to 10PM
3. Tilles Park
   1. Where is it located? 9551 Litzsinger Rd, St. Louis, MO 63124
   2. How is it different? It was donated by Mr. Tilles in honor of his mother. The park is mostly known for the Winter Wonderland lights display. It has 2 playgrounds, various courts, fields, fishing, and a spray fountain area for the kiddos!
   3. Website: https://www.stlouisco.com/Parks-and-Recreation/Park-Pages/Tilles
   4. Hours open: 8AM to 30 minutes past sunset
4. Suson Park
   1. Where is it located? 6073 Wells Rd, St. Louis, MO 63128
   2. What’s different about it? First purchased by Sidney Salomon, Jr. Mr. Salomon was the first owner of the St. Louis Blues hockey team. It does have a playground, fishing, fritz shelter, lakeside shelter, and a working animal farm.
   3. Website: https://www.stlouisco.com/Parks-and-Recreation/Park-Pages/Suson
   4. Hours open: 8AM to 30 minutes past sunset
5. Shaw Park
   1. Where is it located? 27 S Brentwood Blvd, Clayton, MO 63105
   2. How is it different? This is one of the oldest parks in our area. It hosts a plaza, impressive 47 acres, various gardens, playground, pavilion, picnic facilities, and Centennial Greenway.
   3. Website: https://www.claytonmo.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/16/314
   4. Hours open: 8:30-30 minutes past sunset.
6. Lafayette Park
   1. Where is it? 2023 Lafayette Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104
   2. What makes it different? There is Lafayette Park House, a beautiful lake for awesome pictures, Revolutionary War cannons, George Washington Statue, Thomas Hart Benton statue, various pavilions, and playgrounds.
   3. Website: http://lafayettepark.org/about-us/
   4. Hours: 6AM-10PM
7. Botanical Garden
   1. Where is it? 4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110
   2. What makes it different? There are 79 acres. There are some restaurants and cafes. Walk the 79 acres of splendid horticultural display and look at the 4800 trees that live there as well as the a tropical rain forest.
   3. Website: http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/
   4. Hours: 9AM-4PM
8. Frontier Park
   1. Where is it? 500 S Riverside Dr, St Charles, MO 63301
   2. What makes it different? Riverfront benches, outdoor Jaycee stage, 16 acres of greenery to have a picnic, and the iconic Lewis and Clark Statue.  
   3. Website: http://www.stcharlesparks.com/park/frontier-park/
   4. Hours: Dawn-12AM
9. Katy Trail State Park
   1. Where is it? 5901 S Highway 163 (97.08 mi) Columbia, Missouri 65203
   2. What makes it different? You can go camping, hiking, bicycling, swimming, fishing, or take a historic site tour of this 240 mile long trail.
   3. Website:  https://mostateparks.com/park/katy-trail-state-park
   4. Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
10. Katy Trail State Park
    1. Where is it? 5901 S Highway 163 (97.08 mi) Columbia, Missouri 65203
    2. What makes it different? You can go camping, hiking, bicycling, swimming, fishing, or take a historic site tour of this 240 mile long trail.
    3. Website:  https://mostateparks.com/park/katy-trail-state-park
    4. Hours: Sunrise to Sunset