She received her Ph.D. in Health Services Organization and Policy with an emphasis in finance in 2004 from the University of Michigan. She also holds a Master's degree in Applied Economics from the University of Michigan. Prior to pursuing her Ph.D., she worked as a senior accountant and auditor at Deloitte and Touche, LLP in Chicago, Illinois. Her research interests include mental health financing policy; financial management of health care organizations; and understanding the business case for quality.