She is originally from Toronto, Canada, however grew up in Silver Spring, MD. She attended Howard University where she received her Physician Assistant degree in 2007. Since completing her degree, Desiree has worked in a variety of clinical settings including primary care, adolescent medicine and college health. Before joining AU, Desiree practiced at the Howard University Student Health Center, Brooklyn College Student Health Center, and provided primary care to middle and high-school students in the school-based health centers of Upper Manhattan and the Bronx.