In addition to her law degree from the University of Houston Law Center in Houston, Texas, Ms. Astala also holds a Master's degree in Medical Humanities from the Institute for Medical Humanities at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Her experiences and education at the Institute, including a clinical practicum at UTMB's John Sealy Hospital, gave her a new insight and appreciation for the work of physicians and health care providers, which serves her well in her current practice.