She was born and raised in Minnesota and obtained her undergraduate degree in Spanish and Biology at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota in Winona, MN. She then decided to take a break from the Minnesota winters while obtaining her Master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Florida. After graduating in 2016, Valerie practiced as a Hospitalist/Internal Medicine provider at Mayo Clinic. Her professional interests include pediatrics, caring for critically ill or injured patients, and internal medicine. Outside of work she enjoys running, traveling, baking and cake decorating, and spending time with family and friends.