My Story

I have been learning about and tasting wines for over 25 years. I have passed the initial examination by the Court of Master Sommelier's, and I am currently studying for the 2nd exam. I am also enrolled in Cornell University's Wine Making certificate program where I will be learning everything from developing a wine production plan, to vineyard operations, site selection for vineyard establishment, and challenges and developments for modern viticulture practices. 

When I'm not reading about, discussing, or tasting wines, I am mom to my 16-year-old daughter Maggie, my 11-year-old pup Max, my 3-year-old kitten Milo, and our 1-year-old kitten Frankie. I'm a 10-time full marathoner and am working full-time for UnitedHealthcare as a Physician Assistant/Clinical Consultant providing medical determinations in the member appeals department since 2018. Prior to this, I was in clinical practice for 15 years (predominately in the field of vascular surgery). I am a current medical editor for DynaMed, a current part-time hospitalist (covering the medical service of a local University of Pennsylvania affiliate hospital, remotely), adjunct faculty for West Chester University's PA program, founder of Clapperboard Consulting LLC: providing medical accuracy consultative services for writers, publishers, producers, directors, set designers, and advertising agencies, www.clapperboardconsulting.com, and also a founding partner and co-owner of The Working Mom, LLC with my best friend Dr. Adrienne Towsen, www.TheWorkingMom.us.  Our vision is to engage with all of the incredible women in the world who strive every day to find the balance between working outside of the home and raising a family. 

Despite all of my work, the desire to learn more about wine has always been more than a hobby. When you think of how the same grape can be transformed into something unique as it grows in different locations, it makes the experience more of a vacation. You are in essence tasting the terroir (which is a term used to describe all of the characteristics that create the varietal, such as: the environment, the climate, and the soil composition). It is travel in a glass. 

Food and wine have a special ability to bring people together. I often find this in my own life, and I hope you will find that this website and its opportunities feel just as warm and welcoming.

Stay tuned for upcoming courses, guest lectures, and educational blogs!

Xoxo, Lisa.