After several years as a practicing podiatrist in northwest Iowa, she returned to Des Moines to teach at DMU and practice at the school’s Foot and Ankle Clinic. In 2017, she established Foot & Ankle Center of Iowa with her husband, Dr. Paul Dayton, with a focus on research and development of innovative techniques for foot and ankle surgery.

Dr. Dayton is board-certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery in foot surgery and reconstructive rearfoot/ankle surgery. She’s a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and has co-authored many peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters and presented numerous local and regional lectures. She and her husband have teamed up to earn national awards for research posters and manuscripts.

She has a strong track record of serving on many universities, local and national committees, including president and board member of the Iowa Podiatric Medical Association and committees of the American Podiatric Medical Association, and the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. While at DMU, she has been honored on several occasions for her service to DMU-CPMS, including receiving the Distinguished Scholar Faculty Award and Clinical Faculty of the Year.

When Dr. Dayton isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children. Reflecting their passion for food and wine, she and her husband own and run WineStyles Ankeny. She also likes to garden, attend the theater, and travel.