A native of South Burlington, VT., Ariel graduated from Wellesley College with a major in music but changed her career goal from being a professional singer to a physician after her first trip to Ghana, West Africa. As a medical student, she has continued her interest in global health and has been a vocal coach, among her many volunteer activities. During her final year of medical school, she and her husband welcomed their son into their lives. She enjoys West African dance and daily walks with her dog, Sasha.