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Biography

I began my career in Health Information Management (formerly called Medical Records) in 1976. I have held various positions in acute care hospitals, a rehab facility, a credentialing company and a transcription service in the states of Illinois, Florida and Colorado. My job titles have included: Director, Manager, Supervisor, Team Leader, Coordinator, Coder, and Transcriptionist. My vast experience allows me to share my knowledge of the "real world" thus enhancing textbook information.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Medical Record Administration, 1980
  Illinois State University
• Associate's Degree in Medical Record Technology, 1977
  Illinois Central College

Work Experience

• Midstate College (2006–present)
  Faculty

  I progressed from an Adjunct Faculty member to Full-time Faculty in August, 2009. I teach courses in the Health Information Technology program.

• Pekin Hospital (2001–2009)
  Senior Supervisor

  I started as the Release of Information Coordinator along with the responsbility for coding inpatient charts. I was promoted to Senior Supervisor with the responsbility of supervising all employees in the clerical division of the department including release of information and tumor registry.

• Porter Adventist Hospital (1998–2000)
  Health Information Coordinator

  I held various positions in this department including Coordinator and Site Manager. My overall responsibilities included the supervision of all clerical staff along with a contracted release of information service.

• Provenant Health Partners - St. Anthony Central and St. Anthony North (1983–1987)
  Director; Manager

  As a Director at St. Anthony North, I had the responsibility of overseeing the day to day operations of the entire medical record department in a 100 bed hospital. As the Manager at St. Anthony Central, I had responsibility for overseeing the coding section of the department.

Awards and Certifications

• RHIA, 2011

  I orginally took my registry examination in the fall of 1980 after graduating from ISU was awarded the RRA credentials. In 2004, I was not able to earn enough CEU's and my credential was revoked by AHIMA. My job did not require the credentials so I took the lazy road. After coming to Midstate, I wanted to get back on track with my professional path so I retook the exam in summer of 2011 and was once again awarded my RHIA. Moral of the story, earn it and keep it. You deserve those credentials!