|
|
||||||
|
|
|
|||||
WHO YOU'LL MEET FIRSTShepherd Center's team approach begins with a call to our Admissions
Department. Within 24 hours of your call, a member of our admissions team
will be dispatched to the referring hospital to meet with family members
and perform an admissions assessment of the patient.
Meet our Team of Admissions Liaisons
Click on name or picture to read more about our admissions liaisons
Email: kathy_slonaker@shepherd.org
Coverage areas: Metro Atlanta area; North Georgia; Tennessee; South Alabama and Florida. Perry Ann Williams has been an admissions liaison at Shepherd Center since 1998. She has worked in case management and healthcare marketing since 1982. Her educational and clinical background is in the areas of rehabilitation counseling and vocational evaluation. Perry Ann first began working with persons with acquired brain injury and spinal cord injury in 1988. After working for general rehabilitation hospitals in Colorado and Georgia, Perry Ann chose to join Shepherd Center due to the unparalleled resources, staff expertise, and continuum of care the organization offers patients and their families. "It's a privilege to educate and advocate for persons with acquired brain injury and spinal cord injuries," Perry Ann says. "Having worked in multiple rehab hospitals throughout my career, I now witness the difference in specialized care. I strive to communicate these differences to physicians, case managers, payors, patients and families." Perry Ann and her husband enjoy living in the heart of Atlanta and taking advantage of the diverse activities of an urban, metropolitan area. She enjoys hiking, kayaking and relaxing on the beach.
Coverage area: Middle Tennessee (Nashville area); Eastern Tennessee (Knoxville and Chattanooga); Tri-cities area (Kingsport, Bristol, and Johnson City); and Asheville, N.C., including the following hospitals: Vanderbilt University Medical Center; University of Tennessee Medical Center; Erlanger Medical Center; Holston Valley Medical Center; Bristol Regional Medical Center; Johnson City Medical Center; and Mission St. Joseph's Hospital. Debbie Westbrook joined Shepherd Center in 2007 as an admissions liaison. Her home office is located in Chattanooga, Tenn. Before joining Shepherd Center, Debbie worked for six years as a medical case manager and provided mental health counseling in individual and group settings. “My job allows me to connect with families and offer an opportunity that can change a person’s life,” Debbie said. “I enjoy crisis counseling and providing services to those in traumatic or life-changing situations.” Debbie earned a bachelor’s degree in social work at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, and a master’s degree in social work at East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, backpacking and biking. She also enjoys traveling, playing soccer and spending time with her husband.
Marilyn Freeman's coverage area is metro Atlanta. She began working at Shepherd Center in 1991 in the Day Program for people with acquired brain injuries at Shepherd Pathways. Marilyn is also responsible for performing clinical evaluations of patients who live at home and are seeking post-acute brain injury services at Shepherd Center. Marilyn's clinical background includes years of case management at acute care and rehabilitation hospitals. "I love seeing the progress that patients make at Shepherd Center and after discharge," she says. "It is so rewarding to know that I have assisted in the process to allow them to come to Shepherd. Patients frequently come back to visit or send letters with milestones in their lives. They truly become part of the Shepherd Center family." In her free time, Marilyn enjoys aerobics, walking, reading and being with friends and family.
Erin Cunning has been a clinical liaison with Shepherd Center since 2007. She is responsible for evaluating patients who are considering an admission to Shepherd Center’s Day Program for spinal cord injury. Prior to joining Shepherd Center, Erin worked for six years as a social worker in the Emergency Room and Trauma Intensive Care Unit at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. While in that position, Erin also assisted a Trauma/Critical Care surgeon at Grady Memorial and the CDC in a research project focusing on the role alcohol plays in traumatic injuries. While at Grady Memorial, Erin often referred patients with spinal cord or brain injuries to Shepherd Center once they were ready for rehabilitation. “I came to work at Shepherd Center because of the positive impact it had on the patients and their families. Shepherd helped them regain control, hope and life after their injuries.” Erin earned her Masters of Social Work from the University of Georgia. One of the things she enjoys most about working in the healthcare field is witnessing the resilience people show when faced with a traumatic or life-changing situation. In her spare time, Erin likes to play basketball, swim and watch hockey. She also enjoys spending time with her family and taking trips to the mountains.
Coverage area: Western Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Kentucky and Missouri, including the following hospitals: The Regional Medical Center at Memphis; LeBonheur Children's Hospital; Jackson-Madison County General Hospital; and North Mississippi Medical Center. Dana Kobler has been an admissions liaison with Shepherd Center since 2003. Prior to joining Shepherd Center, Dana worked as a speech-language pathologist. Most of her clinical career has been in the acute rehabilitation setting, working with adults and adolescents with neurogenic communication disorders. Her interest in working with people who have suffered catastrophic injuries and passion for providing excellent care led her to work for Shepherd Center. "I enjoy meeting patients and their families and having the opportunity to educate them on the need for specialized services for persons with brain and spinal cord injuries," she says. "Often, the admissions liaison is the first person to sit down with a family and let them know what to expect from the rehabilitation phase to taking their loved one home. I am able to continue this relationship after they return home through my work with the Marcus Community Bridge Program at Shepherd Center." Dana has four children ranging in age from eight years to three months. She also enjoys traveling with her family and practicing yoga in her spare time.
Admissions Liaison, Shepherd Center Email: theresa_defilippis@shepherd.orgCoverage area: Virginia; Maryland; West Virginia; Washington, D.C. and Delaware. Theresa DeFilippis joined Shepherd Center in 2004 and worked primarily as a therapist before joining Shepherd’s admissions team in 2007. While at Shepherd Center, she has worked with spinal cord injured patients in the Day Program, as well as patients with a dual diagnosis of spinal cord and brain injury. Theresa also worked in Shepherd Center’s Marcus Community Bridge Program, helping to make sure that the skills patients learn during rehabilitation are applied at home and in their community. In that role, she helped coordinate equipment needs, arrange for follow-up care and assist patients with returning to work or school. Based in Baltimore, Md., Theresa is responsible for evaluating patients in the mid-Atlantic region. Prior to joining Shepherd Center, Theresa worked as a recreational therapist for 12 years in a variety of healthcare settings, including programs serving persons with AIDS, mental illness and substance abuse problems. She developed the first JCAHO-accredited AIDS Dementia Program in the country and went on to direct a grant for the New York State Department of Health in Manhattan. Theresa is also educated and trained in acupuncture and Chinese medicine. “I like helping people overcome the challenges of returning to the life they enjoyed prior to their injury or illness,” she said. “The staff members at Shepherd Center are extremely dedicated to caring for patients and their families through such a difficult time. When I come to work each day, I feel fortunate that I chose a career in healthcare.” In her free time, Theresa enjoys sports and exercising, including strength training and boxing. She and her husband enjoy spending time together on home and garden projects, and like traveling and exploring new places.
Covers Atlanta metro area, including the following hospitals: Atlanta Medical Center; Gwinnett Medical Center; Piedmont Hospital; Crawford Long Hospital; Select Specialty Hospital; North Fulton Hospital; and Dekalb Medical Center. Laura worked at Shepherd Center as a rehabilitation nurse from 1984 – 1995 in several clinical areas, including the ICU, the Spinal Cord Injury Unit and several outpatient clinics. After working with a urologist for several years, Laura joined Shepherd Center again in 2004 as an admissions liaison. "The best part of my job is being able to offer families the services that Shepherd Center can offer," she says. "We can take patients from the ICU and bring them back to their communities." In her free time, Laura enjoys reading and participating in outdoor sports, including running, swimming and cycling.
Coverage area: North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia, including the following hospitals: Medical University of South Carolina; Palmetto Richland Hospital; McLeod Regional Medical Center; Spartanburg Regional Medical Center; Greenville Hospital System; Carolinas Medical Center; New Hanover Regional Medical Center; Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center; University of North Carolina Hospital; Duke University Medical Center; Wake Medical Center; Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center and Inova Fairfax Hospital. Jenny Hall began working as an admissions liaison at Shepherd Center in 2005. Her home office is located Charlotte, NC. Her clinical background includes several years as an ICU nurse and admissions evaluator in acute care and rehabilitation hospitals in the southeast and in Maine. "Working at Shepherd Center has allowed me to combine all the positive aspects of previous jobs I've held through the years," she says. "When I toured Shepherd Center during the interview process, the positive spirit among all the people within its walls struck me. Patients and staff alike have an amazing energy that can only come from being a part of such a highly specialized program that stays true to its mission of helping people with injuries and illnesses to achieve their goals. Shepherd has exceeded every hope and expectation I have had for support and encouragement while allowing me to perform a job that truly changes lives. I am proud to be a part of the Shepherd Center family, and I am excited about spreading the good news throughout the territory entrusted to me." In her spare time, Jenny enjoys spending time at her family's home at Edisto Beach, SC as often as possible. When she's not traveling, she also enjoys running, reading, studying religion, shopping, and meeting new people.
Coverage area: Atlanta Metro area, including the following hospitals: Grady Memorial Hospital; Emory University Hospital; Northside Hospital; St. Joseph's Hospital; Kindred Hospital, Columbus Regional Hospital; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta; Emory Eastside Medical Center; Henry Medical Center; and Southern Regional Hospital. Dorea Fowler began working at Shepherd Center in 1991 as a nurse in the Spinal Cord Injury Unit, including several years as Program Nurse for Shepherd Center's Spinal Cord Injury Day Program. Dorea has also taught training courses on spinal cord injury for patients, families and staff members at Shepherd Center. "I enjoy my job because I can honestly say what the rehab experience will be like," she says. "I have worked at Shepherd Center for so long because I really believe in our product. I sleep well at night because I know that we are true to our goal of spinal cord injury and brain injury rehabilitation." In her personal life, Dorea is busy with her two young girls. She enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, camping, rafting and cycling.
Coverage area: Florida, including the following hospitals: Orlando Regional Medical Center; Tampa General Hospital; Lakeland Regional Medical Center; St. Mary’s Medical Center; Broward General Medical Center; Delray Medical Center; Lee Memorial Medical Center; Jackson Memorial Hospital; Miami Children’s Hospital; Bay Medical Center; Gulf Coast Medical Center; Tallahassee Memorial Hospital; Bayfront Medical Center; Florida Hospital Orlando; Holmes Regional Medical Center; Shands UF Medical Center; Shands Jacksonville Medical Center; Sacred Heart Hospital; Baptist Hospital; and Halifax Medical Center. Jaime Hoffman joined Shepherd Center as an admissions liaison in 2006. Her home office is located in Tampa, Florida. Prior to joining Shepherd Center, Jaime worked for Craig Hospital in Colorado as an inpatient family service counselor on the spinal cord injury and dual diagnosis (spinal cord and traumatic brain injury) teams. She completed graduate school at Florida International University in Miami, where she interned in the intensive care units at South Miami Hospital. After graduation she began as a level one trauma center social worker who engaged in rehabilitation planning for patients in the Orlando Regional Medical Center neuroscience and surgical trauma intensive care units. “I became so fascinated with the physical and emotional recovery continuum within catastrophic injury survivors that my focus eventually turned to the rehabilitation setting,” Jaime said. “I am humbled every day by what I witness. The hope, faith and determination that patients and their families demonstrate is like nothing I have ever seen. It is rewarding to have the opportunity to educate families during the initial phases of the injury and show them what Shepherd Center has to offer.”
Coverage area: North Georgia; Augusta, Ga.; and portions of Alabama and Florida, including the following hospitals: North Georgia Medical Center; Medical College of Georgia; University Medical Center; and Huntsville Hospital. Sheryl Hope began working at Shepherd Center in 2005. Her home office is located in Dawsonville, Georgia. Sheryl has worked in the healthcare field for two decades. The majority of her professional focus has been related to working in the area of admissions for highly reputable neurorehabilitation facilities, including Learning Services Corporation – Post Acute Neurorehabilitation Facility; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Brain/Spinal Cord Injury Inpatient Rehab Unit; and Emory Healthcare System's Center for Rehabilitation Medicine. Sheryl has served as a medical social worker, a clinical case manager, admissions liaison, assisted living administrator and an admissions manager. "I am a helper by nature and I seek out opportunities to work with people who are looking for assistance," she says. "It is so rewarding to know that I've played a small part in assisting a person and his or her support system along the path to recovery. I just want to make a difference." In her free time, Sheryl enjoys reading historical fiction novels and spending time with her pets. She also enjoys caring for, improving, and seasonally decorating her home. Sheryl also collects CDs and enjoys listening to diverse styles of music.
Colleen McCrory serves as a liaison between Shepherd Center and the workers’ compensation industry, including carriers, third-party administrators and case management firms. Keeping the needs of the workers’ compensation community in mind, Colleen works to improve outcomes and the cost effectiveness of services for newly-injured patients and people in the community who are at risk for complications following an injury. Her efforts have led to many collaborative projects that focus on developing long-term health management and functional restoration strategies, as well as protocols for referring patients to appropriate clinical trials, optimizing prospects for return to work, and continuing education for adjusters and case managers using Web-based technologies. “We hope that the workers’ compensation community will embrace the value of working with Shepherd Center as a strategic business partner to improve outcomes for these types of patients, whether they are newly injured, or residing in the community,” she said. “As an organization, we are intent on making the admission and communication process as user friendly as possible.” In 2005 Colleen helped Shepherd Center launch its National Workers’ Compensation Advisory Board, which is comprised of representatives from the workers’ compensation industry from around the country. The board works to improve the design and delivery of services to work comp patients with catastrophic injuries. The board also receives educational updates about the latest outcomes, measurement trends, research, and clinical advances that could impact how and where services are delivered in the future. Colleen has been a member of Shepherd Center’s marketing team since 2001. Previously she worked for several years in the managed care industry negotiating hospital contracts. Colleen holds bachelor’s degrees in biology and mass communication from Mercer University in Macon, Ga., as well as a master’s degree in business administration from Mercer University’s Atlanta campus. In her free time, Colleen enjoys mountain biking, trail running, kayaking and traveling.
Email: julie_leighton@shepherd.org Coverage area:Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and New York, including the following hospitals: Massachusetts General Hospital; Brigham and Women’s Hospital; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Children’s Hospital of Boston; Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center; Fletcher Allen Medical Center; Baystate Medical Center; University of Massachusetts and Memorial Medical Center; Rhode Island Hospital; Hasbro Children’s Hospital; Albany Medical Center; Upstate (NY) Medical University; Strong Memorial Hospital; Erie County Medical Center; Hartford Hospital; Yale-New Haven Medical Center; Eastern Maine Medical Center; Maine Medical Center; Children’s Hospital Medical Center; Arnot Ogden Medical Center; Boston Medical Center; NYU Medical Center; Mount Sinai Medical Center; and New York Presbyterian-Cornell. Julie Leighton joined Shepherd Center in 2007 as an admissions liaison. Based in Boston, she is responsible for evaluating patients in the New England region and New York. “What I find most rewarding about my job is helping support families through crisis and helping them find the resources that will best serve their loved one,” Julie said. “Shepherd Center can make such a difference for someone who has sustained a catastrophic injury or disease, and I’m thankful that I play a role in helping people find their way to Shepherd.” Julie began her career in healthcare as a nurse in the spinal cord unit at Boston University Medical Center. She also has worked as a home healthcare nurse and a workers’ compensation case manager. As a certified multiple sclerosis nurse, Julie has extensive experience in MS training for healthcare professionals, patients and families. She also has traveled nationwide teaching certification courses for utilization review and utilization management. Julie received a bachelor’s of science degree in community and family life education from Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., and a bachelor’s degree in nursing at Salem State College in Salem, Mass. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, sewing, watching movies and taking trips to the beach with her husband and daughter.
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
