Mentoring Program

The Mentoring Program Committee, comprised of Robbin Blackmon, Shelly Martin, Linda Pekarsky and Christy Shell, has developed a program for AAMCN members who would like assistance in areas of managed care.

The below AAMCN members have been approved as mentors by the AAMCN Board of Directors, as they all have experience as skilled managed care nurses. They all are willing and able to assist other nurses in many different areas of the healthcare industry. Are you interested in receiving help in a certain field of managed care nursing? We can set you up with one of the below mentors; please email Katie Eads at keads@aamcn.org or call 804-747-9698 with inquiries.

The mentoring program is designed for members of AAMCN ONLY. To join the association click here

Daniel Berman, PsyD, MSHA, MSN, RN, CPHQ, CLNC

Dr. Berman is an accomplished healthcare leader with more than 22 years experience demonstrating success in many areas of healthcare. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, received his Master in Healthcare Administration from Columbia Pacific University, his Bachelor and MSN from St. Joseph’s College of Maine and his PsyD from Newport University. Currently, he is working as a Senior Healthcare Consultant with Visionary Healthcare. He also teaches managed care and health law at AT Still University and Walden University. Recently, Dr. Berman was chosen as a consultant/speaker at the Round Table Group. The Round Table Group is a National Consulting and Speaking Bureau that provides services to industry, attorneys, and government. He is skilled in Quality Improvement, Clinical Outcomes, use of the Electronic Medical Record in Performance Improvement and Managed Care Litigation. He has directed, trained and been a leader and motivator for nurses specifically in Quality Management, Quality Improvement, Case Management and Risk Management.

Patricia Conley, RN, BSN, OCN, CMCN

Ms. Conley has experience as a Case Manager at an MCO doing a combination of disease management and complex case management. She currently works as an Oncology Care Manager for ITA Partners, focusing on education, care and cost savings for both patient and insurance. She received a BSN from Wilmington College and is pursuing a Masters in Healthcare Administration at Kennedy Western University. Ms. Conley is interested in assisting colleagues as a mentor by sharing with them her knowledge, specifically in the areas of Disease Management, Patient Education, Research and Case Management.

Nancy Eberhard, RN, BSN, CMCN
MS. Eberhard has worked in the managed care industry for over 20 years with increasing positions. She received her BSN from DePauw University and her Nurse Examiner degree from Purdue University. Her experiences include leadership in Claims/Benefits, Utilization Management, HEDIS reporting for Medicaid programs and Health and Wellness programs. In addition to obtaining the Certification in Managed Care Nursing, she also acquired the Interqual Certification for Professional Utilization Review. Ms. Eberhard is currently the Corporate Director, Pay for Quality for HealthSprings Inc. She is interested in mentoring those interested in Leadership, Fundamentals of Managed Care, Utilization Management, Medicare/Medicaid, Career Guidance, Administration Management, Technology/Internet, and Quality Improvement/Performance Improvement. She has a great desire to assist nurses in their growth to become strong leaders in the industry.

Janet Gilbert, MSN, BSN, CMCN

Ms. Gilbert has over 22 years of nursing expertise, working as a critical care nurse (ICU/CCU) in several local hospitals around Ohio. She received her degree from Bethesda Hospital School of Nursing in 1978, her BSN from the College of Mt. St. Joseph, her MSN in Administration from Xavier University in 2005 and was certified in managed care nursing (CMCN) in 2001. Ms. Gilbert has been a member of Sigma Theta Tau since 2003, an active member of AAMCN since 2000 and currently serves on the AAMCN Board of Directors. Ms. Gilbert has played many different roles as a managed care nurse, which include being an online UM RN, a team lead, Manager of Precert and her current position of Director of Medical Management at Anthem, where she has been employed for the past 8 years.

Kathy Graham, RN, MS, CARN, CMCN

Ms. Graham has over 23 years of nursing expertise, 21 years of which have been spent specializing in addictions and mental health. She received her BSN in 1985, her MS in Health Administration and Community Wellness in 1994, became certified in addictions nursing (CARN) in 1991 and just recently became certified in managed care nursing (CMCN). She is currently working as a Clinical Care Manager at Community Behavioral Healthcare Network of PA, which has been acquired by AmeriHealth Mercy. Her experience spans many different roles of nursing, including medical surgery, inpatient detox and rehab settings, unit management positions, Medicare/Medicaid, behavioral health managed care and utilization review. With over 13 years of managed care experience, Ms. Graham has plenty of knowledge to share!

Melida Melise-Grant, RN, BSN, MSA-CMCN

Ms. Melise-Grant has over twenty years of nursing experience, ranging from newborn to adult medicine. Currently she is the Vice President of Nursing for HNA/Triveris and has been since 2003. Teaching others to empower and educate patients has been a big part of her career and she has acquired a great deal of knowledge in diverse areas of nursing over the years. Ms. Melise-Grant’s wide range of knowledge enables her to teach others in the areas of Leadership, Utilization Management, Fundamentals of Managed Care, Disease Management, Career Guidance, Patient Education, Research and TPA Case Management.

Vineta Mitchell, RN, BSN, MBA/HCM,CCM, CMCN
Ms Mitchell's career spans over 30 years in Nursing, 12 years of which were spent working in ICU as a CCRN. Ms. Mitchell has worked and developed expertise in the mangement of chronic diseases along with the coordination of quality services needed. Her goal is to impact and help improve healthcare outcomes. Ms. Mitchell is currently employed as a Clinical Case Manager Team Leader for a Medical Management Organization, where she is responsible for coordinating a team of Field Case Managers. Ms. Mitchell completed her Nursing education at Wayne State University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree. In addition, she recently obtained her Master degree in Business Management/Healthcare management. She also has achieved her certification in Case Management. Having worked in managed care for over 12 years, Ms. Mitchell believes that mentoring will allow her the opportunity to share her life experiences and wisdom through one of the most powerful ways to affect quality and change in the Managed Care Nursing profession. With an extensive nursing background, she is willing and able to help other nurses improve their professional daily practice in the Managed Care arena.

Sheryl Riley, RN, OCN, CMCN

Ms. Riley has been working in case management for over 15 years with expertise in Home Care, Home Infusion, Hospital Nursing, Managed Care, Disease Management, Rehabilitation/Exercise Therapy, Computer Software, Administration and Teaching. She also owns her own consulting business and serves as President Elect for AAMCN. Her current position is Vice President Program Development and Health Strategies with Enhanced Care Initiatives. She received an Associate Degree in Applied Science from Somerset County College and is certified in both Oncology and Managed Care Nursing. Ms. Riley would enjoy sharing her experiences with nurses looking to change positions or who are merely looking for some guidance. Her specific areas of ingenuity are Leadership, Fundamentals of Managed Care, Utilization Management, Disease Management, Medicare/Medicaid Managed Care, Career Guidance, Administration/Management, Patient Education, Technology/Internet, Reporting, Quality Improvement/Performance Improvement, and Case Management.

Carrissa Sanchez, BSN, MS, CCM, UMC
Ms. Sanchez has been a registered nurse for over 18 years with more than 11 of those years being focused on specialized managed care nursing. She received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Howard University and her Masters of Science in Health Services Administration from Central Michigan University. Her areas of specialty have included Worker’s Comp., Disability Management and Hospital based Case Management. She currently holds the position of Senior Nurse Manager, Contract Health Case Management in Sitka, Alaska. Former positions included Assistant Director Community Health Nursing and Clinical Nurse Specialist, Utilization Review Nurse. Ms. Sanchez is also involved in other nurse mentoring programs and was elected as a field representative by the National level Commissioned Officers Association Board. She feels that she has a wealth of knowledge, encouragement and motivation to share with fellow nurses working within today’s complex healthcare arena. Her specified areas of expertise are Leadership, Utilization Management, Appeal Management and MCO Case Management.