Lisa Shelar, RHIT

President 2010-2011

lashelar@havenhospice.org

First and most important in my life is my husband of 21 plus years, and 4 great boys ages 27, 21, 18 and yes, age 6! My motto in life is "Never Say Never".  To complete my home life, I have 2 cats (or as my husband says "2 too many") and 2 dogs; a Maltese named Willy and a Vizlsa name Gator.

I have the great priveledge of working at Haven Hospice as a Team Administrative Assistant. Previously, I have worked in the areas of Gastroenterology, Neurology and 4 years of prior Hospice experience.

My decision to enter the Health Information Field was made later in life. After being encouraged by many, I entered into the HIM field at Florida Community College. While continuing to work full time, I went to school 3 nights a week. In December of 2005,  I finally graduated. The best compliment I received was from my parents saying how proud they were of me. This I have treasured as I have since lost both my parents.

In what little personal time I have, I enjoy reading, spending time with my family, and yes...chocolate!

I look forward to the challenges set before me in the upcoming year and serving as your President.

Introducing your new

 President-Elect

 2010-2011

Lee Starling, RHIT

starll@shands.ufl.edu

I began my career in the medical records field as a medical transcriptionist in a state psychiatric facility 27 years ago.  At the time, I did not see myself staying in the healthcare field but I truly fell in love with transcription.  After 6 years at this facility, I transferred to the University of Florida College of Medicine as an office manager but continued to transcribe.  Ten years later, I transferred to Shands at UF as the transcription supervisor and have loved every minute of it.  After a lot of encouragement from my HIRM Director, I completed the HIM program at Santa Fe College and passed the RHIT exam in March 2008. My position was upgraded last year to HIRM Support Services Supervisor which is a combination of transcription and our paper charts.

 I enjoy spending time with my husband of 25 years, my 7 year old niece, 13 year old nephew, family, friends, and my adorable dogs Annie and Freddie.  We love to go fishing, boating, camping and going to the beach.  When I have a few minutes to myself, I enjoy reading.

My long-term career goal is to finish the Bachelor’s program in Healthcare Administration at Santa Fe College.  My long-term “fun” goal is open a doggy daycare! 

I look forward to the opportunity of serving with the NEFHIMA and the challenges and opportunities that will come with it.

Kathryn Fowler, RHIA 

Treasurer 2009-2010

kfowler@amphionmedical.com

I graduated from the University of Central Florida with my Bachelors degree in Health Information Management in 2002.  Shortly after completing my degree I got my first job in the HIM field as a coder in a level II trauma center in Sayre, Pennsylvania where I was trained to code all types of patients.  After a couple of cold winters I was lucky enough to return to Florida where I worked as a Reimbursement/Coding Specialist for St. Vincent’s Medical Center.  With my move to Tennessee in 2006 I was blessed with a job as a Coding Consultant with a remote medical solutions company, Amphion Medical Solutions.  I now work from home (Jacksonville, Florida) serving as the Coding Technology Coordinator/Consultant, splitting my time between training new employees on Amphion technology, helping employees gain access to remote facilities, trouble shooting technology issues (both client and internal), performing coder training, performing consultant  reviews and helping with overflow coding accounts for hospitals all over the country.    www.amphionmedical.com

Though I may be part nomad, I am also married to a wonderful man (Joe) who has dedicated his life to serving his country and defending our freedoms in the United States Navy.  We are blessed with a sweet 18 month old daughter named Emily and her good pal Ziggy (our black Lab).  If I had free time I would love to play tennis, read and sleep – not necessarily in that order.

Mary Jane Jackson, RHIA, CCS

Recording Secretary 

maryjane.jackson@bmcjax.com

Health Information Management was a second career choice made during a down economy. I went to the library and read the government publication, "The Occupation Handbook". I looked only at job titles that were described as “supply will not meet demand.” This was an accurate call by our Labor Department and 30 years later, it is still true. I have never been without as much or as little work as I sought.

I have lived and worked in Florida since 1985. In 2003 I moved to Jacksonville to accept a position as a Coding Compliance Auditor at Baptist Health where I am currently employed. I graduated from the University of Delaware and York College of Pennsylvania where I earned my RRA, later changed to RHIA, and in 1994 added CCS to my professional designation.

I have worked in a wide variety of health care settings: HIM manager in two acute care hospitals, long term care consulting while raising my two children and I have been a coder in acute care, hospital outpatient, and the physician office settings. This wide variety of coding experience led to my current position as a coding auditor.

My personal time is spent staying in touch with friends and family. My now-grown children, who unfortunately do not live in Jacksonville, are my pride and joy. To help balance my work life that is indoors and confined to a dfesk, I have made friends with others who like outdoor activities. I kayak, hike and camp as much as I can, sometimes with my grand-dog Mirabelle Lou.