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Allyn Checovich

MD

Dr. Allyn Checovich is an attending in acute care surgery, trauma surgery and surgical critical care at Carle Foundation Hospital. She also serves as an assistant professor in surgery at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine. Dr. Checovich graduated from the Ohio State University with her bachelors in Allied Medical Professions in 2010 and her medical degree in 2014. She completed her General Surgery Residency at Ascension St. John Hospital and Medical Center in Michigan, 2019 followed by a fellowship in Surgical Critical Care at University of Cincinnati in August 2020. Dr. Checovich has a passion for resuscitation, quality improvement, medical education, and doing what she can to aid in death with dignity.

Amy Delaney

DEI Director

Amy Delaney serves as the director of diversity, equity, and inclusion for Carle Health. Dr. Delaney earned a Ph.D. in Communication from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2016, and previously served as an assistant professor of communication at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. In 2021, after experiencing a health challenge of her own, Dr. Delaney left academia to join Carle Health's growing DEI program. In her role as director, she leads educational programming and organizational initiatives to build a more diverse, equitable and inclusive health system. Dr. Delaney enjoys rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals with her husband, and spending time with their daughter, who is inexplicably a Cubs fan.

Amy Hammerschmidt

Nurse Manager

Amy Hammerschmidt is the nursing manager for Carle Tower nine and Rodgers eight at Carle Foundation Hospital. She earned her bachelors of nursing from Chamberlain College of nursing. Amy has seventeen years of nursing experience, all with Carle, and is a certified medical surgical registered nurse. She has been a floor nurse for nine years and enjoyed eight years in leadership. In 2015 Amy earned the nurse exemplar award and has spoken on her employee engagement tactics in many different forums. Amy is also the mom of three boys and enjoys cheering them on in their many sports.

Angelia DeWeese

Simulation Education Specialist

Angelia DeWeese is the simulation education specialist for Carle BroMenn Medical Center. Angelia earned her bachelors in human development and family ecology and masters in public health from the University of Illinois. Her previous experience includes time as an educator and a patient experience coach. She became a certified healthcare simulation educator in 2021 and enjoys mentoring simulation facilitators in the art of curiosity. In her free time Angelia enjoys hiking with her family, dabbling in writing poetry and reading mysteries.

Apryl Martin

Physician

Dr. Apryl Martin is a pediatric anesthesiologist at Carle Foundation Hospital and an assistant professor and director for the surgery clerkship at Carle Illinois College of Medicine. Dr. Martin obtained her medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine. She completed her anesthesiology residency at Cook County Hospital in Chicago and her pediatric anesthesiology fellowship at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. While at Carle Health, Dr. Martin has served on and led several hospital and medical school committees and recently completed the Carle Emerging Leaders Program. Dr. Martin is married with two school-aged children and her family is very active in the Champaign and Urbana communities.

Charles Joujoute

Consumer Sales Manager

Charles Joujoute is the manager for consumer sales at Health Alliance Medial Plans. He earned a bachelor's in communication from Suffolk University and his master's degree in leadership and healthcare management from Northeastern University. Charles has previously held leadership positions within Health Alliance and currently serves as the President of the Central Illinois Association of Health Underwriting. He hones his leadership skills through working with his team and values diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.

Charlie Hawknuff

Director of Clinical Education

Charlie Hawknuff is the Director of Clinical Education for Carle Health. She started her nursing career at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri and served in a variety of roles. In 2020, Charlie moved to Urbana, Illinois and became the Carle Foundation Hospital emergency department manager. She found herself in a unique position to help lead her team through the COVID-19 pandemic. In June of this year, Charlie took on her current role and now has oversight of education for all clinical roles within the Carle Health System. In addition to her work at Carle, Charlie is a section editor for the Journal of Emergency Nursing, working on the blog: The Other side of the Rail.

Charlotte Hoffmann

Staff Chaplain

Reverend Charlotte Hoffmann is a staff chaplain at Carle BroMenn Medical Center and an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and Ayurveda (eye-uhr-VAY-duh) Wellness Counselor. She earned her bachelors from Bates College in Maine and her Master of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. Charlotte has coached clients in hospital, hospice, congregational and nonprofit settings, helping them to fit healthy habits into real life, resulting in improved energy and quality of life. She is a commissioned and ordained member of the Federation of Christian Ministries and enjoys working with the patients, families and staff of Carle BroMenn. Charlotte returned to her roots to live in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois in 2017 and has a rescue beagle named Remi.

Christine Farag

Psychiatry Resident, PGY-3

Dr. Christine Farag is a third-year psychiatry resident at the Carle Foundation Hospital. She has a degree in Neuroscience from the University of Pennsylvania and earned her medical degree from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. After graduating from medical school, she worked for a year and a half in the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China where she trained in meditation practices while serving as the physician for a Tibetan monastery. Dr. Farag has expertise in the areas of wellness, nutrition and mindfulness practices. She regularly teaches and speaks on self-care and mindful awareness at academic institutions, podcasts, and wellness retreat centers. She is also certified in plant-based nutrition from eCornell and a registered yoga teacher. She will be starting Fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry this summer at Tower Health in Philadelphia.

Crystal Bricker

RN Superviser OR

Crystal Bricker is the nurse supervisor for the operating room of Carle BroMenn Medical Center and an assistant professor at Illinois State University. She earned her bachelors in nursing from Illinois State University and her masters in education from Benedictine University. Crystal has worked as a nurse since 2010 in a variety of clinical areas – pediatric nursery, surgery, and perioperative services. She enjoys assisting in the individual personal growth and development plans of others.

Dennis Austin

Director - Facilities CFH

Dennis Austin has served as the Facilities Director for Carle Foundation Hospital for the past 11 years. He attended Lincoln Land College and has a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Dennis has been in healthcare leadership for 30 years across four different hospital systems. Dennis and his wife, who also works at Carle, have 2 children. He is an avid U of I fan as well as the Chicago Cubs, Bears, Bulls and Blackhawks.

Franni Vlahovich

Nursing Supervisor

Franni Vlahovich serves as the Ambulatory Transition to Practice Supervisor for Carle Health – East Region which includes the CMA in Training and Ambulatory Nurse Resident Programs. She has a master’s degree in nursing education and a certification in nursing professional development. Franni has been with Carle for 24 years with over 16 years of experience in staff development and teaching clinicals for local universities. She’s a wife, a mom to 2 teenage boys and a dog mom.

Jennifer Mohr

Manger of Outpatient Care Coordination at Health Alliance

Jennifer Mohr is the manager of outpatient care coordination for Health Alliance Medical Plans. She earned both her bachelors in nursing and masters in nursing health care administration from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. Working as a nurse since 1995 and coming to Carle in 2003, Jennifer has experience in long-term care, home care, neurology, otolaryngology, head, and neck cancer surgery, as their RN Coordinator. Jennifer became one of the first level three nurses within Carle’s ambulatory setting and has even gone on to become a level four. She even earned her Nurse Executive Advanced Board Certification while she was deployed for two months to a COVID-19 unit.

Juliana Collier

Spanish Interpreter - 2

Juliana Collier is a Spanish interpreter at Carle Foundation Hospital. Starting at a young age Juliana traveled extensively. During her father’s career in the US Army, she lived in France, and Belgium. She also lived in Israel and Mexico with her husband. Juliana earned her bachelors in French literature with a minor in economics from Trinity College in Washington, DC. She has previously worked in the Maryland Public School System in a variety of roles. She left the school system to become her mother’s primary caretaker. In 2014 Juliana and her husband moved to Illinois to be closer to family. After her mother’s passing, Juliana joined her husband at Carle in Interpreter Services. Juliana has a wonderful family with her husband, 2 children and 5 standard poodles.

Kari Guennewig

MLS

Kari Guennewig is a research medical laboratory scientist with the Stephens Family Clinical Research Institute at Carle Health. She earned her bachelors in biology with a specialty in medical technology from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and became a certified medical laboratory scientist in 2009. She has worked in laboratories since 2007 in various capacities and has been with Carle for five years. She wors with the research institute's social committee and chairs their senior working group committee. In 2022 Kari became qualified in bio-repository science. She lives in Arthur, Illinois with her husband, 2 sons and cat pepper.

Katie Funk

Internal Consultant

Katie serves as an Internal Consultant for Carle Health. She’s been with the system since 2011 and has worked in a variety of roles including Ophthalmic Technician, Scribe and Supervisor. She has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Purdue University. Katie has been involved in numerous major projects for the system including the COVID Vaccination Clinic Creation & Operations and the Health Alliance Tapestry Implementation and is currently working on the Peoria area EPIC integration. Katie lives in Urbana with her husband Jared and her giant tomcat Finn.

Kayla Banks

Vice President of Women's, Children's, & Diagnostic Services

Kayla Banks serves as the Vice President of Women’s and Children’s Services & Diagnostics for Carle Foundation Hospital and holds a faculty position at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine and UIC College of Nursing. She earned her bachelors in nursing degree at University of Iowa and her masters in nursing administration and doctoral degree of nursing at University of Illinois at Chicago. Kayla worked as a Neuro-Spine ICU nurse for five years prior to joining Carle. She has worked at Carle for twelve years in quality, medical education and operational leadership roles, serving as accreditation lead for the launch of the Carle Illinois College of Medicine. She is published and has presented nationally on the topic of healthcare provider engagement and patient outcomes. In her free time, Kayla loves traveling and spending time with her two young daughters, husband, and dear friends.

Keith Knepp

President Carle Health Greater Peoria

Dr. Keith Knepp serves as President, Carle Health – Greater Peoria. He received his undergraduate degree from Illinois State University and completed medical school at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria. Dr. Knepp began his clinical career as a physician in Eureka, Illinois in 2000 then came to Methodist Medical Center in Peoria to join the faculty of the Family Medicine Residency program. He subsequently served as Chief Medical Informatics Officer and then Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer before moving into his current role. Dr. Knepp has served in various leadership positions, including as Medical Staff President of Methodist Medical Center and Eureka Community Hospital. He’s a member of the Central Illinois Easter Seals Board of Directors and the Heart of Illinois United Way Board of Directors.

Kelly Matson

Clinical Manager

Kelly Matson (MATT-SON) serves as the Clinical Manager for the Champaign Branch of Home Health. She started working at Carle Clinic in February of 1990 and has been with Carle Health collectively for 28 years. After graduating with her nursing degree in 1994, she started working as a registered nurse and continued with Carle in various capacities. She stepped away from Carle in early 2015 and started working with a home care agency that cared for former nuclear energy workers. She rejoined Carle in late 2019 with the home health department. During this time, she and her husband have raised two beautiful daughters.

Kevin Steffes

Food Service Director

Kevin Steffes is the director of food services for Carle Health. He studied chemistry at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Kevin realized his true passions lay in the hospitality and the food service industry. He has over 30 years of experience, many in leadership positions in the industry. In 2011 he worked for a contract managed food service in the healthcare industry and found his calling in healthcare. Kevin enjoys every aspect of his current role– serving patients, family, staff and visitors to the hospital through multiple venues. In his personal time Kevin spends time with his wife, three kids, and two dogs.

Laura Bennett

Nursing Supervisor

Laura Bennett serves as the Health Care Tech in training supervisor for Carle Foundation hospital. Laura has a bachelor’s degree in nursing and is a certified medical surgical nurse. She’s been a nurse for almost 27 years and has been with Carle for a combined 16 years. Most of her nursing experience has been in the Emergency Department or procedural based areas. Laura has been married to her high school sweetheart for 28 years and has two grown children.

Monica Samii

Revenue Cycle Systems Analyst

Monica Sammi-Porter has served as a Revenue Cycle Analyst at Carle Health for the past three years. Previously, she held a variety of registration and scheduling roles at Christie Clinic. She has an Associates of Applied Science from Parkland Community College and a Bachelor’s degree in Digital Marketing from Indiana Wesleyan University. Monica trained in Russian ballet, tap and jazz as a child. She choreographed her first work as a freshman at Champaign Central high school before studying musical theatre in college. Monica has directed and choreographed productions with many local theatre companies and high schools and spent 5 years directing and choreographing at the Champaign Park District’s Youth Musical Program. In 2019, Monica and her daughter, Estella were speakers for the “That’s What She Said” production at the Virginia Theatre in Champaign.

Paul Payway

Spiritual Care Manager

Paul serves as the Manager for Spiritual Care at Carle Foundation Hospital. He holds a doctoral degree in Ministry from Southern Methodist University and has an MBA and MHSM from Texas Women’s University. Paul is endorsed by the Baptist General Convention of Texas and has been a spiritual care practitioner for twenty-three years after serving as a parish pastor for seven years. He’s a board-certified chaplain, and has experience managing and providing spiritual care in mental health, hospice care, trauma, and critical care. Paul is a father of three and has two grandchildren. He’s a published author, and his most recent book, Liberia: Where Do We Go From Here?, has stirred civil and political dialogue in his native land of Liberia and among students of African studies.

Richard Matkowski

Clinical Counselor

Ric is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and practices at Carle Champaign on Mattis. Ric received his master’s degree in clinical counseling from Roosevelt University and has 14 years of experience in professional counseling in acute, residential and outpatient settings. He also has 7 years of experience in leadership including program development, supervision and administration. Ric is certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, as well as Trauma Focused cognitive behavioral therapy.

Ryan Millsap

RN Program Coordinator

Ryan serves as a nurse in the ICU at Carle Richland Memorial Hospital. He has a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Eastern IL University, a master’s degree in leadership development from Saint Mary of the Woods College and is currently studying to be a nurse practitioner at Maryville University. Ryan has been with Carle Richland Memorial Hospital for 8 years and has worked in Med/surg, the ICU and Radiology. Ryan lives with his wife Kelsey, their 3 previous girls, and their dog Millie. Ryan’s number one hobby is being a dad and husband and he also enjoys gardening, singing, running and cheering on the Illini.

Ryan Wakefield

Senior Software Engineer

Ryan serves as a Senior Software Engineer for Carle Health. He’s been with the system for 10 years and has worked as a Help Desk Technician and an Associate Software Support Engineer. Ryan has a bachelor’s degree in computer systems technology from Illinois State University. He is the primary support engineer for OnBase and the Enterprise Content Management System. Ryan lives in Ogden with his wife Allison, their 3 children, 2 cats and 1 dog.

Shaylee Hayes

Nursing Manager- Peds/PICU, NICU/PICU, & Child Life

Shaylee serves as the Nurse Manager for North Tower 8, Pediatrics and the PICU, the NICU and PICU CIA at Carle Foundation Hospital. Shaylee has her master’s degree in Nursing Leadership from Indiana Wesleyan University and holds a critical care nursing certification. Shaylee has been a nurse at Carle for 10 years with most of her bedside experience being in the Adult & Pediatric critical care unit. She was a nursing supervisor on the critical care unit for 18 months before transitioning to nurse manager for the newly developed Inpatient Pediatric PICU in March of 2021. Shaylee leads teams that operate 24/7 and she has over 70 direct reports.

Sonya Scott

Acute Lead OT

Sonya Scott is a Licensed Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and serves as the Lead for the Acute Occupational Therapy services at Carle Foundation Hospital. She’s been a Carle Team member for 44 years and has worked as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant for 33 of those years. Sonya is a registered yoga teacher through the non-profit Yoga Alliance and teaches yoga at a local studio. She and her spouse have rescued two huskies – Raphael and Leonardo and she is a lover of all animals and nature. One of her favorite pastimes is playing classical piano, and she has the great fortune of owning an antique rosewood Steinway Grand Piano.

Stacie Teak

Director for Primary Care

Stacie serves as a Director of Operations in Primary and Specialty Care for Carle Health. In her 30 years with Carle, Stacie has had the pleasure of leading many highly effective care teams including several branch clinics and the ambulatory float pool. Stacie has learned how to harness bravery when faced with conflict and low performers, she has facilitated discussions and navigated a variety of disciplinary situations all by tapping into her inner courage. Building relationships has driven Stacie’s vision for highly motivated and functional teams who deliver safe and effective patient care. Stacie is passionate about promoting healthy, professional work environments constructed through highly empowered and engaged care givers.

Sushan Gupta

Resident physician

Dr. Sushan Gupta is a second year internal medicine resident at Carle Foundation Hospital. Dr. Gupta completed medical school at the University of Delhi in New Delhi, India. He completed a residency in Anesthesiology from Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai as well as a fellowship in trauma anesthesia from Ganga Hospital in Coimbatore, India. Prior to joining Carle, Dr. Gupta moved to New York to pursue a pediatric anesthesiology fellowship.

Tom Johnson

Executive Director of Facilities Services

Tom Johnson serves as the Executive Director of Facilities for Carle Health. Tom has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a master’s degree in public administration. Tom has been in healthcare leadership for 30 years across four different hospital systems. Tom lives in Mahomet with his wife and they have three adult children. Tom is a Packers fan, so he and Dennis aren’t friends during the fall.

Tyisha Jones

HR Workforce Development Specialist

Tyisha serves as the HR Workforce Development Specialist for Carle Health. She’s been in her role for 2 years, supporting and bringing awareness of community resources to help team members across the organization overcome external barriers that could negatively impact their employment. In 2022, she provided over 550 resources to Carle team members and was selected to participate in Carle’s Emerging Leaders Program. When she’s not here at Carle Health, she’s caring for her two children, visiting botanical gardens, and enjoying her many houseplants that continue to bring her peace and calmness.

Zoe Benfield

Director of Risk Adjustment and Medical Economics

Zoe serves as the Director of Risk Adjustment and Medical Economics at Health Alliance. In her four years as director, she has served as many as 75 team members, supported 4 administrative fellows, and participated in Carle’s Emerging Leaders, Administrative Leadership, and Leadership Mentor programs. She is working towards her Six Sigma Master Black Belt certification and has a background in analytics, project management, and process improvement. Her professional passions include team building, creating efficiencies, and cultivating a change ready culture.