Meet Our Care Managers!

National Case Management Week 2020

National Case Management Week 2020 is October 11 – 17 and we are celebrating our dedicated and compassionate care managers. The care management team at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Erie collaborates with the outpatient clinic and rehabilitation staff to help assess, plan, facilitate, coordinate care, evaluate and advocate for our patients and their families. They work to utilize our resources and follow our mission by maintaining plans of care, working with providers, and obtaining community and social support for patients and families. They also coordinate referrals and outside services.

Stephanie Carter, BSN, RN, leads the care management team, offering assistance when needed and ensuring they have what they need to provide outstanding care. The care management team is comprised of Sue Birkmire, CCM; Dianna D'Amico, BSN, RN; Jenni Greenman, MSW, LCSW; Debbie Miller, BSN, RN, CCM; and Gail Komora, BSN, RN, CCM. Read below to learn a little more about the focus of each member of the team, in their own words.

I am part of the care management team that helps coordinate the care of each child in various clinics. I make sure everyone on the team is aware of the child's history and the other team member's plans. I reach out to consulting physicians, home health care agencies, pharmacies, DME providers, home therapists, dietitians and insurance companies to assess everyone's knowledge level of each case and provide supplements when needed. I ask each family to contact me with their questions and make sure they have all the information or resources they need in a timely manner. I work closely with Dr. Goldberg and the cerebral palsy (CP) clinic as well as Dr. Schober and the urology clinic. I prepare current and previous visit information for the CP and urology teams so all staff members that attend clinic are up to date on all pertinent information.

– Sue Birkmire, RN, CCM

My main specialty clinic is the hand clinic. I help arrange surgeries and treatments for those with upper extremity deformities, usually from birth. I also work in the general orthopaedic clinics and assist families with orthopaedic needs, which can range from setting up surgeries or treatments to helping the families find resources within and outside of Shriners Hospitals for Children for positive patient outcomes.

– Dianna D'Amico, BSN, RN

I am a full-time social worker at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Erie. I work with the staff to assess needs of patients/families and work with community agencies to meet these needs. In addition, I assist staff and patients by addressing mental health concerns and coordinating referrals. I conduct suicide assessments for all patients who screen positive and address social concerns related to PROMIS.

– Jenni Greenman, MSW, LCSW

I work as part of the feeding clinic and limb deficiency clinic, ensuring patient/family's needs and goals are being met. I also work with several physicians at Shriners Hospitals for Children, including Dr. Olgun, Dr. McClincy, Dr. Nossov and their partner facilities to assist in coordinating seamless care with surgical procedures both pre- and post-op.

– Debbie Miller BSN, RN, CCM

I am the RN care manager for Dr. Dede and Dr. Pahys' complex spine specialty care team. I am an advocate, educator and guide for patients and families throughout spine deformity diagnosis, treatment (including bracing/casting) and surgical intervention. 

– Gail Komora BSN, RN, CCM