Department Directors

Patricia Allvin, Director of Information Technology

When it comes to Information Technology, Patricia believes “Less is more.” By simplifying processes, keeping the IT infrastructure up to date and easily accessible, and by making sure employees throughout the facility can get the information they need, Patricia helps make everyone’s job less difficult. Patricia enjoys finding answers to problems through technology. Her expertise helps minimize stress for everyone, and indirectly, makes the hospital experience easier and more efficient for patients.

Bernard Atkins, Director of Facilities & EVS

Bernard is responsible for the electrical and mechanical systems at Midwest Medical Center and Galena-Stauss Senior Care Community.  He also oversees cosmetic repairs and maintenance, snow removal, landscaping and facility safety and cleanliness. 

Bernard attended College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois where he achieved an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science, and a certificate in Stationary Operators and Service Technicians. Prior to joining our team, he was Director of Engineering at Hyatt Hotel and Resorts.

Keri Connor, Admitting/Business Office Manager

Keri Connor is the Director of the Admitting Department and Business Office at Midwest Medical Center. Keri believes, "Whether it's direct or indirect patient care, either way we are all important to this facility and the patients." She has been with the hospital for over 4 years where she worked in the Business Office for the majority of that time. Keri oversees the Admitting Department where she and the staff assure registration, pre-certifications, and charges.  Keri and the Business Office team, located at Galena-Stauss Senior Care Community, work hard to get claims submitted and processed in a timely matter, as well as answer billing questions. Our team is honored to help and assist residents of the long term care community with billing questions and concerns. Keri says, "There is never a dull moment!"

Karen L. Durrant, PharmD, RPh, Director of Pharmacy

Karen is the Director of Pharmacy for Midwest Medical Center. She has been a pharmacist for 31 years and graduated from Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana with her B.S. Pharmacy and graduated May of 2007 with her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Florida. Her pharmacy experience includes hospital, retail, mail order, and medical communications and continuing medical education in the corporate pharmaceutical industry.  Karen takes pride in setting up the new pharmacy services for Midwest Medical Center and delivering quality pharmaceutical care for all patients.

Tracy Frank, RN, Assisted Living Director

The close, family-like atmosphere brought Tracy to Galena-Stauss over 14 years ago and that’s exactly what she offers residents in Assisted Living. She handles all the administrative functions that keep an excellent program running well, but her team’s focus is always squarely on the resident’s personal and medical needs. “Whether it is a resident, patient, family or team member, no matter how small or large the impact, my goal is to positively impact their lives.”

JoAnn Hesselbacher, RN, BSN, Nursing Education

JoAnn believes, “Our lives are influenced by the people we meet and the education we seek.” In her 36+ years at Galena-Stauss, she has enjoyed meeting a large and diverse group of employees. As the Staff Development Coordinator, JoAnn orients newly employed nursing personnel, and develops and implements in-service education programs for nursing staff, and mandatory in-services for all departments. JoAnn enjoys being in a position where she can mediate issues and provide staff with healthcare delivery solutions.

Ellen Machala, ART, Medical Records Director

Ellen believes, “If you’re going to do a job, do it well, with 100% effort at all times.” With over 25 years at Galena-Stauss, Ellen’s responsibilities begin with the oversight of all Medical Record activities. She also serves as the Utilization Review Coordinator, HIPAA Coordinator, Secretary and Credentialing Coordinator for the Medical Staff, PRO Liaison, Cancer Registrar, and Chair of the Quality Assurance Committee. Respect is important to Ellen; for the information entrusted to her, for her co-workers, and especially for the patients and families she is privileged to help.

Cheri Martensen, BS, RT(R), Imaging Director

Cheri’s mission is to “treat people with dignity and respect,” and as a working director in a busy Imaging Department, Cheri has the opportunity to fulfill her mission in virtually every patient care area. With over 8 years on staff, Cheri not only makes sure the department runs smoothly and efficiently, she also works directly with a diverse group of patients every day. Cheri says, “When sickness or tragedy brings anyone into the hospital, I try to make their experience as comfortable and hopeful as possible.”

Carla Petitgout, Certified Dietary Manager

Carla has seen many important changes in hospital foodservice in her more than 25 years with Galena-Stauss and now Midwest Medical Center. Responsible for all aspects of the foodservice department, including planning, purchasing, cooking, delivering and serving both patients and guests who visit the Vista Cafe, Carla enjoys the many different tasks she handles each day. Her dedicated and experienced staff prepares nutritious and appetizing meals every single day of the year. Carla takes pride in keeping the dining room welcoming and comfortable and the kitchen functioning efficiently for the patients, clients, residents and employees.

Yolanda Podolski, RN, TNCC

Yolanda is the In-patient Nurse Manager and the Infection Control Officer for Midwest Medical Center.  She has been a nurse for 17 years in the fields of critical care, emergency care, community health and medical/surgical care.  Yolanda is responsible for the daily functions of the In-patient Medical/Surgical unit to include staff, patients and the patients’ families.  Yolanda reports directly to the Chief Nursing Officer.  “Our first priority is to provide exceptional patient care; we treat all of our patients as a whole, meaning we treat their mind, body and spirit following the Planetree philosophy”.

Yolanda is married and has four children, four grandchildren and two on the way.  She is fluent in Spanish and likes music, dancing, reading and embroidery needlework.       

Craig Pratt, Maintenance Supervisor

A 24 year employee of Galena-Stauss, Craig knows the facility very well. He has the vital responsibility for making sure the buildings, grounds and equipment throughout the entire facility are well-maintained and safe. During his busy day, he may be seen in the hospital building, Nursing Home, Assisted Living facility and Day Care areas handling routine maintenance or responding to a special request. Craig enjoys the different people he works with, and he particularly likes handling many types of problems. Craig says, “I enjoy coming to work and not knowing what to expect.”

Marilyn Reed, RN, Nursing Home Director

Marilyn joined the Galena-Stauss healthcare family over 20 years ago, and serves as the Nursing Home Supervisor. As challenging as it is to meet the ever-growing and changing nursing home laws and regulations, Marilyn’s true focus is on making sure the needs of the residents are met consistently and well. As the nursing home “go to” person, staff members seek her out for answers to questions, assistance with residents, and for help with family members. Marilyn is dedicated to treating residents with sensitivity and respect.

Scott Schaber, MSPT, CSCS, Director of Physical Therapy

Scott’s mission embodies his approach to working with patients in physical therapy: “Remember the past, but don’t relive it, Envision the future, but don’t dwell on it, Acknowledge the present, and make what you can of it.” Scott is very happy to be working within his home community. His department provides therapy for hospitalized patients, nursing home residents, outpatients, home health patients and to the local high schools. Although management responsibilities take a portion of his time, Scott particularly enjoys hands-on work with patients.

Angie Schleicher, RN, Adult Day Care Director

Angie oversees all aspects of Adult Day Care, including programming and nursing care. Arranging appointments, therapies and activities for ADC clients and monitoring their health status are often complex tasks, but as a tireless patient advocate, Angie believes in helping her team provide the best possible experience for clients and their families. “Life transitions can be difficult,” Angie says, and “my personal mission is to give every individual we serve a renewed interest in life.”

Marty Soat, MS, ACSM, Fitness Director

Marty believes in “helping people help themselves” to establish and reach their fitness and health-related goals. Marty and his staff are proud to offer clients personalized programs, in a facility that includes state-of-the-art exercise equipment, programs, with certified and professional staff members. Marty is active in designing and implementing many community fitness initiatives and works diligently to encourage the community to utilize the knowledge and expertise available through Midwest Health & Fitness Center.  “No matter what their health situation, we are here to help them achieve their personal best and improve the quality of their life.”

Peggy Stockel, Galena-Stauss Senior Care Community Administrator

Peggy Stockel is the Administrator of the Galena-Stauss Senior Care Community. In her role, Peggy is responsible for the oversight of the Nursing  Home, Assisted Living Center and Adult Day Care Program. Peggy was raised in Holy Cross, Iowa and began her career as a Nursing Assistant while attending college at University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa.  In 1998, Peggy became a Nursing Home Administrator at Mineral Point Care Center in Mineral Point, Wisconsin, and most recently was the Executive Director of the Dubuque Retirement Community where she spearheaded their Total Quality Management program.  Currently, Peggy is working on her MBA.