Navigating the complexities of case management in today’s healthcare landscape requires expertise, experience, and a deep understanding of best practices. At Compass Learning for Case Managers, we are proud to be guided by an exceptional Advisory Board comprised of leading professionals in the field. These individuals bring decades of collective experience and diverse perspectives to ensure our resources and educational content are relevant, insightful, and impactful for case managers at all levels. Get to know the esteemed members who contribute to the quality and direction of Compass Learning.
Sharil Dowling, RN, ACM-RN, IQCI
Sharil Dowling is a Registered Nurse and a highly respected figure in case management, currently serving as the Manager of Case Management at HCA’s West Florida Division. Her role on the Compass Learning for Case Managers Advisory Board is strengthened by her impressive 31 years of hands-on experience in nursing and case management. Sharil’s expertise encompasses the daily operational challenges and strategic advancements in case management, making her insights invaluable in shaping practical and relevant learning materials for case management professionals.
Dana Ballinger, MSW, MPH, LCSW
Dana Ballinger brings a wealth of knowledge in social work and public health to the Advisory Board. Holding a Master’s degree in Social Work and Public Health, and as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Dana’s academic foundation is matched by her practical experience. She is the Manager of Case Management at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, where she navigates the unique aspects of pediatric case management. Dana’s expertise ensures that Compass Learning addresses the crucial social determinants of health and the specialized needs within diverse patient populations, particularly within pediatric settings.
Katrina Cravens, RN, BSN, ACM-RN, IQCI
Katrina Cravens is a Registered Nurse with over 25 years of progressive experience in healthcare leadership, hospitals, and managed care environments. Her broad-based expertise spans nursing, disease management, case management, and leadership roles. As Tenet Healthcare’s Director of Inpatient and Case Management Throughput for the western region, Katrina is at the forefront of implementing best practices in case management. Her contributions to Compass Learning focus on optimizing case management processes, utilization review strategies, and improving patient throughput, reflecting her commitment to efficient and effective healthcare delivery.
Pat Kramer, Ed.S, ACM-SW, CCM, CSW, NCC
Pat Kramer, Senior Director of Case Management for Duke University Health System, offers unparalleled insights into the evolution of hospital case management. With 30 years of experience across acute care hospitals in Kentucky, Virginia, and North Carolina, Pat has witnessed and shaped the field. Holding a Specialist in Education Degree in Mental Health Counseling, and multiple certifications including Accredited Case Manager and Certified Case Manager, Pat’s academic and professional achievements underscore her authority in case management. Her guidance ensures Compass Learning remains at the cutting edge of case management education, addressing both current challenges and future directions.
Audrey Cantu-Alves MSN, RN, CCM, CMCN
Audrey Cantu-Alves is a Registered Nurse with 25 years of comprehensive healthcare experience. Her Master’s degree in nursing with a focus on Health Care Systems Management, along with board certification in case management and managed care nursing, highlights her commitment to excellence. Having served as a Director of Case Management or Utilization Management for 15 years and currently as System Director of Utilization Management for a large non-profit organization, Audrey’s expertise is deeply rooted in practical application and system-wide perspectives. Her involvement with Compass Learning ensures our content is grounded in real-world utilization management and system-level case management strategies.
Kimberly Browne, LCSW, ACM-SW
Kimberly Browne, Assistant Director of Social Work at Tampa General Hospital, brings a critical social work perspective to case management. Her background in medical social work, particularly in oncology, critical care, and trauma, provides a strong foundation for her leadership in hospital-based case management teams since 2011. Kimberly’s experience across diverse healthcare markets including Cooper University Health System and Banner Health System, enriches her strategic approach. Her passions, including integrating behavioral healthcare, public policy advocacy, substance abuse intervention, and addressing homelessness, inform her contributions to Compass Learning, emphasizing a holistic, patient-centered approach.
Charlotte Crist, RN-BC, CCM, CPHQ
Charlotte Crist, Managing Director, Clinical Programs for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, brings 25 years of professional healthcare experience to the Compass Learning Advisory Board. Her expertise in public health, case management, and innovative leadership in population health and chronic condition management is pivotal in shaping member engagement strategies. Charlotte’s role in developing and enhancing clinical programs ensures that Compass Learning’s educational resources are aligned with best practices in clinical program implementation and patient engagement, crucial for effective case management.
Esteemed Contributors
In addition to our Advisory Board, Compass Learning for Case Managers benefits from the contributions of a distinguished group of professionals, each adding their unique skills and insights:
- Angi Gragg, RN, MSN, CCM, ACM
- Sharon Cryer BSN, M.Ed
- Jennifer Readman RN, BSN, ACM-RN
- Betty Houbion
- Dottie Laster
- Megan Madsen
- Jessie Ellis, MSW, LCSW
- Allendre McGovern-Siembab
- Marilyn Palmer PhD, MSSW, ACM-SW
- Tamara Pruett, RN, CCM
- Lisa Graham MSN, RN-BC
- James Waddell MSS, LSW, ACM
This collective of experienced case managers, nurses, social workers, and healthcare leaders ensures that Compass Learning for Case Managers remains a premier resource for professional development, offering comprehensive and cutting-edge educational opportunities in the ever-evolving field of case management. Their guidance is instrumental in our mission to empower case managers with the knowledge and tools they need to excel and provide exceptional patient care.
