What is your leadership position within ICHP? 

Technician Representative Elect

Where is your practice site?

I currently work at the University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System as a Pharmacy Technician Specialist. I work in Administration for the Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Department under the Finance Director.  I work with others in my department to prepare and review the monthly revenue reports and help to identify any issues or discrepancies. I also serve as an internal “help desk” for our 7 outpatient pharmacies who may have prescription processing issues, including prior authorizations. I am solely responsible for all audits for our pharmacies - both desk audits as well as on-site audits. I also process and follow up on all contracts that involve our department.  These include revenue generating contracts, such as PBM agreements, and purchasing contracts, such as accreditations. My role is always evolving and I love it! 

How did you know pharmacy was right for you?

I knew I wanted to be in pharmacy from about the age of 13.  I remember my grandparents being on so many different medications and wanting to know why they had to take those medications. By the time I was in high school, I wanted to be able to help them, as well as other people, understand why they were taking meds.  My grandparents never seemed to know why and always just said “because the doctor told me to.”  My goal was to be a pharmacist, but as life progressed that was not to be for me.  So I did the next best thing and became a pharmacy technician.  I had no idea when I started classes at South Suburban College that I would evolve into the role I am in now.  I love being a technician and am always looking for new avenues to follow.

When did you know that becoming a pharmacy technician was the right choice for you?

I knew I had made the right choice when I began the mail order service at UIC for transplant patients. Many patients came to UIC for a transplant and some from far away. Delivering their medications to their homes was a service that lots of them were thankful for.  I became an important part of these patients lives and loved to be able to make a difference for them.  Many of them would call or stop by the pharmacy to talk to me and ask if I could help them understand why they needed all of these medications.  I felt I had actually made a difference and was thankful to have met so many wonderful people.

What makes ICHP great?

ICHP is pivotal because it is a great resource for information and helps people make connections.  I have attended the Annual Meeting for several years now and always come away from it with new knowledge and new friends.  I also think the people involved with ICHP make it great.  Without such wonderful people sharing their experiences and time, it would not be the resource that it has become.  I have learned so much about different aspects of pharmacy thru ICHP.

Why did you join ICHP?

Honestly, it was the continuing education credit that brought me in, but then it just grew from there. After my first ICHP Annual Meeting, I was hooked!

Are there any influential people in your career? 

Besides my Mom, who gave me the strength and courage to follow my dreams, I also credit Jan Kerestes.  She was the director/teacher of the pharmacy technician program that I enrolled in and was always a great motivator for me.  She made me believe that pharmacy technicians were and are important in pharmacy.  I think that becomes more true as time goes on.

Do you have any special interests or hobbies outside of work?

I love to read and do crossword puzzles.  I think both help to keep my brain active. My boyfriend and I are currently rehabbing the house we live in from top to bottom.  It is a learning experience for me and I have actually found it quite enlightening. I am learning how to do many different things that I never thought I would enjoy. I also enjoy going to auto races, drag races and classic car shows.

Favorite restaurant or food

Mexican food! I work near the Pilsen neighborhood in Chicago which has some of the most delicious Mexican food!