At the October meeting speakers Mandy Herbert and Karen Middlebrooks gave a presentation on patient financial assistance and in particular the services of PSI Patient Services Inc. Below is more information on PSI and a link to their website.

The founder of PSI shaped the very first non-profit patient assistance model in 1989 and knows the pain firsthand of watching a loved one fight-and-lose their battle against chronic illness; he knows, too, the crippling financial burden often carried by those left behind. Since our inception in 1989, Patient Services has been a pioneer leading the charge to find solutions to the challenges that face the chronically ill in the United States. We provide financial support and guidance for qualified patients with specific, rare chronic diseases. Through PSI assistance programs patients and their families rediscover hope and health.

https://www.patientservicesinc.org

About the October Speakers:

Mandy Herbert, MBA

Director of Community Outreach

Mandy Herbert was drawn to PSI in 2005 and has always had an increased personal interest for helping people with chronic illnesses. Since 2005, Mandy has contributed to the continued success of biologics and select oncology programs, led numerous funding campaigns, secured features in local and major national media outlets, aided in program development, and in fundraising efforts. Mandy received her BA in English with a minor in Psychology from High Point University in 2005, a Certificate in Non-Profit Management and Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2008, and her MBA in Management and Strategy from Western Governors University in 2015. She currently resides in VA with her husband and their children (their son has mild hemophilia A). Aside from work , Mandy enjoys date nights with her husband, playing with her children, working out, trips to the beach, and spending time with family and close friends.

Karen Middlebrooks

Director of Donor

Relations and Program Management

Karen began her career with PSI in 2004 as a Patient Services Representative (PSR) in the Operations Intake department and transitioned into a maintenance role servicing patients with their medication and health insurance premiums. In 2005, Karen transferred to the accounting department as a Bookkeeper, allowing her to learn an overall view of PSI’s services. She assisted with specific tasks including, accounts payable & receivable, reconciling of bank statements, and processing payments to PSI patients. She was promoted to Program Manager of PSI’s Enzyme Deficiency programs in December 2006 and managed the Intake department, which services more than 25 PSI financial assistance programs. In October 2011, Karen joined the Program Development Team as the Program Development and Maintenance Analyst. She currently holds the position of Director of Donor Relations and Program Management, developing and overseeing the success of patient assistance programs at PSI. Karen enjoys time with her two sons and spends the summer months relaxing at the beach and riding the Harley with her husband.

The February 12, 2018 Meeting

Our speaker Francesca Teixeira spoke on the subject of bereavement, grief and depression. In particular she discussed how symptoms of a major illness, such as lung disease, can be quite similar to indicators of depression. The role of depression in inhibiting recovery from illness was also discussed, and a general topic of finding good resources and assistance was brought up throughout the presentation. The event was video recorded and will be placed online soon.

Francesca "Casey" Teixeira, MSW is a Bereavement Coordinator with Kindred Hospice. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from James Madison University and a Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her work is currently with adults who have experienced loss of a loved one and is interested in working more with those who have experienced trauma. Her hobbies include reading, yoga, and spending time with her dog.