SPEAKERS
Linda Grinnell-Merrick
Linda Grinnell-Merrick currently resides in New York where she works as a nurse practitioner in the Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology at the University of Rochester Medical Center. She studied at the University of Rochester and has been practicing rheumatology since 2012. Linda chartered the International Transplant Nurses Society of Upstate New York in 2004, served on the medical advisory board, is a speaker for the National Liver Foundation of Upstate New York, and a current board member of Kidney Cares—a local organization providing services to patients with renal diseases. She firmly believes in establishing long term relationships with her patients in order to provide chronic care.
Amanda Mixon
Amanda Mixon currently resides in Colorado where she works as a rheumatologist at Arthritis and Rheumatology Clinic of Northern Colorado. She studied Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science at Michigan State University, accomplished PA studies at the University of New England, and has been practicing rheumatology since 2007. Amanda has taught medical students at MSU, educated the public in regards to various autoimmune and arthritis-related topics, and volunteered to provide rheumatology care to the underprivileged. She firmly believes in treating each patient with compassion and empathy as if they are a member of her family while offering the most current and up-to-date practices.
Cathy Patty-Resk
Cathy Patty-Resk currently resides in Michigan where she works as a rheumatologist at Children’s Hospital of Michigan. She studied nursing at Wayne State University and has been practicing rheumatology since 2009. Cathy is recognized as a board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner, pediatric at-large-member and active member of the legislative advocacy team of the RNS. She has served as the co-editor of and a contributor to the Core Curriculum for Rheumatology Nursing and has partnered with the American Nurses Credentialing Center to launch the certification by portfolio for rheumatology nurses. She continually seeks opportunities to bring awareness of the need for pediatric pharmaceutical clinical trials and health care system barriers that negatively impact the health of children with autoimmune diseases.
Vickie Sayles
Vickie Sayles currently resides in Ohio where she works as a Clinical Nurse Manager for the Department of Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. She studied nursing at Ohio University and has been practicing since 2008. Vickie was recognized as a “Tier 1” leader and volunteers for various projects both within and outside of the Cleveland Clinic. She has board certifications in Ambulatory Nursing, Rheumatology Nursing, and Infusion Nursing. She firmly believes in delivering world-class care through quality initiatives and evidence-based practices.