Our Team

Vance Landis-Carey

Vance Landis-Carey, MA, CRC, SDA

Founder, CEO & President

Bio

Vance Landis-Carey, has been President of Gateway Health Management since its inception in 1995, leading the corporation to its position as a nationally recognized expert provider of catastrophic, general and chronic industrial injury management services.

Gateway has had the distinction of being the northern California case management services provider for Paradigm since 1995 and Vance assisted Paradigm in its phenomenal growth as a consultant from 1992-1998, and as a Director of Clinical Services for 21 years, from 1998-2019. Vance is a strong mentor and supporter of women in business and her open-minded, inclusive form of leadership focuses on strength in diversity.

Vance is philanthropically active, serving on multiple boards over her career including as Vice President of the local chapter of the Case Management Society of America, President of the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History 2012-2014, Vice President of Big Brothers Big Sisters Santa Cruz chapter, Vice President of the alumni association of the University of California at Santa Cruz and as a Commodore on the Board of the Santa Cruz Yacht Club. Vance is looking forward to serving as co-chair of the Cabrillo College President’s Circle Committee in 2020-2021.

Personally, Vance is so proud of her son and daughter and their three adorable boys. Her best days are when the wee ones come to swim. In her free time, Vance is an avid reader, enjoys sailing, supporting women in sailing, growing veggies and herbs, cooking a great meal while sipping an even better glass of wine, and the friendship and support she gains from her three book groups.

Lori Diehl RN, BSN, CCM, MBA

Senior Vice President

Bio

Lori has worked in the healthcare industry since 1995. She earned an AD in nursing from College of the Sequoias in Visalia, CA, a BSN in nursing and her Masters of Business Administration with a focus in Healthcare Management from Western Governor’s University. Lori has experience in various aspects of leadership within the healthcare industry including case management, regulatory compliance and licensing/accreditation. Lori’s clinical experience includes medical/surgical, post anesthesia care, renal education, dialysis and emergency services. Lori joined Gateway in 2018 and quickly became an invaluable member of the Executive Team. In her spare time, Lori supports local community events and enjoys spending time with her family. She can often be found bike riding through the countryside on the weekends.

Laura Wills

Associate Vice President

Bio

Laura holds a bachelor’s degree in Health Science and has worked in many aspects of the healthcare industry since 2002. She has volunteered in overseas clinics and learned adaptability and flexibility are paramount in the business of helping people heal. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and fly fishing with her husband and daughter, adding more stamps to her passport, and participating in local community events.

Michelle Lombardi

Michelle Lombardi

Human Resources Manager

Bio

Michelle holds an AD in Business Administration and began her work in the healthcare industry in 1997. Michelle is pursuing her education with a double major in Healthcare Administration and Human Resources. Michelle is an active member of the national SHRM and the Sacramento chapter SAHRA. Michelle has utilized her skills in the corporate arena and local government administration, finding her passion in equipping team members to do their best work. In her spare time, she can be found testing recipes for Bon Appetit, enjoying her two grandchildren and planning her next adventure with her husband.

Keilani Mead

Keilani Mead

Data Entry Clerk

Bio

Keilani holds a bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics. Her diverse background includes bookkeeping, special education, and legal transcription. She finds working with numbers and details very satisfying. In her spare time, she and her husband are new parents to a beautiful baby girl. She also enjoys hiking, exploring, traveling, and spending good, quality time with friends and family.

Bessie Carroll

RN, BSN, PHN, CCM
Bilingual, Spanish

States of Licensure

California

Undergraduate Degree

BS, Biology, California Polytechnic State University
BS, Nursing, Western Governors University

Certifications

Public Health Nurse (PHN)
Certified Case Manager (CCM)

Expertise

Acquired Brain Injury, Amputation, Burn Injury, Complex and Chronic Pain, Multiple Trauma, Spinal Cord Injury

A member of the Gateway team since 2018

As a Medical Case Manager, Bessie Carroll works directly with injured workers, their family members and providers to facilitate and promote the injured worker’s optimal wellness, function and independence.

Bessie has been a nurse for over six years. She earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Western Governors University. Her clinical experience is in medical surgical and telemetry in the acute care setting. Prior to becoming a nurse, Bessie worked in the biotech industry, conducting cancer drug research. Additionally, Bessie is fluent in Spanish.

Through her work as a certified case manager, Bessie facilitates the medical care and treatment of catastrophically injured workers. She collaborates with employers and insurance carriers to facilitate medical rehabilitation, enhanced function and an improved quality of life.

Betty Ottman

RN, CCM

States of Licensure

California

Undergraduate Degree

AD, Nursing, Pacific Union College

Certifications

Certified Case Manager (CCM)

Expertise

Acquired Brain Injury, Amputation, Burn Injury, Complex and Chronic Pain, Multiple Trauma, Spinal Cord Injury.

Betty joined Gateway in 2013.

As a Medical Case Manager, Betty Ottman Ewing works directly
with injured workers, their family members, and providers to facilitate
and promote the injured worker’s optimal wellness, function and independence

Betty has been in nursing since 1990. Prior to case management, she
worked in intensive care, cardiac, orthopedics, urology, and psychiatric
units, as well as on a pain program. She is a certified case manager and her case management career began prior to 2000. Betty initially worked in a hospital setting and then as an independent case manager in the workers’ compensation
environment.

Through her work as a certified case manager, Betty facilitates the
medical care and treatment of catastrophically injured workers. She
collaborates with employers and insurance carriers to facilitate medical
rehabilitation, enhanced function and an improved quality of life.

Christine Floyd

RN, COHN, CCM

States of Licensure

California

Undergraduate Degree

AD, Nursing, College of San Mateo

Certifications

Certified Case Manager (CCM)
Certified Occupational Health Nurse (COHN)

Expertise

Acquired Brain Injury, Amputation, Burn Injury, Complex and Chronic Pain, Multiple Trauma, Spinal Cord Injury.

A member of the Gateway team since 2007.

As a Medical Case Manager, Christine Floyd works directly with injured workers, their family members and providers to facilitate and promote the injured worker’s optimal wellness, function and independence.

Christine has been in healthcare for over 30 years. Upon graduating, she gained experience in orthopedic, neurological and rehabilitation nursing. Christine has over 20 years of case management experience with over 7 years focusing on catastrophic case management.

Working in occupational health in office and biotech sites, Ms. Floyd developed employee training in ergonomics to prevent injuries. In addition, she worked as a case manager in both hospital and independent case management company settings.

Through her work as a certified case manager, Christine facilitates the medical care and treatment of catastrophically injured workers. She collaborates with employers and insurance carriers to facilitate medical rehabilitation, enhanced function and an improved quality of life.

Denise Demianeau

Denise Demianeau

RN, CCM

States of Licensure

California

Undergraduate Degree

AD, Nursing, Shoreline Community College

Certifications

Certified Case Manager (CCM)

Expertise

Denise has been with Gateway since 2021.

Denise has more than thirty-five years of experience in healthcare. She earned her Associates of Arts Degree in Nursing from Shoreline Community College. Denise’s clinical background has included medical-surgical nursing, and outpatient family practice nursing.

As a nurse case manager for over twenty-five years, Denise has worked with national case management companies serving workers’ compensation carriers and smaller case management companies also within the workers’ compensation environment. Through her work as a certified case manager, Denise has managed medical treatment and facilitated timely outcomes through both telephonic and field case management services. She collaborates with insurance companies and employers to facilitate acute medical treatment, progress care to rehabilitation specialists, promotes patient education and understanding of their diagnosis and treatment plans, and achieves successful quality of life outcomes.

 

 

Dianne Michael

RN, BSN, CCM

States of Licensure

California

Undergraduate Degree

BS, Nursing, Auburn University at Montgomery
BS, Education, Auburn University at Montgomery

Certifications

Certified Case Manager (CCM)

Expertise

Acquired Brain Injury, Amputation, Burn Injury, Complex and Chronic Pain, Multiple Trauma, Spinal Cord Injury.

A member of the Gateway team since 2019.

As a Medical Case Manager, Dianne Michael works directly with injured workers, their family members and providers to facilitate and promote the injured worker’s optimal wellness, function and independence.

Dianne has 24 years of experience as a registered nurse and 23 years of experience in the workers’ compensation industry. She has held various positions in the managed care industry at both regional and national companies. Her expertise includes utilization review, medical bill review, and case management. Prior to becoming a full-time field case manager in 2011, Dianne served as the National Director at Retrospective Services, a nationally recognized managed care company.

Through her work as a certified case manager, Dianne manages the medical care and treatment of catastrophically injured workers. She collaborates with employers and insurance carriers to facilitate medical rehabilitation, enhanced function and an improved quality of life.

Elizabeth Lowe

RN, BSN, CRRN, CNLCP, CCM

States of Licensure

California
Idaho
Nevada
Oregon

Undergraduate Degree

BS, Nursing, San Jose State University

Certifications
Certified Case Manager (CCM)
Certified Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN)
Certified Nurse Life Care Planner (CNLCP)
Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN)
Expertise

Acquired Brain Injury, Amputation, Burn Injury, Complex and Chronic Pain, Multiple Trauma, Spinal Cord Injury.

A member of the Gateway team since 2016.

As a Medical Case Manager, Elizabeth Lowe works directly with injured workers, their family members and providers to facilitate and promote the injured worker’s optimal wellness, function and independence.

Elizabeth has more than 20 years of experience in healthcare with an emphasis on case management. She earned her nursing degree from California State University, Chico and an associate degree in behavioral health from Butte Community College. Elizabeth has held roles as a field case manager and case management supervisor, focused on workers’ compensation case management. Through her work as a certified case manager, Elizabeth facilitates the medical care and treatment of catastrophically injured workers. She collaborates with employers and insurance carriers to facilitate medical rehabilitation, enhanced function and an improved quality of life.

Karin Silcox-Baker

RN, BSN

States of Licensure

California

Undergraduate Degree

BS, Nursing, San Jose State University

Expertise

Acquired Brain Injury Amputation, Burn Injury, Complex and Chronic Pain, Multiple Trauma, Spinal Cord Injury.

A member of the Gateway team since 2018.

As a Medical Case Manager, Karin Silcox-Baker works directly with injured workers, their family members and providers to facilitate and promote the injured worker’s optimal wellness, function and independence.

Karin has more than 30 years of experience in healthcare. She earned her nursing degree from San Jose State University and worked at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center for 30 years. In 2009, she became a Nurse Manager for the Spinal Cord Injury/Ortho Rehabilitation unit and the Rehab Trauma Unit (Progressive Pulmonary Unit). Karin has extensive experience in traumatic brain injury, burns, spinal cord injury, ICU and emergency care. In addition, she was the recipient of the Silicon Valley YWCA Emerging Leader award in 2012.

Through her work as a case manager, Karin facilitates the medical care and treatment of catastrophically injured workers. She collaborates with employers and insurance carriers to facilitate medical rehabilitation, enhanced function and an improved quality of life.

Kathleen Hartmann

RN, MSN, CLCP, CCM

States of Licensure

California
Nevada

Undergraduate Degree

BA, Physiology, UC Berkley
BS, Nursing, Montana State University

Graduate Degree

MS, Nursing Education, University of Phoenix

Certifications
Certified Case Manager (CCM)
Certified Life Care Planner (CLCP)
Expertise

 Acquired Brain Injury, Amputation, Burn Injury, Complex and Chronic Pain, Multiple Trauma, Spinal Cord Injury

Joined Gateway in 2018.

As a Gateway Case Manager, Kathleen Hartmann works directly with injured workers, their family members and providers to facilitate and promote the injured worker’s optimal wellness, function and independence.

Kathleen has worked in healthcare for over 32 years. She earned her nursing degree from Montana State University and completed her master’s degree in nurse education from University of Phoenix. Kathleen’s clinical experience includes traumatic brain and spine injuries, amputations, lumbar spine and failed back syndrome, and complex regional pain syndrome. As a case manager for over 25 years, Kathleen has worked in a variety of settings as a field and telephonic case manager and a life care planner. In addition, she is the sole owner of Hartmann Consulting, LLC.

Through her work as a certified case manager, Kathleen facilitates the medical care and treatment of catastrophically injured workers. She collaborates with employers and insurance carriers to facilitate medical rehabilitation, enhanced function and an improved quality of life. Kathleen loves the outdoors; she can be found skiing in the winter, playing tennis, boxing and paddleboarding in the summer. She also enjoys hiking with her dog.

Kathryn Gaxiola RN BSN

Katy Gaxiola

RN, BSN
Bilingual Spanish

States of Licensure

California

Undergraduate Degree

BS, Nursing, California State University-Stanislaus, Stockton
BA, Ethnic Studies/Minor Spanish, California State University-Stanislaus, Turlock

Certifications
Expertise

Acquired Brain Injury, Amputation, Burn Injury, Complex and Chronic Pain, Multiple Trauma, Spinal Cord Injury

Joined Gateway in 2024.

As a Gateway Case Manager, Katy Gaxiola works directly with injured workers, their family members and providers to facilitate and promote the injured worker’s optimal wellness, function and independence.

Through her work as a case manager, Katy facilitates the medical care and treatment of catastrophically injured workers. She collaborates with employers and insurance carriers to facilitate medical rehabilitation, enhanced function and an improved quality of life. Katy loves the outdoors; she can be found hiking with her family and their German Shepard, and searching for the perfect carne asada street taco. She also makes a mean shrimp ceviche.

Kimberly Pletz

Kim Pletz

RN, BA, MSN, PHN, CCM

States of Licensure
California
Nevada
Undergraduate Degree

 BA, Business Management, Saint Mary’s College

Graduate Degree

MSN, Nursing Case Management, Samuel Merritt College

Certifications
Certified Case Manager (CCM)
Public Health Nurse (PHN)
Expertise

Acquired Brain Injury, Amputation, Burn Injury, Complex and Chronic Pain, Multiple Trauma, Spinal Cord Injury.

A member of the Gateway team since 2017.

As a Medical Case Manager, Kim Pletz works directly with injured workers, their family members and providers to facilitate and promote the injured worker’s optimal wellness, function and independence.

Kim has more than 25 years of experience in healthcare. Her clinical practice includes ophthalmology and labor and delivery. As a case manager for over 10 years, Kim has experience in utilization review, and telephonic and field case management.

Through her work as a certified case manager, Kim facilitates the medical care and treatment of catastrophically injured workers. She collaborates with employers and insurance carriers to facilitate medical rehabilitation, enhanced function and an improved quality of life.

Nicole Alvarez, Medical Case Manager

Nicole Alvarez

RN, MSN, MBA, TNCC, CCM
Bilingual, Spanish

States of Licensure

California

 

Undergraduate Degree

AD, Nursing, College of Sequoias
BSN, Ohio University School of Nursing
BS, University of California, San Diego

 

Graduate Degree
MSN, Nursing Leadership,  Grand Canyon University
MBA, Business Administration, Grand Canyon University
Certifications

Trauma Nurse Core Certification (TNCC)
NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS)
Certified Case Manager (CCM)

Expertise

Acquired Brain Injury, Amputation, Burn Injury, Complex and Chronic Pain, Multiple Trauma, Spinal Cord Injury.

Joined Gateway in 2022.

Nicole has 10+ years of experience in healthcare. She earned her bachelor’s degree with a concentration in Biochemistry cell biology and psychology from University of California, San Diego then went on to earn her registered nurse from the College of Sequoias in Visalia, CA. She continued her nursing education at Ohio University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Currently, she is completing a dual master’s in nursing leadership and business administration.

Nicole’s clinical experience includes experience with acquired brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. She has proven leadership skills from her prior experience as Director of the Emergency Department.

As a Medical Case Manager, Nicole Alvarez works directly with injured workers, their family members, and providers to facilitate and promote the injured worker’s optimal wellness, enhanced function, and improved quality of life.

Regina Sommers, MSN, RN, CCM

Reggie Sommers

RN, MSN, CCM

States of Licensure
Colorado
Nevada

 

Undergraduate Degree
ADN – College of Southern Nevada
BS, Healthcare Administration, SUNY – Empire State College

 

Graduate Degree

MSN, Nursing Education, Western Governors University

Certifications

Certified Case Manager (CCM)

Expertise

Acquired Brain Injury, Amputation, Burn Injury, Complex and Chronic Pain, Multiple Trauma, Spinal Cord Injury.

A member of the Gateway team since 2022.

Reggie has worked in health care for over 30 years.  She earned a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Empire State College and an associate nursing degree from College of Southern Nevada.  She finished her master’s degree in Nursing Education at Western Governor’s University.

She has extensive background in orthopedics and occupational health.  Reggie is a Certified Case Manager and has worked in case management serving worker’s compensation carriers for cases in Colorado and Nevada.

As a CCM, Reggie worked with employers, and insurance companies to facilitate medical care, rehabilitation to improve function and mobility as well as fit for duty and return to work programs.

Shelley Jones

Shelley Jones

RN, BSN, CCM

States of Licensure
California
Undergraduate Degree

BS, Nursing, University of Portland

Certifications

Certified Case Manager (CCM)

Expertise

 Acquired Brain Injury, Amputation, Burn Injury, Complex and Chronic Pain, Multiple Trauma, Spinal Cord Injury.

Joined Gateway in 2019.

As a Medical Case Manager, Shelley Jones works directly with injured workers, their family members, and providers to facilitate and promote the injured worker’s optimal wellness, function, and independence. Shelley has worked in health care since 2000. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Portland. Shelley has an extensive clinical background in Medical-Surgical, Emergency, and Trauma Nursing, as well as Field and Telephonic Case Management.

Shelley has been a worker’s compensation case manager since 2008. Her case management experience includes working for managed care organizations focused on providing the highest level of customer services and satisfaction while containing costs and reducing days away from work. Shelley possesses a special gift for developing empathetic relationships with the injured worker and their families, to encourage support, stability, and satisfaction.

Through her work as a network manager, Shelley facilitates the medical care and treatment of catastrophically injured workers. She collaborates with employers and insurance carriers to facilitate medical rehabilitation, enhanced function, and an improved quality of life.

Sussie Hansen

RN, BSN

States of Licensure
California
Iowa
Minnesota
Nevada
South Dakota
Undergraduate Degree

BS, Nursing, CSU Sacramento
BA, Liberal Studies and Psychology, CSU Stanislaus

Expertise

Acquired Brain Injury, Amputation, Burn Injury, Complex and Chronic Pain, Multiple Trauma, Spinal Cord Injury.

A member of the Gateway team since 2015.

As a Medical Case Manager, Sussie Hansen works directly with injured workers, their family members and providers to facilitate and promote the injured worker’s optimal wellness, function and independence.

With over twenty years of experience, Sussie began her career as an emergency room nurse. She transitioned to case management when working for a school system. More recently, Sussie held the position of case manager in workers’ compensation for two large case management companies.

Through her work as a case manager, Sussie facilitates the medical care and treatment of catastrophically injured workers. She collaborates with employers and insurance carriers to facilitate medical rehabilitation, enhanced function and an improved quality of life.

Theresa Markus, RN

Theresa Markus

RN

States of Licensure

California

Undergraduate Degree

AD, Nursing, De Anza College

Expertise

Acquired Brain Injury, Amputation, Burn Injury, Complex and Chronic Pain, Multiple Trauma, Spinal Cord Injury.

A member of the Gateway team since 2021.

As a Medical Case Manager, Theresa Markus works directly with injured workers, their family members, and providers to facilitate and promote the injured worker’s optimal wellness, function, and independence. Theresa has worked in health care since 2008. She earned her Associates Degree in Nursing from De Anza College.

She has an extensive background in rehabilitation with spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. Her experience with catastrophic injuries, has given Theresa invaluable experience in communicating and coordinating care with multiple areas of medical teams, educating patients and families, and creating solid working relationships.

She has the tools to deliver excellent service for the injured worker and family members. Through her work as a network manager, Theresa facilitates the medical care and treatment of catastrophically injured workers. She collaborates with employers and insurance carriers to facilitate medical rehabilitation, enhanced function, and an improved quality of life.

 

Veronica Chavez, BA, RN, CCM

Veronica Chavez

RN, BS, CCM
Bilingual, Spanish

States of Licensure
California
Nevada
Undergraduate Degree

AD, Nursing, Fresno City College
BS, Chemistry, California State University

Certifications

Certified Case Manager (CCM)

Expertise

Acquired Brain Injury, Amputation, Burn Injury, Complex and Chronic Pain, Multiple Trauma, Spinal Cord Injury.

Veronica joined Gateway in 2017.

As a Medical Case Manager, Veronica Chavez works directly with injured workers, their family members, and providers to facilitate and promote the injured worker’s optimal wellness, function and independence

Veronica has been in nursing since 2010. Prior to case management, she worked in adult medicine, neurology, pediatric surgery with a background in clinical research. Veronica is fluent in Spanish, as a healthcare interpreter. She is a certified case manager with her case management career beginning in 2013. Veronica previously worked for a national case management company in workers’ compensation handling both telephonic and field case work.

Through her work as a certified case manager, Veronica facilitates the medical care and treatment of catastrophically injured workers. She collaborates with employers and insurance carriers to facilitate medical
rehabilitation, enhanced function and an improved quality of life.