A special thank you goes out to our Board of Directors, Committee Members and Staff. The Board of Directors and Committee Members donate their time and experience to make the Access Health Plan a success in our community.

Meet our staff:

Jeff Fortenbacher, Executive Director:

Jeff holds a bachelor's degree from University of Tampa and MA from Western Michigan University. Jeff enjoys water sports, family activities and participates in youth soccer programs. Jeff strives to increase people's awareness about their health. He hopes that people will gain a better understanding of their health and the value of living a healthier life.

Milt Kruger, Finance Manager:

Milt is the Finance Manager and works with claims administration.

Cheryl Schneider, RN,C; BA; AE-C, CDE, Health Care Administrator:

Cheryl is a Registered Nurse and graduated with Bachelor's Degrees in Math, Psychology and Health Care Administration. She is active with many local, state and national organizations involving health. Cheryl has received national certifications in Certified Diabetic Educator, Mental Health, Psychiatric Nursing, Asthma Education and Utilization Review. She is also a certified as a Red Cross Disaster instructor; CPR and First Aid Instructor , Skills Evaluator for ProCPR, Certified Instructor in Tai Chi for Arthritis and Tai Chi for Kidz, and Master Trainer with Stanford University Medical Research. Cheryl is active in church, Mission for Area People, Muskegon Northside Lions and local Red Cross chapter.Her hobbies include riding her bike, painting and is known as "Cookus the Clown" creating balloon animals. What exites Cheryl about Access Health is educating community members about health and being able to identify needs and barriers and actively working to seek out partnerships and resources in the community and beyond.

Scott Blease, Sales Representative:

Scott joined the Access Health team in 1999. He has a special interest in health and wellness and enjoys running, biking, golf, tennis, weight lifting and outdoor cross training. He holds an Associates Degree from MCC and a BBA from Grand Valley State University with an emphasis in marketing. Scott was awarded Muskegon Chamber Ambassador of the Year in 2004 and 2006, Chamber Volunteer of the Year in 2006 and supports recycling programs.

Yvonne Bullinger, Member Services:

Yvonne joined the Access Health team in 1999 and resides in Spring Lake, MI. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, landscaping and enjoying the Michigan summer weather by going boating and visiting the local boardwalks and beaches. She holds an Associates Degree from Muskegon Community College and a BS in Liberal Studies from Grand Valley State University. Yvonne has diverse business and account management experience working with clients in communications, manufacturing, health care and landscaping industries. Yvonne believes helping people navigate the health care system, and finding small ways to improve the health of our members and the local community is her nitch. "Working for Access Health is such a great opportunity because this program is an invaluable resource for local small businesses to offer health coverage to their employees. Employers and employees benefit from having a comprehensive health and wellness program which emphesizes health improvement and education. " A quote that inspire's Yvonne, "Be the change you want to see in the world." (Mahatma Gandhi)

Kris Drake, MHA, Manager, Strategic Development:

Kris joined the Access Health team in December of 2007. His career experiences include business development, strategic planning, community benefit and risk management with public universities and mid-to-large health systems. He holds a bachelor's degree in Public Administration and master's degree in Healthcare Administration from Grand Valley State University. He is trained and certified in Board Governance by the United Way of America and a member of several professional organizations including the American College of Healthcare Executives and Healthcare Financial Management Association. Kris believes his most significant accomplishment is the ability to look beyond age, gender, race/ethnicity, socio-economic status, political and religious affiliations, which enables him to effectively work with others to help resolve complex issues and secure a community's long-term vitality. Kris's favorite quote is, "You have to stand for something or you'll fall for anything." (Jones et al. 1999)

Amy Forward, Health Advisor/Health Coach:

Amy joined the Access Health team in october 2007. Her career experience includes being an Licensed Practical Nurse II for over 25 years. She has worked in several provider offices and at Mercy General Hospital. Amy graduated from Muskegon Community College . She most enjoys being able to help the people she encounters that need assistance. Amy loves to travel and spending time with her family and three adorable grandchildren. Amy's favorite quote, "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear." (unknown author)

Carol Fricano, Claims Coordinator:

Carol joined the Access Health team in 2008. She graduated from Muskegon Business College with an Associates in Accounting and is a a Certified Medical Assistant. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, running, and staying healthy. She enjoys working in the healthcare field because she likes to help others.

Jackie Langlois, Health Coach:

Jackie joined the Access Health team in 2001 and is a LPN II. She attained an Associates Degree from Muskegon Community College. Jackie enjoys attending social and charity events. She is interested in working with members and learning and teaching about healthy eating and physical activity. What Jackie likes most about working at Access Health is helping members and seeing the accomplishments they have made.

Dawn Luce, Finance Coordinator:

Dawn joined the Access Health team in 2006. She has achieved an Associates Degree in Business Administration and Bachelor's of Arts Degree in Marketing, both from Baker College. Dawn enjoys outdoor activities like horse back riding, golf, tennis, Swimming, and running. She also enjoys watching movies, going out with her friends, and spending time with her family. Dawn likes working at Access Health because of the great skills she is gaining and her chance to meet new people. Dawn's favorite quote is, "Try not to become a man of success but rather to become a man of value". Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

Nancy Owens, Health Advisor:

Nancy has a Bachelors Degree in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing, both from MSU. She received board certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner and is currently working at North Ottawa Health System Urgent Care Center. Nancy has worked at Access Health since 2005 in the C3 Program as a health coach and C3 Coordinator. She likes working at Access Health because I enjoy teaching people about health and helping them to make changes toward a healthier lifestyle. Besides preventive health care, Nancy enjoys promoting a holistic approach to health and incorporating complementary practices. Outside of work, she enjoy traveling, outdoor activities, reading, gardening, and spending time with her family. She is a member of the West Michigan Healers, the American Holistic Nurses Association, and the Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners.

Candy Stevens, C3 Coordinator, Customer Service:

Candy graduated from Central Michigan University with a BS in Education and completed her Post Graduate at Grand Valley University. Candy is a Master Trainer with Stanford University Medical Research. Candy likes that there is always something new to learn in health care. She considers her biggest accomplishment is being a 5 survivor of Ovarian Cancer.

Joshua Watson, Health Advisor, Muskegon Care and Muskegon Health Track Coordinator:

Josh graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelors Degree in Exercise Physilogy. His hobbies are running, biking and coaching soccer. Josh enjoys building relationships with members and to inspire them to be healthy and active.

Miranda Fowler, Muskegon Care Coordinator:

Miranda is trained to be a Medical Administrative Assistant. She resides in North Muskegon and outside of work enjoys being oudoors with her family, biking, spending time with family and friends. She is happy to be working in the health care field and hopes that health care will be available to everyone.

Staff Outreach:

Rotary Club, Tobacco Reduction Coalition, Americorp, Alcohol Task Force, Emergency Needs Committee, Case Managers Committee, Substance Abuse Treatment Committee, Lakeshore Lung Asthma Coalition, Mission for Area People Board of Directors, Ending Homelessness Coalition, United Way of the Lakeshore, Ending Disparities Committee, ProCPR Skills Evaluator, Regional Asthma Network of West Michigan, Grand Valley Nursing Program, Member of Community Advisory Committee Association of Case Managers of West Michigan, State Arthritis Foundation, Tai Chi Instructor for Adults and Kids, Asthma Initiative of Michigan, Association of Master Trainers of Michigan, Association of Bone Health of Michigan, Access to Care Committee, Asthma and Allergy Foundation, American Cancer Society, Tobacco Free Worksites, Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce, White Lake Chamber of Commerce, Coopersville Area Chamber of Commerce, Consumer Engagement/Alliance for Health, Day Care Asthma Class Presentor, American Red Cross(CPR, First Aid, Disaster Instructor, Health Services Superviser for Muskegon, Newaygo and Oceana County, Nurse Liason with National Red Cross, International Lions Club, President of Muskegon Northside Lions, District Chair for the Michigan Eye Bank, Host Family for International Youth Exchange, Out Reach Board for Evangelical First Lutheran Church.

Medical Director:

Byron Varnado, MD, Harborwood Family Medicine 

Board of Directors:

Linda Bailey, Lakeshore Health Network, Executive Director

Don Aley, Former Muskegon County Commissioner

Tony Moulatsiotis, Muskegon County Treasurer and owner/co-owner Two Tony's and owner Tony's Pizza and Sub Shop

Dr. F. Remington Sprague, Mercy Health Partners, Vice President, Chief Medical Officer

Ken Kraus, Muskegon Public Health, Health Officer

Donald Shampine, Strategic Insurance Services, President

Brianna Scott, Brianna Scott & Associates, Attorney

Melissa Freye, Communications Consultant

Amy VanLoon, White Lake Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director

Penny Salisz, United Way of the Lakeshore, Labor Liason

Clinical Committee:

Ron Rademaker, Mercy Health Partners Pharmacy, Manager

Dr. F. Remington Sprague, Mercy Health Partners, Vice President, Chief Medical Officer

John North, Community Mental Health Services, Director

Byron Varnado, MD, Harborwood Family Medicine 

Ken Kraus, Muskegon County Public Health, Health Officer

Dr. Gretchen Goltz, West View Family Medicine, Physician

Cheryl Schneider, Access Health, Health Care Administrator

Amy Forward, Access Health, Health Advisor

Jackie Langlois, Access Health, Health Coach

Finance Committee:

Tony Moulatsiotis, Muskegon County Treasurer and owner/co-owner Two Tony's and owner Tony's Pizza & Sub Shop

Tom Reynolds, Mercy Health Partners, Senior Director, Physician Services

Gary Allore, Mercy Health Partners, Chief Financial Officer

Barb Carlson, The Carlson Group, President

Marketing & Business Development Committee:

Don Kalisz, Relevant-Branding, Marketing, Advertising. President

Brianna Scott, Brianna Scott & Associates, Attorney

Amy VanLoon, White Lake Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director

Gary Nelund, State Farm Insurance Agency, Owner

Melissa Freye, Communications Consultant

Scott Blease, Access Health, Sales Representative

Kris Drake, MHA, Access Health, Manager, Strategic Development

Dawn Luce, Access Health, Finance Coordinator