Technician Spotlights

Technician Spotlight: Laura Harris

medicalLaura Harris
Greenwood, IN

What is your role with BioTek? 
CLS, Greenwood, IN


What is the best thing that happened to you at work this month?

I am getting good at doing Pickups and am meeting some patients but most are coming in with masks on so I still don’t know what they look like. LOL

What is the number 1 reason you joined BioTek?
Wanted to stay doing allergy but not have to drive in my car 5-6hours per week all over my state for work.

What has been your favorite patient success story?
At BioTek, I have none yet. I have only been here in this office since March 23.

What piece of advice would you give to other BioTek Allergy techs/locations?
Go to your manager with any questions you have. BioTek managers including the trainers are EXCELLENT and will help you in any way they can to make you feel successful.

What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
God gave me my 2 kids. If talking about non human gifts...my best gift was my burgundy Pontiac Grand Prix my grandpa bought me in the early 90s. I loved that car so much. Years later I gave it to my husband and he ended up wrecking it. Ugh.

What is your favorite family tradition? 
My entire family coming over my house for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Other than holidays, my favorite tradition is my annual cruise. Sometimes extended family go, other times just 1-2 of my kids go and my mother.

Who would you most like to swap places with for a day?
First Lady Melania Trump

Where is your favorite place in the world? 
On a cruise (huge ships preferably)

What are you passionate about? 
Jesus

 

Technician Spotlight: Carrie Smith 2

medicalCarrie Smith, CLS
Plattsburgh, NY

What is your role with BioTek? 
CLS, Plattsburgh, NY


What is the best thing that happened to you at work this month?

The best thing that has happened to me this month at work is that I added five new referrals to this months testing schedule and my conversion rate is 100%.

What is the number 1 reason you joined BioTek?
The number one reason I joined BioTek was to become part of a team that cares about patients and their overall wellbeing. Helping patients improve their allergies is a very rewarding and satisfying career.

What has been your favorite patient success story?
My favorite patient success story was one of the first patients I ever tested. This woman came to me very unhappy about her current allergy state. This woman had tried everything from OTC meds to sinus surgery. After starting tx her and I developed this wonderful relationship which turned into a friendship. She has been one of my biggest word of mouth referral sources and after a year of tx she was 99% better. She still pops in and sees me from time to time and thanks me for year of encouragement, support and allergy relief success.

What piece of advice would you give to other BioTek Allergy techs/locations?
The best piece of advice I would give other BioTek techs is to listen to your patients. Listening is the best way to communicate with your patient in order to give them the best care possible.

What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
The best gift I have ever received is my three boys. They are the center of my entire world and I cherish every day I get to spend with them creating life long memories.

What is your favorite family tradition? 
My favorite family tradition is Christmas Eve. We all gather together at my in-laws and exchange gifts with the immediate family. We have snacks, tell stories and enjoy the holiday spirit together.

Who would you most like to swap places with for a day?
If I could swap place with someone for a day it would have to be Oprah Winfrey. Oprah is an example of a hardworking, caring, strong successful woman. I would love to walk a day in her shoes helping people and being such an inspiration to others.

Where is your favorite place in the world? 
My favorite place in the world is on a beach anywhere in the world with my family. The beach is our happy place free of stress, worries and everyday life.

What are you passionate about? 
I am passionate about helping our youth. My husband and I spend a majority of our free time helping others in youth sports and coaching. We feel very strongly that giving back to others is a must. Our kids are the future. Giving kids our time and being a positive role model is the best gift we could give them.

 

Technician Spotlight: Jasmine Thomas

medicalJasmine Thomas , CLS MA
Altamonte Springs FL

What is your role with BioTek? 
CLS-MA, Altamonte Springs FL


What is the best thing that happened to you at work this month?
Being able to over achieve my goal that was set, business has been slow and to be able to bounce back is amazing.

What is the number 1 reason you joined BioTek?
It was something new and exciting to be a part of. In hopes of learning and being part of something that excited me.

What has been your favorite patient success story?
I have a patient that is currently in her 3rd of therapy, and has remained positive throughout this whole journey. She recently told me she hasn’t felt any issues or taken any type of antihistamine in years and the only reason she decided to do a 3rd year was because she enjoyed our 2 month f/u. Not once has she complained about therapy, she’s been nothing but positive and it shows in her results.

What piece of advice would you give to other BioTek Allergy techs/locations?Maintain a positive relationship with your patients/co-workers and use every moment to build a relationship with understanding and trust.
Set a goal each month and do the best you can to achieve it. Have patience with pediatric patients and treat all with care.

What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
Sounds corny, but the best gift I’ve ever received was my daughter. I was told the chances of having a child was slim to none.

What is your favorite family tradition?
Christmas eve, we all gather as a family while the littles participate in a talent show and our ginger bread man/house competition. This is something that my family has been doing since I was little.

Who would you most like to swap places with for a day?
Oprah Winfrey, she is high respected while being someone who is an advocate for change and has the funds to do so.

Where is your favorite place in the world? 
Anywhere surrounded by family.

What are you passionate about? 
Change, I strive every day to be the best version of myself. I seek finding solutions for the topics or issues that have no answers. I passionate about helping hands... being able to help with hunger in my community and bring a smile to the homeless.

 

Employee Spotlight: Paul W Gerard NRCMA, BS Training Director

medicalPaul W Gerard NRCMA, BS
Training Director
Pmebroke Pines, FL

What is your position and city location with BioTek?

Director of Training; Pembroke Pines, Florida

What is the best thing that happened to you at work this month?

One of my patients had me laughing so hard I couldn’t stop and more employees were successfully trained.

What is the number 1 reason you joined BioTek?

A job in the medical field.

What has been your favorite patient success story?

Patient was on therapy for two years and improved greatly. I really got to know this patient because she came in for injections 3 times a week for those 2 years.

What piece of advice would you give to other BioTek Allergy techs/locations?

Take your time and give each patient, their care and their charting 100% of your time, before you move on.

What is the best gift you’ve ever received?

The ability to grow in my position and make it my own. We have made an open-minded environment where all employees are given the chance to improve the company as a whole.

What is your favorite family tradition?

I have five other brothers and sisters. We make it a point to always call each other and communicate what’s going on with our own families.

Who would you most like to swap places with for a day?

The Dalai Lama

Where is your favorite place in the world?

Home

What are you passionate about?
Improving myself and those around me

 

Technician Spotlight: Crystal Stout

medicalCrystal Stout
Lexington, MS

What is your role with BioTek? 
CLS/ Hagerstown, MD


What is the best thing that happened to you at work this month?
I made my bonus!


What is the number 1 reason you joined BioTek?
The labs closeness to home and the flexibility of the schedule.


What has been your favorite patient success story?
I had a grandmother who wabted testing because her grandson has had great results!

What piece of advice would you give to other BioTek Allergy techs/locations?
I don't know yet, maybe I could use some. :-)

What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
The gift of sleep! Rest and Relaxation at a bed and breakfast from my dad for my husband and I.

What is your favorite family tradition?
Riding around and looking at chrstiams Lights on Christmas Eve.

Who would you most like to swap places with for a day?
My 20 year old daughter, life is pretty easy for her. I'd like to see how that feels.

Where is your favorite place in the world? 
My home

What are you passionate about? 
Special needs kids and people.. I want to do something huge for the special needs community, I'm just not sure what yet.

 

Technician Spotlight: Beverly Forrest-Butts (2)

medicalBeverly Forrest-Butts
Lexington, MS

What is your role with BioTek? 
Clinical Lab Specialist/Regional Area Manager


What is the best thing that happened to you at work this month?
Yesterday was the beginning of National Nurse Week and I received a large gift basket of goodies from the office manager and my doctor. They could have easily looked over me being a nurse and just given to their nurse but they are always so thoughtful.


What is the number 1 reason you joined BioTek?
I was in a management position at my job prior to coming to Biotek and I was getting burned out with management and was desiring a change.  I started out as a CLS.


What has been your favorite patient success story?
I had this patient who stated he broke out every year during lawn mowing season and had been having migraine headaches, once he got started on the immunotherapy he hasn’t had another episode of breaking out or migraine head ache.  He has completed two years of therapy without having any previous episodes of breaking out or migraine.

What piece of advice would you give to other BioTek Allergy techs/locations?
To do your best job each day. Maintain a healthy work relationship with the staff at your clinic because they will be a good asset in helping you to get referrals

What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
My two boys.

What is your favorite family tradition?
Holiday get together

Who would you most like to swap places with for a day?
Madea

Where is your favorite place in the world? 
My home

What are you passionate about? 
Treating people the way that I expect to be treated.

 

Technician Spotlight: Rachel Harris

medicalWhat is your position and city location with BioTek?
I am a clinical lab specialist located in Dalton, Georgia.

What is the best thing that happened to you at work this month?
The best thing that happened to me at work this month was there were several questions and more patients calling wanting to be allergy testing due to the high pollen count.

What is the number 1 reason you joined BioTek?
One of the number one reason I joined Biotek is the previous employee stated that Biotek runs like a family and as a unit. I love that I can call someone to get a quick answer on the things that I need help with.

What has been your favorite patient success story?
I have a patient that was fully covered in eczema. He is in month 7-8 currently and his eczema is almost completely cleared.

What piece of advice would you give to other BioTek Allergy techs/locations?
I would tell them to send out notes or emails to the doctors twice a month so they know what the goal is for that month and to keep a close relationship with them to help Biotek and the company they are located at reach their goals.

What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
The best gift that I have ever received from Biotek was being employee of the month. Definitely took me by surprise but I do try to make sure everything gets done in timely manner.

What is your favorite family tradition?
One of my favorite family traditions is putting the Christmas tree up and decorating it. It just reminds me that everything in life is easier to do as unit.

Who would you most like to swap places with for a day?
I would love to swap places with Jesus, my boss here at Biotek, just to see what his day consists of. To see how much traveling he does and all the places he has to go because I definitely love traveling.

Where is your favorite place in the world? 
One of my favorite places in the is Nassau, Bahamas. It is so gorgeous there are breath taking. I haven’t went in a few years but definitely plan on taking a cruise early next year to settle this void.

What are you passionate about? 
I am very passionate about being hard working and letting everyone know that I can exceed their expectations. This includes being a mommy, gf, and an employee. I feel like in life that no matter what you do, you should always do your best at it, so that you receive the best results.

Technician Spotlight: Aracelia Martinez

medicalWhat is your position and city location with BioTek?
Training Manager, Pembroke Pines, FL

What is the best thing that happened to you at work this month?
I had the opportunity to boost someone’s confidence in themselves.

What is the number 1 reason you joined BioTek?
It was an opportunity learn to something I had never done before and the pay was right.

What has been your favorite patient success story?
I had a patient that suffered from chronic allergies, asthma and migraines and after two years of Immunotherapy her migraines were gone, she was able to discontinue use of her inhaler, and her quality of life had greatly improved.

What piece of advice would you give to other BioTek Allergy techs/locations?
Don’t try to conquer Rome in one day it takes some time to get the job down and staying organized is key to success.

What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
The gift of life and forgiveness of sin through Jesus Christ Sacrificial death

What is your favorite family tradition?
I wouldn’t call it a tradition but part of our everyday life. Praying together when we wake up, when we go to sleep, and when we eat together.

Who would you most like to swap places with for a day?
A neonatal heart surgeon.

Where is your favorite place in the world? 
Bali

What are you passionate about? 
Volunteer work, disaster relief

Technician Spotlight: Noemi Pou

medicalWhat is your role with BioTek?
My role is a CLS, I’m here to help my pt feel better.

What do you like most about working with BioTek?
Couple of things, but the freedom and recognition of my work is something I didn’t have in any other place.

What are your 3 goals each week?

1. Test more pts.
2. Keep myself up today w/ documents (non-comp. letter, upload all doc. On time).
3. Make my company feel proud.

What has been your favorite patient success story?
OMG, A 7 yrs old girl w/ severe eczema, came to my lab at the end of her 2 month showing me w/ huge excitement how good her hands was looking since she start with Tx. HER FACE WAS A MILLION DOLLAR FACE, I was literally in tears.

What piece of advice would you give to other BioTek Allergy techs/locations?
To educate all patients about the benefits of immunotherapy and convert as many as possible.
 
What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not at work?
Workout/lifting, and go to the movies with my kids.

What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?
Love

If you could meet anyone, who would it be and why?
Dwayne Johnson “The Rock” because is my crush and Michelle Obama a women that I admired.

What is something that only a few people know about you?
That I am a pancreatic cancer survivor.

If you could take a vacation anywhere, where would you go? 
Dubai and Europe, seems to me a very historical, exotic and romantic places to make my own story.

What are some additional fun facts about you? 
I like to make people laugh, love to make ppl feel and know they are not alone. I have a very entertaining personality.

Technician Spotlight: Nanette Billingsley

medicalNanette Billingsley
Eastridge, TN

What is your role with BioTek? 
Clinical lab technician/Medical Assistant


What do you like most about working with BioTek?
The fact that I can help patients and be able teach them about the allergy treatment also improve their overall health.


What are your 3 goals each week?

  1. Obtain at least 2 to 5 allergy candidates a week
    2. To improve conversion rate
    3. Increase the patient compliance and educate them about the immunotherapy

What is your favorite success story?
That they wish they had done this a little sooner.
How excited that they are when they tell you that their symptoms have improved.
They no longer have to take any more allergy medication or use the inhaler.

What piece of advice would you give to other BioTek Allergy techs/locations?
Be honest and build a relationship with your provider also with the staff.
Treat your patients with respect.

What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not at work?
Spending time with my family or out in the yard when it is warm

What’s one thing you couldn’t live without? 
Without knowing the Lord and my family

If you could meet anyone, who would it be and why?
Lord, because of his holiness and the compassion on people and the love that he has for us.

What is something that only a few people know about you? 
That I use to play football and that I use to struggle with my life (by putting myself down all the time).
I am a Rev. Wife

If you could take a vacation anywhere, where would you go?  
To Hawaii

What are some additional fun facts about you? 
I love to hunt and go fishing
I love to play basketball
Going out to witness and visiting the sick.

Technician Spotlight: Beverly Forrest-Butts

medicalBeverly Forrest-Butts
Lexington, MS

What is your role with BioTek? 
Clinical Lab Specialist/Regional Area Manager


What do you like most about working with BioTek?
The thing I like about Biotek is management is not in and out of my office personally every day. Yes they have access to you and sometime you feel like they are there but the independence.


What are your 3 goals each week?
1. To make sure that my lab is safe for myself as well as the patients.
2. To test at least five patients and encourage and make sure the five patients convert.
3. Check on my team members whether it is by telephone or email. I try to make them feel that I am available.


What has been your favorite patient success story?
I have this patient that was having headaches, stuffy nose especially while cutting the grass and skin irritations. He states the medicine has improved his health and he frequently tell me of others that he has referred because he says he is thankful that I was able to help him. He is on year 2.

What piece of advice would you give to other BioTek Allergy techs/locations?
Patient satisfaction is the best referral source. Take care of your patients, once they start the immunotherapy be there for them when they have questions and respond timely.
What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not at work?
Love on my grandson.

What’s one thing you couldn’t live without? 
The word of God.

If you could meet anyone, who would it be and why?

What is something that only a few people know about you? 
I have a heart of gold. Most people think that I am mean and don’t try to get to know the real Beverly. Yes I am mean when need be but I am very loving when I am not pushed.

If you could take a vacation anywhere, where would you go?  
Hawaii

What are some additional fun facts about you? 
I love life.
I am looking forward to my retirement years so that I can travel to various places and see this beautiful world.
I am a great listener.
I am a servant. I have been nursing for 29 years and serving as an usher for 12 years.
The best part of my life is being Hunter’s GiGi.

Technician Spotlight: Heather Burke

medicalHeather Burke
Keedysville and Hagerstown, MD

What is your role with BioTek? 
Clinical Laboratory Specialist


What do you like most about working with BioTek?
I like what we do, I like helping these patients, I like watching the progress the patients make, I like that we get to spend time with them and get to know them.


What are your 3 goals each week?
1. To test at least 2 pts/wk with a personal goal of 8/wk.
2. To have a better week then the one before
3. To make difference in someone’s life, whether a patient, co-worker, friend.

What has been your favorite patient success story?
Oh my, I have so many. Probably my all time favorite was when a little boy came back and said, “I know what it’s like to breathe normal now”. He continued to thank me over and over. Before he started therapy, he was a constant noisy mouth breather, since doing the therapy, he no longer has that issue!!!

What piece of advice would you give to other BioTek Allergy techs/locations?
Don’t get discouraged when you aren’t getting referrals, think outside of the box to get those referrals, stay determined to meet your goals.

What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not at work?
Spend time with my three boys, Matthew (17), Brayden (9), and Ian (6)

What’s one thing you couldn’t live without? 
My kids, I couldn’t live without my boys!

If you could meet anyone, who would it be and why?
Hmmmm....I’m not really sure.

What is something that only a few people know about you? 
Flamingos are my favorite animal, as a child, I would collect anything that had a flamingo on it.

If you could take a vacation anywhere, where would you go?  
Paris, I would love to someday go to Paris.

What are some additional fun facts about you? 
~ I am super competitive and love to play/watch sports, especially if I’m watching my boys :-)

~I’m originally from the Eastern Shore, MD, I love to be on the water, boating, jet skiing, crabbing, tubing, that’s my “happy place”. Someday, I hope to retire near the water…..and just a fyi, you haven’t experienced seafood until you have fresh Maryland Crabs!!

Technician Spotlight: Ketzie Muniz

medicalKetzie Muniz, 
 Tavares, FL

What is your role with BioTek? 
Medical Asst.


What do you like most about working with BioTek?
I am able to help patients directly with their daily living.


What are your 3 goals each week?
1. Test 5 patients
2. Communicate with the Dr and office
3. Audit charts to make sure they are compliant

What has been your favorite patient success story?
That they are able to no longer depend on Antihistamines and Steroids and that their symptoms have decreased significantly, having no sinus infections since completing treatment.

What piece of advice would you give to other BioTek Allergy techs/locations?
Explain in detail why they should do testing and treatment, and make sure it is in a language that they are able to understand. A patient who understands is more likely to be a compliant patient.

What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not at work?
Spend time with my family

What’s one thing you couldn’t live without? 
Technology (phone)

If you could meet anyone, who would it be and why?
Victor Manuelle, He is a Puerto Rican Salsa singer (my favorite), he is a humble person always helping his home town and community without wanting anything in return, showing a true humanitarian.

What is something that only a few people know about you? 
The struggles of life and how I was able to overcome them and become the successful person that I am today.

If you could take a vacation anywhere, where would you go?  
Hawaii, in some way it resembles my island of Puerto Rico and it is an island that I would love to explore.

What are some additional fun facts about you? 
I like to do Crossfit workout.

Technician Spotlight: Carrie Smith

medicalCarrie Smith, Clinical Lab Specialist
Plattsburgh, NY

What is your role with BioTek?
I am a clinical lab specialist
What do you like most about working with BioTek?
-I like to see my pts improve their overall health and wellbeing while completing their therapy program.
What are your 3 goals each week?
1.To increase overall testing numbers
2. To improve my conversion rate.
3.To positively impact my pts lives

What has been your favorite patient success story?
-A few months ago I received a call from a women who works at one of our local pharmacies. She stated that she had requested to speak to me directly because she was seeing all the pts come in to get their supplies for immunotherapy & they were telling her what a wonderful experience they had at my lab. This woman stated that she has suffered with allergies for such a long time and wanted to know how she could be tested. I asked her if she had ever been seen in our office and she stated yes. To make a long story short the pt has now been on therapy for six months and has had amazing results. This is a great example of how word of mouth and positive pt experiences can drum up referrals and increase overall productivity.
What piece of advice would you give to other BioTek Allergy techs/locations?
-Always make your pts your first priority! Keep yourself organized, professional & outgoing. These are three of my keys for success!
What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not at work?
-I love to coach and watch my three boys play sports!
What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?
-I could not live without my family.
If you could meet anyone, who would it be and why?
-I would love to meet Tom Brady! Our family is die hard New England Patriots fans!!!
What is something that only a few people know about you?
-I have been a cancer survivor since 2009.
If you could take a vacation anywhere, where would you go? 
Hawaii
What are some additional fun facts about you?
-I have been married to my wonderful husband for 12 years.
-I have three boys 13, 9 & 8.
-I have two dogs and two cats
-I love football, soccer & baseball.
-My favorite holiday is Christmas!

Technician Spotlight:Marcelle Hatchel

Marcelle Hatchel, MA CLS
Pleasant Grove, Utah

What is your role with BioTek?
Lab tech.
What do you like most about working with BioTek?
No matter what state your in, no matter what lab your working for, we all are doing the same work. We have a fluidity in this company that no one else has.   
What are your 3 goals each week?
Skin test 2 patients at least per day. Impact one person's life positively. Educate and Convert! 
What has been your favorite patient success story?
I don't think I have a favorite story, but I do get very excited when pt's tell me their asthma or skin symptoms have improved. 
What piece of advice would you give to other BioTek Allergy Techs?
Conversions mean nothing if your patients never want to see you again.  Be sincere in your speech, be honest with your methods and connect with your patients.  Remember one thing about them, their favorite team, that they like to read books, that they have 6 kids and 2 are adopted; anything, but just remember one thing. 
What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not at work?
I'm big into live concerts. I love a lot of underground up-in-coming artists so anytime I can catch one of their shows its always an amazing experience.  I also love long road trips, catching some good waves boating or surfing, and if im being 100% honest, I have binge watching parties at my house for me and my friends. 
What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?
Dark chocolate sea salt covered almonds from Trader Joe's
If you could meet anyone, who would it be and why?
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.  His philosophy on life, happiness, and compassion is something that I've always loved and strive to emulate. 
What is something that only a few people know about you?
I used to dance competitive Hula and Tahitian.... Great now more people know! (face-palm) lol 
If you could take a vacation anywhere, where would you go? 
Tonga. 
What are some additional fun facts about you? 
I have a Diet coke addiction.
I love Rugby and American Football.
I get hurt every year on Memorial Day, sometimes just by walking.
I once met Chef Gordon Ramsey and sounded like a stuttering super-fan until I passed out, not my finest moment.
I think Alligators are adorable and I almost daily say things like "Don't you just want to snuggle it? Look at its cute little face!"  
I have a rescue puppy named ESPN. if we clone her, her name will be ESPN 2. 
I was once told that if nursing didn't work out for me I could always be a stand up comedian.