Marisa Scherman, Transition Specialist
With more than three decades in business, Independence Plus is growing rapidly with the goal of bringing our services to the many people who need us. As we continue to expand our coverage area, we are always looking for professionals who are committed to our mission to provide exemplary care and services for people at home with complex medical and respiratory needs. When we first met Marisa Scherman, we were quickly impressed with her vast experience, work ethic, and passion for helping others. We are proud to welcome Marisa as the newest member of our sales team, covering our Wisconsin and Northern Illinois markets. We sat down with her recently to discuss what her job entails, where she gets her inspiration, and why she is excited to join our team.
Q: Tell us a little about your background and what brought you to Independence Plus.
A: I have spent the past 25 years in a sales and advertising role. I started out working with seniors, in the health insurance industry. Most recently I had the pleasure of working in the home health industry, working with referral sources, to ensure care was provided to seniors wanting to remain at home, but in need of additional assistance.
I was drawn to Independence Plus because of their dedication and sincere empathy for their patients and employees. It brings me great pleasure to work for a company that can make changes in the lives of the patients we care for. I saw firsthand the challenges that families face with their loved ones, and I wanted to be able to make a difference in their lives.
Q: What does your job entail and what are you enjoying most about your new role so far?
A: As a transition specialist, I work closely with case managers at local hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and with specialty physicians. I provide education to our referral resources to allow us to partner with their patients with complex medical needs, to provide the best possible outcomes for their patients who are wishing to remain at home. I enjoy getting to know our referral sources and learning about the challenges they are facing, and how I may assist them. Since the DME part of my position is completely new for me, I like learning about all of our equipment and how it helps our patients with complex medical needs.
Q: What was your first impression of Independence Plus?
A: My first impression of IPI was that it provides a positive environment for its employees and patients that it serves. I learned early on that IPI does the right thing for its patients, not just what makes sense financially. IPI is a company that wants to make a difference by empowering its employees and encouraging employee collaboration and growth.
Q: Who inspires you?
A: I am most inspired by people who show random acts of kindness. I think in a world where there is so much negativity, it is so important to show love and understanding to others. I am inspired when I see the love that someone will show to a stranger, and it always encourages me to do better. We never know what a difference we can make in someone’s life, by simply being kind and acknowledging them.
Q: What are you most proud of?
A: I am most proud of the hard work and success I have had over the last 25 years of my career. I have built lasting relationships with colleagues while making significant changes in the lives of the clients and patients I have served over the years.
Q: What words do you live by?
A: Today you could be standing next to someone doing their best not to fall apart. So, whatever you do today, do it with kindness in your heart.
Q: What is the one thing about yourself that you think people would be surprised to know?
A: People are often surprised to learn that I danced with the Milwaukee Ballet, when I was younger. I performed in the Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty and many others. Unfortunately, it was very time-consuming, with practice five times a week, and I gave it up.
Q: What volunteer efforts do you support?
A: I support the Alzheimer’s Association. I have experienced firsthand what a person goes through as the disease takes over. I spent two years caring for my aunt, until she passed away. It is one of the most heart-breaking diseases, that I watched a loved one experience. The Alzheimer’s Association is committed to research in a global effort to eliminate Alzheimer’s. They provide a multitude of diverse research initiatives working towards methods of treatment, prevention, and ultimately a cure. The Alzheimer’s Association has been a great resource for support for families by educating family members on caring for a loved one, and resources available in the community. Alzheimer’s will continue to be a cause that I support, whether by donating my time, or raising money.
If you are interested in our services in Wisconsin or Northern Illinois, please contact Marisa at mscherman@independenceplus.com.