Meet Our Team

Debbie Kalk

Debbie joined Reliable Medical in 1998 with over 20 years of experience in healthcare roles with companies such as Merck. Originally hired to document, train and facilitate OSHA compliance and obtain JCAHO (later named Joint Commission) accreditation. In 2006, she was promoted to Executive Manager, overseeing the management and leadership team, as well as Finance and Billing. After serving as Vice President, Debbie assumed the role of CEO/President of Reliable Medical, overseeing the strategic direction and operations of Reliable Medical with an eye on future trends and continued growth.

In 2019, she was honored to be named one of four finalists for the HME Woman of the Year and in 2020, recognized by Woman of Distinction in the state of Minnesota.  Debbie currently serves on several boards including NCART, working with CRT manufacturers and providers on legislation and patient advocacy.  Across the HME industry, she is known for her forward thinking, operational excellence, and extraordinary leadership skills.  She is an empowering leader who believes in the change management philosophy of rewarding and recognizing the contributions of her team.  She is committed to championing her employees and is proud to be leading a company that has been voted a Top Workplace in Minnesota for the past six consecutive years.   Debbie’s goal is to continue to drive profitable revenue and growth without compromising the quality of patient care and the culture that has made Reliable Medical an employer and provider of choice.

Katie Stevens

Katie has spent the majority of her career in Complex Rehab, joining the industry first as a CSR in 2006 and since then has been serving in various leadership roles. She has experience with payer relations, account management, business development and operational improvement. Katie is a relational leader who enjoys collaboration and authentic connection. She joined RMS in January of 2020, and in her role provides oversight and direction across all operational functions for each location while supporting the company's growth. Katie has a BS in business from The University of Redlands, and an MA in Marketing from the University of Nottingham.

Bonnie Devitt

I have worked for Reliable Medical for over 20 years. Keeping up with the changes of this industry, I am able to  contribute to the growth and vision of our company. I continue to enjoy working with clients for their Home Medical needs that helps safely transition them into the community and improve their everyday lives.

Brendan Layer

Brendan Layer Joined Reliable Medical in July, 2020 with over ten years’ experience in highly regulated manufacturing environments (ISO:13485).  He was hired to oversee the Purchasing activities here at Reliable Medical.

John Dirksen

I started with Reliable Medical Supply in March of 2009 as a delivery technician.  I was promoted to a Service Technician in 2010 and worked directly servicing customer’s mobility equipment until 2013.  In 2013, I had the opportunity to supervise the Warehouse technicians at Brooklyn Park.  Since 2014, I have been managing the service department overseeing repairs, deliveries, and scheduling.  I really enjoy being able to help our customers keep their mobility independence.  I have 2 wonderful kids and enjoy being in the outdoors.   

Jackie Semrad

I started with Reliable Medical in April of 1990 as Customer Service/Receptionist/Accounts Payable/Shipping and receiving and was employee #3. Since I came with a Nursing background and wanted to get back to patient care, many job changes followed as the company grew. I am currently the Corporate Compliance Officer having received my Certification in Health Care Compliance in 2011 and my Health Care Professional Certification in 2017, as well as Government Relations/Healthcare Advocacy My husband Joe and I have been married for 35 years and have 2 children and 2 grandchildren. Working for Reliable has allowed me to continue the goal of improving the lives of our clients.

Jerad VanDerBeek

Jerad started with Reliable Medical in November of 2002.  Since then, he has been an integral part of the company through technology advancements and procedural improvements.  Until 2019, Jerad was the only on-site Information Technology staff.  Jerad’s first accomplished goal in 2003 was to upgrade Reliable Medical’s  internal server system and provide desktop email to all office employees.  Jerad then went on to develop efficiencies through utilization of Outlook calendars for all service technicians.  Throughout the years, Jerad has been responsible for network development, server maintenance and upgrades, software research, implementation and support, network security, internet and inter-office connectivity, phone systems, wireless access, cellular services, website development, social media, advertising development and coordination, training, office security systems and assisted with Human Resources and Compliance Policies and Procedures.  In 2009, Jerad help coordinate the move of our largest office from one location to another in Brooklyn Park, MN.  The move included all local server systems, about 50 employees and included the simultaneous implementation of a new phone system.  The move was completed in less than 5 hours and all system were up and running at the new location allowing employees to only miss one morning of work. In 2014, Jerad implemented virtual servers to help streamline the network and reduce the need for multiple hardware requirements. In 2018-19, Jerad implemented several technologies to help reduce costs, create faster interoffice connections, bring more services into the cloud allowing for employees to work virtually anywhere.  The biggest accomplishment was implementing an online phone system which allowed for almost all of our staff to work from home during the beginning of the COVID pandemic.  Jerad continues to look forward to the future and explore ways to improve, streamline, “reduce clicks” and provide technology that empowers Reliable Medical employees to be “Committed to improving the lives of all who entrust us with their care and those who we entrust to provide it.”

Kelly Musta

I’ve been employed at Reliable Medical for over 18 years.  I started here as the first ever file clerk in 2002.  I gradually climbed the ladder to receptionist, then into Rehab Support assisting our ATP’s.  I was promoted to Supervisor of the Rehab Support department and stayed in this role until being promoted to the Clinical Documentation Manager in 2018.

Sandra Jozwiak

Sandra has over 35 years of experience in healthcare, management, leadership and all aspects of human resources.     Sandra joined Reliable Medical (RM) in September of 2013 as the first HR person to join the company.   It was Sandra’s responsibility to start an HR department and provide services in talent management, compliancy, payroll, employment law, benefit contract negotiations, Open Enrollment, management training and leadership coaching.   In January of 2014, RM was nominated as a Top Workplace in Minnesota.   However, the company failed to receive the honor of being selected as a Top Workplace in Minnesota.    From the information gathered from the Employee Surveys that went out to all employees of the company, Sandra worked with the CEO/Owner, VP of Operations and the entire management team to provide leadership training and, with the support of all involved, the company culture was given an overhaul.   In June of 2015, the company was again nominated and this time RM was selected as one of the Star Tribune Top Workplaces in Minnesota.   Through continued diligence and dedication to the needs of the employees, recognition of their potential, strengths and opportunities for improvement, the culture has continued to flourish.     RM provides a culture that empowers employees, energizes employees and makes them proud to be part of the RM team.   RM has been a Top Workplace for six years in a row now!

Prior to joining RM, Sandra was part of a leadership team whose goal was to start up a new surgery center in the metro area.    Coming from a background as a clinician with clinical and surgery experience, as well as management and HR, it was Sandra’s responsibility to establish and manage a Medical Records Department, Surgery Scheduling Department, Administration Department and Human Resources Department.     After five years of working for the surgery center, Sandra was offered an opportunity to start up and manage an HR department at RM.   As the sole Human Resources employee, Sandra oversees all HR needs for 125 employees in four locations.

Sandra has been a long time member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and participant in multiple HR and Employment Law focus groups.  Sandra is committed to the mission to bring dedication, passion, leadership and 35 years of experience to this position. 

Stephanie Svercl

I started my journey in the DME industry about 13 years ago and it truly feels like home to me. In my time with Reliable I have had the opportunity to grow into the position of Billing Manager with the guidance and support of my colleagues. This growth has not only challenged me but also allowed me to learn and be a part of many different teams including Quality Control, Reimbursement, Document Control, Cash Application, and Compliance. I have also been able to actively participate in our state and federal legislative initiatives that directly affect the DME industry and our client’s everyday life to prompt change for the better. It is so important to me to contribute where I know I can help make a difference for others and I feel privileged to assist our teams in making that difference for people every day.

Thomas Carlson

Tom Carlson is a Controller with 9 years of Professional Accounting and Finance experience. Tom specializes in using technology to improve efficiencies to create analytical tools that help align the company’s goals and strategies in all departments. He believes in leading by example and loves using his skill set to create synergy within the company. He is new to the health care industry after starting his career in hospitality. He is passionate about working with people and taking care of both external and internal customers. Outside of work Tom is a sports enthusiast that enjoys watching and playing a variety of sports an easy way to start a conversation with him is to ask him about his favorite football team.

Todd Paddock

Todd Paddock joined Reliable Medical in September 2020 as the Director of Payor and Revenue Management.  He brings over 10 years of experience in the medical industry specializing in payor relations and revenue cycle management.  Todd has experience in the ancillary care space with national companies which is instrumental as we continue to expand into other markets. He has had leadership roles in both the front end and back end of revenue cycle, as well as in payor contracting.  He is a collaborative leader that pushes continuous improvements within processes and the highest standards in the continuity of care for patients.

Talis Daiga

Talis joined Reliable Medical Supply (RMS) in 2020 with the acquisition of A&A Medical Supply which he had been part of since 2015.  He has worked for many Healthcare companies in a sales/sales management role since 2003, including Pfizer, Source One Medical, Inogen, and VQ Orthocare.  Talis is not only a passionate/knowledgeable leader of the Northern Ohio Team, but also a passionate leader husband/father at home with a beautiful wife and 4 boys (3 of which are triplets).  He is a graduate of The University of Toledo with a B.A. in Business.  He also took and passed on the first try his ATP exam in 2018.

Clay Dodson

Clay has been an ATP since 2008 working with clients residing Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. Prior to obtaining his ATP credentials, Clay started and developed his passion for working with individuals with mobility needs on the service side of the industry as a RTS and service manager for a Cincinnati based firm. He has received numerous awards throughout his career for his dedication to the customers he has served and Clay is very involved in supporting the community… often volunteering with adaptive sport programs, MDA camps, fundraisers along with providing wheelchair education/seminars for local PT/OT programs.  

Troy Watson

My name is Troy Watson. I am an Area Manager for Reliable Medical Supply, with over a decade of experience working in the DME field. I enjoy finding solutions and helping provide equipment that improves the quality of life for the clients that we get to work with, on a daily basis.  

James Tusa

Jim joined Reliable Medical Supply in June of 2016 as the General Manager of the Waite Park Branch bringing seven years of Industry experience as a DME Materials Manager to Reliable Medical Supply.

In his former DME capacity Jim’s responsibilities included over site the following departments:   Inventory, Purchasing, Service/Repair, as well as supervising the day to day operations of all materials requirement for a four location DME company serving South West, and West Central MN,

These responsibilities provided Jim with a strong base to further his career with Reliable Medical Supply.

In addition to those responsibilities Jim also served as the companies Safety Director, Product Value Analysis committee member (reviewing products for quality and value), as well as being a member of the Management team.

In June of 2020 Reliable Medical Supply Promoted Jim to Area Manager overseeing both the Waite Park, and Buffalo, MN Branches. Waite Park currently employs fifteen staff members, and Buffalo employs five staff members.

Branch staff in both locations consist of Office Administrators, ATP’s, Service Technicians, Rehab Support Technicians, Customer Service Representatives, Respiratory Therapist, Customer Service Support, and Warehouse Technician. Totaling 20 staff under supervision.  

Jim’s current responsibilities include: the day to day oversight of the Waite Park, and Buffalo branch operations, Implementation and enforcement of company policies and accreditation regulations, P&L analysis and reporting using Brightree to assist in timely workflow and inventory control at the branch level, maintaining key accounts, Monitor and record branch sales activity, Participate in recruiting and hiring staff, conduct annual evaluations of all staff, work alongside staff to provide backup and support, coordinate continuing education and in service training for staff.  

Jim credits his positive management style to the experience and training he received over his 25 years in management with such companies as Ag-Chem Equipment Company, and John Deere.

Jodi Baumgard

I began my career in 1989 and have dedicated the past 30+ years to serving people with disabilities of all ages.  When I began as a Certified Nursing Assistant, I cared for the elderly full time then transitioned to “on call” which gave me the ability to work in many different nursing homes throughout the Twin Cities. I went on to a local transitional care facility and gained valuable experience working with people with spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries and congenital disabilities.  I also served as a paraprofessional in a middle school to expand my knowledge of working with children with special needs.  I have been with Reliable Medical Supply since 2002.  As an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP), I strive to collaborate with patients, caregivers and medical staff to come up with creative solutions that allow each person to achieve and maintain independence and a high quality of life.  I enjoy helping people and strive to continue to “…use your freedom to serve one another.” – Galatians 5:13

Joe Scanlan, ATP, CRTS

I started out in the rehab industry in 1989 as a rehab service technician for a large national dealer. In 1991, our rehab department was purchased by Reliable Medical Supply. Since then I have held the following positions at Reliable: service tech, service manager, rehab manager and currently work as an ATP. I have been with reliable for 29 years primarily working with children and clients with neurological disorders. I enjoy working with families and individuals to help them through the process of choosing the right equipment and providing the equipment that will impact their lives. I have been married for 24 years and we have a 21-year-old son.

Nick Craig, ATP

I started at Reliable in February of 2008 as a service tech. In 2012, I was promoted to a rehab tech programming and fitting equipment. In 2016, I was promoted to Lead Rehab Tech where I was involved with training other technicians and working with complex patients on programming and fitting. I specialized in setting up Bluetooth and infra-red setups within the home for power chairs. In 2018, I was promoted to an RTS while studying for my ATP certification. In October of 2018, I received my ATP certification from RESNA. I love my job because I get to help people be more independent and help them do things they thought they would never be able to do because of being in a chair. I really love helping young kiddos find their independence and being able to do the things they see other kiddos doing.

Patty Allard, ATP, PTA

I was trained as a physical therapist assistant and spent 23 years in the group home and public school settings working with children and young adults with developmental disabilities. I have been an ATP for 12 years. I have been working at Reliable Medical Supply for almost 5 years. I started here as a rehab technician and after two years, I moved into an ATP position. I really enjoy meeting with individuals and helping them to obtain the best piece of equipment to meet their needs. I get great satisfaction when the end-user is happy, comfortable and as independent as possible. I find it to be very rewarding work.

Brent DeBerry, ATP, COTA/L

Brent joined Reliable Medical in April of 2020. He started with A&A Medical Supply in February of 2018 after working in LTCF, SNF, Outpatient and Home Healthcare as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. He also has experience as a supervisor, manager/project manager in other career fields. His current role with RMS is as an ATP/Sales rep.  Brent has a bachelor’s degree and 35 hours towards his master’s in art education (PreK-12) from The Ohio State University, an associate degree in applied science for his Occupational Therapy Degree and he earned his ATP in July of 2018.  Brent considers himself an dedicated employ and proclaims that this is his favorite career year to date!

Eddie Brezina

Eddie joined Reliable Medical Supply (RMS) in 2020 with the acquisition of A&A Medical which he’s been with since the start of 2020. Eddie has been a licensed occupational therapy assistant (COTA/L) since 2018 and was a Rehab Director at multiple facilities until he transitioned into his current position. When he’s not at work you can find him on the golf course or hanging with family and friends enjoying the nice summer nights (not a cold weather fan). Eddie truly has a passion for helping people and creating/maintaining relationships.

Jason Spainhower

Jason Spainhower is an ATP from Eden Utah who joined the RMS team in July of 2020. He recently moved to Ohio to live closer to his daughter. He is very passionate about being an ATP. He loves playing a role in improving people’s quality of life and feels blessed to have a career in the Custom Rehab Technology industry.  His Father, who is also an ATP, started a DME business in their garage when Jason was just in elementary school. This played a huge part in his choice of career path and Jason is proud to be following in his Father’s footsteps.  

Jon Freedman, OTA/L

Jon is a life-long Clevelander who worked for 14 years in long-term care settings as an occupational therapy assistant. Early in his career, he became drawn to wheelchair seating and positioning after witnessing how a clinically appropriate wheelchair would dramatically increase the resident's quality of life. In his free time, what he enjoys most is being in the company of his wife and his two daughters. On Sundays, he takes the Browns games very seriously.

Kevin Roche

Kevin graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelors of Science. He has over 20 years experience in the Medical Industry. Kevin has found a home and passion working with his clients to reach their goals of independence so they may get the very best out of life.

Lexi Bean

Lexi Bean is new to the A&A/RMS team and is loving her new position.  She previously worked as an OTA for 7 years in long term care.  Switching to this new role has given Lexi a great work life balance. She loves seeing people gaining their independence back when receiving a new wheelchair.   She loves to spend time with her husband and 3 sons doing anything sports related. 

Shannon Ponko

Shannon Ponko started at Reliable Medical in the spring of 2020. She has been a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant/Rehab Director for 13 years. She also has a bachelor degree in Business Administration and a technical certification in Medical Assistance. Shannon enjoys client interactions and spending time boating with her family.

Terry Johnson

My career in the DME industry started by working in a family run, local retail store. I was selling lift chairs, bath aids and scooters to walk in customers. My role expanded to stairglide and lift installations, and assisting in the rehab dept.  I ventured more and more into the rehab equipment side of the business and eventually became the sole ATP on staff.  I have been with A&A Medical supply since 2013 and was recently adopted by the Reliable Medical family.

Antoinette Brokopp

Antoinette practiced as an Occupational Therapist for 24 years prior to obtaining her ATP certification. She has experience working with elderly, adult and pediatric populations in skilled, acute, outpatient and long term care settings. She worked with her patients and wheelchair seating/mobility for 13 years, and developed a passion for the field. Antoinette is driven to use all her skills and experience to help her clients achieve function and independence using seating and mobility products.

John Wise, PT, DPT, ATP

John graduated from Thomas More College with a BA in Biology in 2011. At TMC, John was a 4 year letter winner as a member of the Thomas More Saints Football Team.  He was fortunate to be apart of a team that collectively helped win 3 consecutive conference championships and were consistently ranked in the top 10 of all of NCAA Division III. 

John went on to attend Mount Saint Joseph University, where he graduated with his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2015.  As a clinician, John has worked is a variety of settings including outpatient neuro and inpatient rehab. As a licensed physical therapist, he became interested in Assistive Technology and rehab equipment by directly performing wheelchair evaluations to increase independence of patients with mobility limitations.

John decided to use his skills and knowledge as a physical therapist to improve the experience a patient has when receiving assistive technology and DME.  He became a licensed Assistive Technology Professional in 2018 when he joined A&A Medical Supply.  John takes pride in being able to improve the quality of life of his patients through proper equipment recommendations and patient education. 

Maureen Gundlach

Maureen Gundlach joined A &A Medical Supply/ Reliable Medical in 2015. She has enjoyed every minute of bringing mobility and comfort to her patients when working with many Occupational and Physical Therapists to find the right equipment/fit for each patients’ needs.  She has worked in the healthcare and DME industry since 2008.  Before coming to Reliable/A&A Medical her experience included hospital registrar, Marketing for a Pulmonary and Sleep specialist, and sales for a DME company.  Prior to working in healthcare she spent over two decades working in customer service for a major airline, where she learned to interact with a wide variety of people and solve their diverse issues. She has always had compassion and care for everyone she meets. She enjoys attending Seminars and Symposiums to keep her educated, updated on the tested and newest equipment for her patients. She takes pride in being a wife and mother to one teenage boy.  In her spare time when able she likes to travel, garden and be poolside.

Shannon Walters, MOTR/L, ATP

I have an associates degree of science from the University of Cincinnati in Early Childhood education. I then went on to get my Bachelors of Liberal Arts from Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH. I graduated with my Bachelors in 2012. I then enrolled in Xavier Universities Occupational Therapy program. I graduated with a masters in Occupational therapy from Xavier University in 2015. I am a registered and licensed Occupational Therapist. I worked in Long Term Care in nursing homes for about 4.5 years where I assisted individuals in getting back to their activities of daily living so that they could be as Independent as possible. I also assisted with long term care residents in making sure they could participate in tasks that were important to them. I assisted them in getting wheelchairs so that they could participate in those tasks. After 4.5 years of working in long term care I decided to get my Assistive technology professional certification. I started working as an assistive technology professional at the end of 2018. I enjoy assisting therapist in getting their patients wheelchairs that allow the patient to have a good quality of life and be able to participate in their daily tasks.

Paula Stommes, MA, OTR/L, ATP

Paula has been with Reliable Medical Supply for over seven years.  Paula started as the rehab manager and in 2020 decided to switch to concentrate on our customer's care as a full time Assistive Technology Provider. She is also an occupational therapist. Paula enjoys working closely with her team and working as an ATP which allows her to be in the community interacting with therapists and consumers. Paula received her B.A. in occupational therapy from St. Catherine University. She has an M.A. in education from St. Mary’s University and she is pursuing a doctoral degree from St. Catherine University.

Adam Schiller, ATP

I have been in the industry for 10 years. I have been an ATP with Reliable Medical Supply for 4 years. I enjoy improving people’s lives, from pediatrics to elderly. I love seeing the joy on a parent's face when their child takes their first steps in years. I look forward to coming to work every day at Reliable Medical Supply. Every day brings a new challenge with the same goal in mind, to serve our client base with the best care we can provide.

Brian Crenna, ATP, CRTS

I have been employed with Reliable Medical Supply since November of 2005 and have been in the industry for 21 years. I have been a member of the National Registry of Rehabilitation Technology suppliers for 20 years. I enjoy being an ATP because the job is a rewarding one. The equipment we provide makes a difference in people's lives. I have been Ride Custom Seating Certified since 2008 and have done many Ride Custom Seating Systems for our clients.

Robert Bryant

I have been a Respiratory Therapist since 1991 and a Polysomnographic Technologist since 1994.  I have worked in hospitals, clinics, and DME.  My experience includes ICU, NICU, ER, Pediatrics, General Medical Floors, Sleep Centers, Pulmonary Rehab and 16 years in Management.  I have a BA Degree from the University of MN and went to Respiratory Care School at St. Paul Technical College.  I enjoy working with patients and seeing the positive impact that we can have on their lives.   

Karen Guilgot

I have been a respiratory therapist since 1996 and have worked in a variety of different aspects in respiratory from neonates to geriatric and hospital to homecare.  I have my neonatal pediatric specialist credential, am an American Heart CPR instructor, and I am an active member of the MnSRC.  Currently I am in school to obtain my bachelors in Healthcare Management. My passion for respiratory therapy lays with educating patients and their family members about their disease process and how I can make a positive impact on their lives. I am married and we have 4 beautiful daughters, 2 sons-in-law, and 3 grandchildren.

Patrick Welch

My name is Patrick Welch, and I’m the clinical liaison/ respiratory therapist for reliable medical. I have worked in the medical field for over 20 years and I started out cleaning medical equipment at HeathEast MED home, then liquid oxygen driver, and setting up DME equipment ( hospital beds, walkers, wheelchairs, feeding pumps, IV machines, Cpaps, Bipaps, ventilators and oxygen setups.I have worked my way up to respiratory therapist,and have a great passion for my patients. I was a director of respiratory before coming to reliable medical and bring 20 years of experience. I love being a clinical liaison and being able to help our patients.