“It has purpose”: Renee Kiel reflects on leading the Admissions team
08/29/24 12:00:pm
Helping others is what drives Renee Kiel.
“I like being there for people when they’re in their most fragile state, and they finally have the courage to reach out for help,” Renee says. “Having someone on the other end of that call can truly make a difference in someone’s life.”
Joining Rogers last April as the executive director of Admissions, Renee oversees our “front door,” which includes two patient access teams – one in Oconomowoc and the other in Schaumburg, Illinois – and inpatient admissions for all three Wisconsin hospitals.
“We are an around-the-clock department,” she says. “We help people all over the country access services at Rogers by completing a screening to determine which level of care and program best meets their needs. We work closely with the providers, clinical review team, care coordinators, and several other departments to make the experience as smooth as possible.”
Renee works at the Schaumburg call center, which opened last May. She also travels to the Wisconsin sites.
“A typical day starts with me talking with the screeners who are on site to answer any questions and provide whatever support is needed,” she shares. “I work closely with the clinical reviewers and other Admissions leaders to prevent any delays in care. I value the collaborative efforts with leaders across our System to see what else we can do to help a person get the treatment they deserve. Additionally, I’ve completed screenings as needed to support the volume of calls. I really enjoy that.”
Renee brings nearly three decades of experience in the behavioral health field. For the last 22 years she worked at Streamwood Behavioral Healthcare System in Streamwood, Illinois, where she most recently served as director of utilization management. Among her accomplishments, Renee implemented initiatives that led to a high volume of patients and the opening of another branch hospital location, and she developed a state-wide crisis community referral resource list for every county. Renee has also overseen census meetings, provided oversight of a 24-hour, state-wide community assistance referral line, and developed and created programs utilizing statistical admission and referral information.
“I’ve always been connected one way or another to somebody seeking mental health services,” she says.
Renee says Rogers’ reputation for excellence is why she joined the organization.
“I appreciate Rogers’ long history of providing evidence-based treatment and that we continue to look at our communities to see how we can help,” she says. “Primary Behavioral Health is a good example. It started as a pilot outpatient program, then spread rapidly across our System to include residential care for adults in Brown Deer. It allows more people to access our care.”
Getting to know Renee
Renee was born and raised in Illinois where she lives with her husband, Paul. Their 20-year-old son, Alex attends the University of Illinois, and their 17-year-old daughter, Addison will be a senior in high school. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree from an Accredited School of Social Work at Illinois State University. She earned her Master of Social Work degree from Loyola University of Chicago. She’s a licensed clinical social worker.
Renee enjoys spending time with her family and friends attending sporting events, trying new restaurants and traveling. She spends quiet time reading books and snuggling with her dog, Ivy.
