News

Contact: Sarah Bello

By Alyssa Evans, Marketing & Communications Specialist

What if you could attend college for free? Would you?

CMH caregiver Kristina Weichal will graduate with an associate’s degree free of charge, thanks to the SEIU Ed Fund. Kristina, a commercial biller for Patient Financial Services, will eventually become a certified medical coder through the program.

“My goal is to be able to do billing and coding, to have a balance of both. If a claim is denied, I would be able to work that claim rather than send it off,” Kristina says.

The Ed Fund offers education, training and career advice to union members for free. CMH caregivers who are SEIU members are eligible to use the program.

“It’s really a broad range of courses that you can take. If it’s something that you want to take to grow in your current profession; if you want to change your profession completely – even if you have a thought in the back about changing careers to whatever it may be, it doesn’t hurt to talk to them and ask questions. They’ll give you the information they can, and you can balance out a program in a way that’s best for you,” Kristina says.

Kristina was encouraged to look into the program by her supervisor, Catherine Fisher. She soon started working with Zeny Ehrlich, a regional coordinator for the fund.

“She sent me information and guided me on the best route for me. I work full-time. I’m a wife, and I’m a mom, so I don’t want to overwhelm myself,” Kristina says. “She’s checked in with me regularly on how school is going, how I’m doing. She is very responsive and caring in making sure I’m being taken care of.”

Kristina is taking classes online through Portland Community College. She is currently working through a 20-week program that will end in September. She will continue taking classes after the program ends. Each week, she watches a lecture and completes some assignments.

“You have a week to do it, so it’s not anything that’s overwhelming,” Kristina says. “I always envisioned hours of work, but it’s really not that bad as long as you prioritize what you need to get done. I bring a textbook to work and read during lunchtime. It’s fairly easy to get it done.”

Throughout her program, Kristina has felt support from many people, including her husband and daughter.

“Now that I have a 10-year-old daughter, I’m showing her I can do it,” Kristina says. “She’s the best little cheerleader. She always gives a hug and checks up with me on how I’m doing.”

Kristina has felt supported while at work, too. She regularly checks in with Catherine and Kim Thomas, director of revenue cycle, as well as others in her department.

“The amount of support from my coworkers has been an extra little cushion. They’re absolutely amazing," Kristina says. "One of my fellow commercial billers even likes to see my discussion posts and checks in with me about my grades.”

Congratulations and kudos, Kristina! We wish you the best throughout this journey.