Caleen Simmonds
Summary
Systematic individual with over 10 years of experience, possessing strong leadership, communication and problem-solving capabilities. Versed in preparing reagents, maintaining laboratory equipment and evaluating control slides. Attentive and hardworking professional with outstanding knowledge of Special Stains and Immunohistochemistry. Currently serves as a subject matter expert in all areas of the laboratory.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Histotechnologist
Vizia Diagnostics
09.2014 - Current
- Perform grossing, embedding and Microtomy of various tissue type
- Operate and maintain Peloris and Milestone tissue processors, Sakura Tissue Tek -prism stainer, Leica bond, Ventana BenchMark Ultra
- Perform Daily QC of controls with proper documentation
- Perform lot to lot verification of antibodies and dilutions
- Managed inventory levels effectively, ensuring adequate supplies were available without excessive stockpiling or waste generation.
- Maintained strict confidentiality when handling sensitive patient information, ensuring compliance with all relevant data protection regulations.
- Promoted a culture of continuous quality improvement, actively seeking opportunities to enhance laboratory services and patient outcomes.
Lead Histotechnologist (PRN)
GI North Pathology
06.2023 - 03.2024
- Performed Grossing, Embedding and Microtomy of GI specimen
- Process tissue using VIP Tissue processor
- Assisted in the development of new laboratory procedures, contributing to ongoing improvements in testing accuracy and turnaround time.
- Facility onboard and training of new hires.
- Perform competency assessments of all direct reports
- Played an active role in troubleshooting equipment issues as they arose, minimizing downtime while maximizing resource utilization within the lab setting.
- Provided training and mentorship to junior staff members, fostering a supportive learning environment within the histotechnology department.
- Coordinated preparation of laboratory for inspection by CLIA.
Histechnician (PRN)
Northside Hospital Atlanta
02.2015 - 06.2016
- Perform Microtomy on various tissue types
- Perform frozen sections for immediate diagnosis
- Maintained proper filing of blocks and slides
- Assisted with day-to-day operations of maintain QC logs and supplies
Histotechnician
Quest Diagnostic/Dermpath Diagnostics/Ameripath
04.2013 - 09.2014
- Perform Grossing and Embedding of Derm and Gi Tissue
- Sorted specimens according to priority and difficulty of procedures
- Maintain filing of blocks and slides
- Monitored inventory levels of supplies, equipment, and reagents used and submit order request for replacements.
- Entered data on demographics, grossing descriptions, and clinical diagnosis into LIS
- Prepared solutions, stains and reagents in accordance with standards for tissue processors and stainers
- Proper disposal of flammable and hazardous waste
Education
Certification - Histology
Darton State College
Albany, GA09.2013
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Clayton State University
Morrow, GA09.2012
Skills
- Histotechnologist (HTL)
- Equipment Maintenance
- Regulatory Compliance Awareness
- Continuing Education Commitment
- Frozen Section Technique
- Immunohistochemistry Proficiency
- Special staining mastery
- Antibody validation experience
- Immunohistochemical testing
- Quality Control
Timeline
Lead Histotechnologist (PRN)
GI North Pathology
06.2023 - 03.2024
Histechnician (PRN)
Northside Hospital Atlanta
02.2015 - 06.2016
Lead Histotechnologist
Vizia Diagnostics
09.2014 - Current
Histotechnician
Quest Diagnostic/Dermpath Diagnostics/Ameripath
04.2013 - 09.2014
Certification - Histology
Darton State College
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Clayton State University
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