Meet the Team

Krista Bragg, CRNA, DNP, Chief Nurse Anesthetist

Krista graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, (valedictorian) from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and also acquired an additional year of graduate nursing credits. She graduated in 2000 with a Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia (Magna Cum Laude) from the University of Pittsburgh. During 1998-2009 Krista worked progressive leadership and executive roles within the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center system, while simultaneously obtaining a Master’s Degree in Nursing Administration (Magna Cum Laude) from the University of Pittsburgh in 2006. An adjunct associate professor for the University of Pittsburgh, Krista completed her Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nursing Administration in 2010, with a clinical focus in patient safety. A productive public speaker and writer, Krista has published a peri-anesthesia textbook, book chapter, and several clinical articles. In addition she is a freelance author for several running and fitness magazines. Krista moved from Florida to Reading in January 2012 and is pleased to be serving as Chief Nurse Anesthetist. 

Thomas Buerkert CRNA, MSN

Tom received his BSN 1990 from Gwynedd-Merci College. He worked as an RN in the ICU and CCU at Montgomery Hospital from 1988 to 1992. He then Graduated from the Frank J. Tornetta School of Nurse Anesthesia in 1994, and received his MSN from Saint Joseph's University in 1994. Tom joined TRHMC as a CRNA in January 1995, and served as the Chief CRNA from October 2006 to December 2011. Tom is a member of the AANA and is also a preceptor to the SRNAs.

Connie Christman, CRNA, MSN

Connie received her RN from The Reading Hospital School of Nursing in 1991. She worked at THRMC as a Certified Perioperative Nurse for eight years and two years as a Surgical Intensive Care Unit Nurse. During that time, she continued her education and received her BSN from Excelsior College in 2001. In 2003, Connie graduated from the Frank J. Tornetta School of Anesthesia at Montgomery Hospital and LaSalle University with a MSN. She has now worked as a CRNA at TRHMC for over 9 years and works closely as a clinical preceptor to the anesthesia students. She is actively involved on many committees for the anesthesia department, and a member of the AANA.

Russ Earnest, CRNA, MSN

Russ Earnest obtained his AAS and RN from Atlantic Community College in 1988 where he served as class president and achieved leadership awards and was a member of Sigma Theta Tau. Russ worked at Hahnemann University Hospital in CTICU for 10 years and during that time he received his BSN, MSN, and CRNA all from Hahnemann University Hospital. He then worked at Christiana Hospital for 4 years before working agency and has worked in a multitude of settings. He also served in the Army for 16 years and retired as Major.

Tammy Engle, CRNA, MSN

Tammy graduated with high distinction from Alvernia College (1995) with as Associate Degree in Nursing. She obtained a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing Degree from Kutztown University in May 2000. She completed her M.S.N. from LaSalle University and graduated from the Frank J. Tornetta School of Anesthesia in November 2003. She maintains active membership with the AANA.

Jamie Geschwindt, CRNA, MSN

Jamie became a registered nurse in 2000 after earning a diploma from the Reading Hospital School of Nursing. He graduated from Kutztown University in 2007 with a BSN and was offered a membership into Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society. In 2011, he graduated from the Frank J. Tornetta School of Anesthesia and completed his MSN from LaSalle University. He enjoys the great outdoors and spending quality time with his two daughters and wife.

Lori Gobright, CRNA, MSN

Lori has been working at TRHMC since 1988. She started as a LPN then progressed to a CPT in the anesthesia department where she spent 14 years. She then graduated with an associate’s degree in nursing in 2005 from Excelsior College and started to work in the SICU as an RN. She graduated with a BSN in 2008 also from Excelsior College. In 2011, she graduated from Frank J. Tornetta School of Anesthesia and has worked as a CRNA at TRHMC.

Leigh Harner, CRNA, MSN

Leigh became an RN in 1988 after earning an associate’s degree and diploma of nursing from Camden County College and Helene Fuld School of Nursing. Leigh received a BSN from Immaculata University in 2000. Leigh completed anesthesia training in conjunction with MSN from Frank Tornetta School of Anesthesia and LaSalle University in 2011. Leigh enjoys working at TRHMC because it is a “supportive family type environment”.

Kate Herman, CRNA, MSN

David Hickman, CRNA, MSN

David graduated from College of Eastern Utah in 2001 with an associate’s degree in applied science and became a RN. He then graduated with honors in 2004 from Weber State University with his BSN. David continued his training to become a nurse anesthetist from the Frank J. Tornetta School of Anesthesia and completed his MSN in 2011. David actively volunteers with the Boy Scouts and is assistant Scout Master.

Patty Hoover CRNA, CRNP, MSN

Patty graduated from Reading Area Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing in 1981. She held various positions as a staff RN. In 1991, she completed the RN First Assist (RNFA) program at Sacred Heart in Allentown. She worked as an RNFA in the OR for 12 years. She completed her BSN at Kutztown University in 1999 and in 2002 graduated from Millersville University with her MSN in the Family Nurse Practitioner Program. She practiced as a CRNP for a neurosurgical practice until returning to school and completing her post-master’s degree at LaSalle University. She then graduated from the Frank J. Tornetta School of Anesthesia in 2008. She has worked full time as a CRNA at TRHMC since. She is a member of the Sigma Theta Tao National Honor Society for Nurses. She also works with the anesthesia students as a preceptor.

Gerald Houseknecht, CRNA, MSN

Gerry graduated from Abington School of Nursing and received a BSN from Gwynned Mercy College. He worked in the ICU, NICU, and CCU at Pennsylvania Hospital. He then continued his education at the Pennsylvania Hospital School of Anesthesia and concurrently earned his Master’s of Science at Saint Joseph’s University. Gerry has worked as a CRNA in Main Line Health System and Lehigh Valley Hospital before coming to TRHMC. He now works full time at TRHMC and works closely with the students as a preceptor. Most recently, Gerry has studied theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. Gerry and his wife serve as youth leaders in their local church and he is on the Chester County Youth Orchestra Board.

Rachel Lengle, CRNA, MSN

Julia McLoughlin, CRNA, MSN

Sharlene Moyer, CRNA, Clinical Coordinator

John L. Mykitiak, CRNA

John went to Pottstown Memorial Medical Center School of Nursing and Allentown Hospital School of Anesthesia. John came to TRHMC in 2000. John likes working at TRHMC because he feels the hospital serves the needs of the community.

William Quoos, CRNA, MSN

Jean M. Ruhl, MSN, CRNA

Jean received her BS in Nursing from Albright College and her MSN in Adult Health and Illness/Critical Care from the University of Pennsylvania. After 18 years of practice which included direct patient care, education and clinical specialist roles, she attended the Frank J. Tornetta School of Anesthesia at Montgomery Hospital. She earned a post-masters’ certificate in nurse anesthesia from LaSalle University.

Jaime Sheldon, CRNA, MSN

Richard R. Tennesen, CRNA, MS

Rick graduated with Bachelor’s degree in nursing from Misericordia University in 2003. Rick then garnered his ICU experience in the CTICU at the Wilkes-Barre Hospital where he functioned as an ACLS, PALS and BLS instructor as well as an AACN/CCRN ambassador. Rick achieved his Master’s degree in Nurse Anesthesia from the Nazareth Hospital School of Nurse Anesthesiology at Saint Joseph’s University in 2007 and has been an anesthetist with TRHMC ever since. Rick has served as an associate didactic instructor for the Nazareth Hospital School of Anesthesiology and has lectured for anesthesia conferences. Currently, Rick is enrolling for doctoral study in Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNP) at the University of Chatham in Pittsburgh. Rick is proudly an active member of the AANA.

Karen Vasinda-Houle, CRNA

Ann Williams, CRNA

Joe Wisienski, CRNA, MSN

I recieved my BSN from Villanova University, and a member of Sigma Theta Tua Honor Society in 1996. I attended the Frank Tornetta School of Anesthesia and completed my Masters Degree at LaSalle University in 2003. I worked at Montgomery Hospital for one year after graduating from Anesthesia school and continued per-diem with them for two years. I have been employed at Reading Hospital since 1994. I am an active preceptor to students and involved in many committees for the anesthesia department and a member of AANA.

Julie Wisner, CRNA, MSN

Julie graduated magna cum laude from the Reading Hospital School of Nursing in 2005. She worked as a critical care certified, trauma certified, and cardiac surgical certified nurse in the SICU at Reading Hospital and also gained some experience in school nursing. She graduated from Penn State University in 2007 with a BSN and certification in nurse management. At this time she was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Societies. In 2010, she earned her MSN from LaSalle University and Frank J. Tornetta School of Anesthesia at Montgomery Hospital in anesthesia, graduating maxima cum laude. Julie maintains her trauma certification (ATCN/ATLS) and is a member of AANA, Reading Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association, Society of Trauma Nurses, and Penn State Alumni Association.

Stephanie B. Woodruff, CRNA, CRNP, MSN

Stephanie received her BSN from Georgetown University in 1994. In 1998, she graduated with a MSN from the University of Pennsylvania and became an OB/GYN nurse practitioner. Stephanie worked as an OB/GYN NP for 8 years before continuing her training to become a nurse anesthetist. She graduated again from University of Pennsylvania in 2008. Stephanie works full time at TRHMC and is a member of the AANA. She’s also involved as a preceptor for the anesthesia students.

Caryn Hivner, LPN

Sheila Petri, LPN