Colorado MESA

"I have so much respect for the docs who are out there in the rural parts of Colorado, doing it all on their own. If we can help them make their practices more fruitful, then we will have done our job well."

Donald Murphy, M.D., is a co-founder of and practicing Geriatrician with Senior Care of Colorado, P.C., a primary care geriatrics group that provides care to seniors in outpatient clinics, subacute care units, long-term care facilities, hospitals, inpatient hospice units, and in patients’ homes.

Dr. Murphy is a graduate of the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center where he received his Medical Degree and completed his Internal Medicine residency. A Geriatric Fellow at Harvard Medical School, Murphy has practiced medicine for more than 20 years. His research interests include developing guidelines for appropriate end of life care for seniors. He's received many honors and awards in the areas of clinical teaching and has been repeatedly recognized as one of Denver's Top Doctors, as chosen by his peers, in 5280 Magazine. He is the author of the book, “Honest Medicine” as well as numerous journal articles.

Dr. Murphy refers to himself as "a country doctor who just happens to be working in a metropolitan area."

"I’m a big fan of geriatricians and other healthcare providers to seniors. We need every one of them to help provide quality health care access to seniors in Colorado.”

John Landsverk is Senior Care’s Director of Business Development. During the M.E.S.A. Initiative, his focus is on curriculum development and working with practices to turn the training sessions into tangible benefits for participating clinicians and seniors in their community. In his Business Development role for Senior Care, John collaborates with external organizations to improve health care delivery to seniors.

John received his Masters of Business Administration from the University of Chicago and claims to be one of the original “Cameron Crazies” of the Duke basketball program. Since grad school, he has focused on general management, project management, and marketing in the healthcare and technology industries.

“My driving force is to give our clinicians the tools to document their services efficiently and code for these services appropriately. When that's accomplished, these skills enable our clinicians to spend valuable time with our patients and their families. And that's exactly what each of us would want for our own families.”

Shelly Thomas is Director of Contracting, Coding, & Compliance at Senior Care of Colorado, PC. As the practice’s “sixth man,” she is responsible for the daily operations of the billing department, is the primary billing contact with both CMS and managed care, and heads up the practice’s auditing and training efforts.

Shelly has been with Senior Care since its inception in 2001 and has worked in the healthcare industry for 18 years. She holds a Certification in Professional Coding from the American Academy of Professional Coding as well as a B.S. in Health Care Administration with a minor in Gerontology. Her background includes experience with providers in Family Practice and Internal Medicine, as well as Ob/Gyn, General Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Anesthesiology, Oncology, Pediatrics, Cardiology, and Radiology.

A native of Colorado and graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies, Lisa has worked as a fundraiser in the nonprofit sector for the last 10 years, focusing on foundation, individual, and major gift cultivation in the areas of need for women and children, higher education, seniors, and healthcare. Her responsibilities as Grants Manager at the Alzheimer's Association Colorado Chapter include implementation and management of foundation revenue, government revenue, statistical tracking, and programmatic evaluation.

"The Colorado M.E.S.A. Initiative will provide support and information to one of the most critical resources in rural communities: physicians."

Barbara Caudle has served as the Alzheimer's Association Colorado Chapter's Regional Director for Southern Colorado for the past thirteen years. She holds a Bachelor's Degree of Social Work from the former University of Southern Colorado, now CSU-Pueblo.

Based in Pueblo, Barb enjoys working with caregivers and professionals throughout the 18 counties she serves, and is inspired by their dedication and resourcefulness.

"Having lived and worked in a rural community, I know first-hand how difficult it can be to access resources and information regarding healthcare. I feel grateful to be a part of this project--it's a necessity that will bring a positive impact to people and physicians living in rural Colorado."

Alison was raised in Greeley, but has family roots and career experiences in rural Northeast Colorado. So she's passionate about serving people in that area through her work as the Alzheimer's Association Colorado Chapter's Regional Director for Northeast Colorado.

Alison earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Colorado State University, where her emphasis was Late Adulthood and Aging. She also holds a Certificate in Gerontology. Alison completed her internship at The Elderhaus Adult Day Care and has worked in the human services field for over ten years. She has served as an Adult Protection Caseworker for Logan County Department of Social Services and worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant and Activities Coordinator in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. She also has experience in working with Developmentally Disabled Adults and persons with Traumatic Brain Injuries. Alison has received extensive continued education relative to her Adult Protection counseling and casework.