Meet the Recruitment Team

Mr. Thurman  oversees the Executive Search team providing recruitment service and expertise for high-level executive and physician leadership roles for large medical groups, integrated healthcare delivery systems as well as health plans. In addition, Mr. Thurman supports Stratum with marketing concepts and communication strategies to effectively build company brand awareness, market perception and promotional consistencies

Mr. Thurman also coordinates several peer work groups including Operations, Marketing, IT and Value Based Care. As a part of Stratum's Consortium Management service line, Mr. Thurman serves as the Administrative Director for the Specialty Independent Practice Association of Kansas (SIPAK) providing leadership & guidance of local initiatives in the Wichita, KS market.

Mr. Thurman has over 7 years of healthcare administrative experience and 20 years of experience in successful customer and client services. Mr. Thurman holds a degree in Business/Marketing from Eastern Illinois University as well as additional Marketing and Psychology degrees and graduate studies from the University of Illinois.

Ms. Vallowe has  responsibility over the physician, and advanced practitioner recruitment, Locum Tenens placements, candidate referencing and provider  sourcing  for Stratum’s clinical recruitment services.

In addition, Ms. Vallowe oversees the Business Office and Shared Services functions, leading focused work groups, researching cost savings solutions, managing product enhancements through vendor relationships and facilitating networking opportunities for Stratum members and clients.  She also serves as Stratum’s insurance product liaison between new prospects and current participants. Ms. Vallowe joined Stratum in  2012 after spending the first part of her career in the marketing arena, both at an agency and on the brand side for a Fortune 500 company and serving in  the healthcare development field.  Ms. Vallowe obtained a Bachelor and Masters of Science degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  She is very involved in the community through such organizations as United Way and Executive Club of Champaign County, in addition to participating in young leadership opportunities.

Karen has been with the Stratum team for nine years and has over twenty-eight years of healthcare experience. In her time at Stratum, Karen has successfully recruited physicians for the most difficult surgical specialties including Urology, Gynecology-Oncology, Vitreo-Retinal Surgery, Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery, Orthopaedic Adult Reconstruction, Neurology,  Neurosurgery and Otolaryngology.

Karen earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois.

In her personal time, Karen enjoys building family memories - especially with her three grandsons, scrapbooking, reading, cooking and walks in the park with her black lab, Remi.

Cathy joined the Stratum team in 2001. Prior to joining Stratum, she was employed for 10 years as a District Manager for Manpower Temporary Services and Manpower Technical Services.

Susan joined the Stratum team May 2005. Prior to joining Stratum, Susan had twenty years’ experience with two Information Technology Training and Consulting Firms, where she was Director of Training, Branch Manager, Corporate Technical and Executive management Recruiter and Account Executive.

Susan earned her first Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Sciences from the University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois and her second Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

In her spare time, Susan enjoys taking long walks with her yellow lab Riley O’ Grades, who is the size of a small pony

Fun Fact: Susan was once a legislative assistant and researched legislative issues for a U.S. Senator in Washington.

Melody joined the Stratum in the Fall of 2014 after working for Carle Clinic Association, Health Alliance Medical Plans and Carle Hospital for 37 years, the past 27 years serving as the Benefits Manager in Human Resources.  Melody felt that her experience as well the strong relationships she developed within both a clinic and hospital setting, provided her a great fit for the Stratum recruitment team.

Melody brings an understanding of the healthcare environment as well as connections made within Stratum shareholder organizations, which are tremendous assets to support her role and ultimately deliver quality recruitment services.

In her free time, Melody enjoys her time with her family and friends.  On weekends she can be found ‘junking and picking’ for old furniture and antiques to re-purpose.

Fun Fact: Melody co-owns an antique store with her life-long friend in Paxton, Illinois called Ruby Jewel.

Julie joined the Stratum team in December of 2005. As Recruiter assistant, Julie provides administrative assistance to the search consultant team, as well as assists with general office functions. She brings more than seven years of Human Resources experience to her role.

Julie earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Maranatha University in Watertown, Wisconsin.

In her spare time, Julie walks and reads, but her greatest enjoyment is spending time with her family

Kim has been a valued part of our Recruitment and Professional Services division since 2012.  Originally hired as an Administrative Assistant, she quickly advanced to the position of Locum Tenens Coordinator and acts as the Liaison between Shareholders and locum tenens vendors.

Kim holds an Associate’s Degree in Business Management from Parkland College.

When not at work, Kim and her husband enjoy spending time with their grandson Levi. She also enjoys running.

Fun Fact: Kim and her husband have a three-toed box turtle named “Turtle.”

Ruth Meyer

Business Relations Associate

Ruth joined Stratum in the Fall of 2014.  She brings with her a strong Customer Service background and a team player mentality.  Ruth provides support to Stratum’s Executive and Physician recruitment division and also assists in business development activities.

Ruth holds a Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Management from Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

In her free time, Ruth enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 teenage boys.  She also enjoys cooking, decorating, gardening and is a huge sports fan!

Fun Fact: Ruth and her oldest son share the same birthday!