It's Your Business has Ahmed Harazeen, Christine Wills, Christine Potter and April Holman

Hires

Stormont Vail Health announced Ahmed Harazeen , a board-certified neurologist specializing in diagnosing and managing various neurological conditions, would be joining the Stormont Vail neurology team. Harazeen provides care at the Stormont Vail Hospital, 1500 S.W. 10th Ave. in Topeka. Harazeen is a native Jordanian who grew up in the United Arab Emirates and is the first person in his family to enter the medical field. His deep-rooted desire to help others inspired him to become a physician at a young age, but neurology's challenging and complex nature attracted him to his specialty. "Neurology is more than understanding the brain, spinal cord, and nerves — it's how to make sense of all symptoms you have and whether or not they fit certain diagnoses," Harazeen said. "When someone comes in with a problem, whether it's numbness, weakness, tingling, falling, I need to figure out what's causing it, which inspired me to enter the medical field." After obtaining his medical degree at the University of Sharjah in the UAE, Harazeen moved to the United States to continue his medical education in Galveston, Texas, where he completed his internal medicine and neurology residencies at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) Health. He then completed a fellowship in clinical neurophysiology and neuromuscular medicine fellowship at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta. Harazeen is eager to help patients enjoy the quality of life they deserve through empathic, expert and effective disease management.

The board of directors for Valeo Behavioral Health Care Inc. announced the appointment of Christine Wills , LPC, NCC, LMAC, KCGC, as the organization’s interim CEO, effective July 1. Wills is the former mental health director at Valeo, a role she served for 34 years. During her tenure, Christine oversaw the construction and staff management of Valeo’s Crisis Center, which will celebrate its 10-year anniversary in October. She brings significant experience in behavioral health and recovery, and has practiced as a licensed professional counselor for more than three decades. “Chris’ deep commitment to Valeo’s mission, her exceptional leadership and her comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the communities we serve make her well-suited to lead the organization while a search is being conducted for a permanent CEO,” said Tyler Levier, board chairman. Wills will replace Bill D. Persinger Jr., who served as the organization’s CEO since November 2015 and will retire in August.

The Silver Lake United Methodist Church announced that Rev. Christine Potter has joined the church as pastor beginning July 1. She replaces Pastor Cameron Miller. Potter is an elder in the United Methodist Church. She is a lifelong Kansan, born and reared in Topeka, and excited to move to the community of Silver Lake with her family. She is married to Jeff Potter, who is also an elder in the United Methodist Church, currently serving at Countryside United Methodist Church in Topeka. The two have three daughters: Lilia, Kyla and Raya. Christine Potter is also appointed to Cafe Quetzal United Methodist Church, a new coffee-church startup that she founded in 2021.

Honors

The League of Women Voters of Lawrence-Douglas County announced that it will honor April Holman , executive director of the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas, with the 25th annual Helen Fluker Open and Accessible Government Award. Holman is being recognized for her ongoing work to expand medical insurance coverage to the tens of thousands of Kansans who are unable to qualify for KanCare but who do not have access to private health insurance. As executive director of the Alliance, which coordinates the activities of over 130 organizations throughout Kansas, Holman has led efforts to increase awareness among the public and state legislators, to combat misinformation, and to introduce legislation to extend KanCare coverage. Each year, the Helen Fluker Open and Accessible Government Award recognizes a Kansas resident whose efforts have educated the public about state or local government processes, enhanced access to services, expanded government accountability or supported legislation to increase governmental transparency. Holman will receive the award at a public luncheon 11 a.m. July 20 at Maceli’s Bistro, 1031 New Hampshire St.

Partnership

Midland Care Connection Inc. and VNA KC have joined forces in an innovative partnership designed to lead in regional care services. This collaboration aims to preserve their respective missions by combining their strengths while enhancing service delivery. Effective July 1, the Visiting Nurse Association Kansas City, one of the oldest home health agencies in the nation, will affiliate with Midland Care Connection. This partnership aims to create a more robust regional continuum of care. Founded in 1891, VNA KC brings a rich legacy and dedicated service to 3,800 patients annually across 17 Kansas City metro area counties. With 125 employees, VNA KC currently cares for approximately 400 home health patients and 60 hospice patients daily. This partnership aligns two legacy nonprofit organizations with a shared commitment to providing high-quality care and ensuring a seamless and enhanced health care experience. Midland Care Connection will become the "sole member" of VNA KC, a strategic move that combines the strengths of both organizations, ensuring the long-term stability, viability, and growth of VNA KC while enhancing Midland Care Connection's leadership in home health and hospice care.

Topeka-area hirings, promotions, retirements and other announcements can be emailed to iyb@cjonline.com.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: It's Your Business has Ahmed Harazeen, Christine Wills, Christine Potter and April Holman