Leadership Profiles
MHPC Staff
Bio
Hannah began as a volunteer in 2013, but became increasingly active in the group following graduation from her Master’s program. Her interest in emergency management stemmed from her time spent as an EMT-B with Medic in Mecklenburg County, which led to pursuing her graduate degree. Within that time, she studied and wrote her thesis on disaster planning within the elderly population. She hopes to be able to use that experience and knowledge to further the mission of MHPC. She holds a BA from the College of Charleston in English and a MA in Emergency Management and Disaster Preparedness from American Military University.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Finance/Grant Management
- Continuing Care Project
- Digital Media Engagement
- Student Intern Management
Contact Hannah
hannah.gompers@atriumhealth.org
Cell: 704-579-4150
Bio
Kariena started in Emergency Medical Services as a volunteer with Matthews Fire and Rescue department in 2000. This spurred Kariena’s interest in the EMS field and began her career at Mecklenburg EMS Agency in 2001. During the 15 years at MEDIC she worked in a high paced and rapidly growing community and EMS system. Over the course of the years she worked as a 911 dispatcher, EMT basic and spent the past 9 years as a Paramedic as well as assist with training at MEDIC. She has had opportunities to work in a variety of different venues and high profile events. She has worked as a Special Operation Paramedic attached to the local law enforcement for special missions and was the training officer for the team. She has also trained and handled her SAR/USAR K9 until recently when the K9 was retired. She has an AAS in Electronic Engineering Technology and a BS in Emergency Disaster Management from Western Carolina University.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Exercise / Evaluation Coordination
- Education Coordination
- Deputy of Logistics/Operations Coordination
Contact KC
kariena.bernesser@atriumhealth.org
Cell: 704-258-8966
Bio
Scott’s exposure to disaster management began as a paramedic and member of a SMAT-III team. He functioned with hazardous materials, confined space/structural collapse, and special events teams. He holds a BS in biology and a BA in English from Appalachian State University, as well as an MPA with a concentration in Emergency Management from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Hospital First Receiver Project Management
- Planning Lead
- Operations Secondary
- Supply Chain Inventory Assessment
- Development of Pediatric Surge Plan
Contact Scott
michael.hess@atriumhealth.org
Cell: 704-221-2818
Bio
Mike graduated Magna Cum Laude from Western Carolina University in 2016 with a Bachelors of Emergency and Disaster Management. He also hold an Associate Degree in Fire Protection Technology from Central Piedmont Community College. Prior to assuming his current position, Mike was the Logistics Specialist for seven months with MHPC. He also spent four years at North Mecklenburg Volunteer Rescue Squad, two of which he was appointed Assistant Chief. Additionally, Mike has worked as a firefighter, EMT with Mecklenburg EMS Agency, and taught EMT courses at Central Piedmont Community College. He acquired his AEM (Associate Emergency Manager) credential in 2017 and has a three year old daughter named Chloe.
Roles and Responsibilities
- SMAT III Liaison
- SMAT II Leader
- Logistics and Operations Lead
- Supply Chain Integrity Assessment
Contact Mike
Michael.tessari@atriumhealth.org
Cell: 704-351-8832
MHPC Steering Committee
In 1989, Jill began working with and training emergency responders at the University of Findlay’s Emergency Response Training Center. While attending college, she also joined her first volunteer fire department. Jill has not only volunteered as a firefighter, but also as an EMT-Basic and Hazardous Materials Technician. Her professional career began at a radioactive materials clean-up site, where she did safety, environmental sampling, and data work. After six years, Jill decided to focus her work solely on safety and began working at universities. For almost 12 years, she worked in all branches of safety and emergency management at three different universities. Currently, Jill is the Continuing Care Safety Officer for Carolinas Healthcare System and provides safety and emergency management support to our skilled nursing, hospice and home care facilities. She is looking forward to working with and learning from the MHPC!