For more than 25 years, Mike Hartnett has been a confidant, an educator and a leader—some may even say a comedienne—at Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Medicine. Her work in the recruitment and development of ophthalmic technicians has proven invaluable to the organization. Now, as she nears retirement, many of the people whom she has impacted along the way are expressing gratitude.
Adam Bussells, Physician’s Assistant (PA-C)
PACE Clinic
A former member of the float pool, Adam Bussells met Hartnett when he interviewed for an ophthalmic technician position. The interview didn’t go as planned. Bussells mistakenly drove to the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical campus, instead of East Baltimore, which caused him to arrive late to the interview. When he finally arrived, he was impressed by Harnett as she turned what could have been a calamitous situation into one of humor, kindness and understanding. The rest was history. Bussells was subsequently hired as an ophthalmic technician in the float pool. He appreciates Hartnett for her direct, patient and supportive training style that allowed him to challenge himself.
“Mike has been there every step of the way throughout my career,” says Bussells, who is now a physician’s assistant at Wilmer. “She gave me my first opportunity in ophthalmology, and trained and educated me as a technician,” says Bussells. “She wrote a letter of recommendation that helped me get into PA school. And then, after leaving to obtain my graduate degree, she was instrumental in recruiting me back to Wilmer as a PA where I work to this day. I truly would not be where I am today if not for Mike, and I am extremely grateful for the impact she has made on my life.”
Shelley Casey, Certified Ophthalmic Technician
Clinic Manager, Patient Access Center for the Eye (PACE) clinic
PACE clinic manager Shelley Casey, first met Hartnett in 2008 after applying for an ophthalmic technician position in the float pool. However, it wasn’t until 2011 when she finally had the opportunity to work with Hartnett. By this time, Casey had become a certified ophthalmic assistant. A year later, she assumed the role of lead ophthalmic technician of the float pool, where she and Harnett trained new ophthalmic technicians and managed technician schedules. Subsequently, this led to Casey taking on additional responsibilities, including leading environmental rounds and Joint Commission preparedness, among other roles. Casey compliments Hartnett for fostering an environment of collaboration, curiosity, support and understanding.
“The float pool is a special place. There are opportunities to advance your own career and to help others advance theirs,” says Casey. “Many of us have remained close for the better part of a decade. Mike and I are good friends and still have lunch together most days. When I learn something new at work, which is every day, Mike’s the one I want to call.”
Alie Collins, Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA)
Genetic Eye Disease (GEDi) Center Coordinator
Alie Collins is the current GEDi center coordinator but before that, she worked in the float pool with Hartnett starting in the winter of 2015 as an ophthalmic technician assistant and ascending to lead ophthalmic technician in early 2017. Collins appreciates Hartnett for always pushing everyone to achieve more and to dream big. She thanks Hartnett for always being there whenever and wherever needed.
“Mike will really be missed by all of Wilmer. Her work here has been a part of what makes Wilmer so wonderful. The techs that have trained under her are all very knowledgeable and genuinely care about patient care,” says Collins. “During lunch (before COVID-19), we would all meet up in the Batcave, also known as the float pool office, talk about cases we saw that day, and if we had questions about anything, Mike usually knew the answer.”
Heather Connors, COA, Certified Low Vison Therapist (CLVT)
Lions Vision Research and Rehabilitation Center
Heather Connors initially met Hartnett in the fall of 2016 when she interviewed for a float pool ophthalmic technician position. Connors began working directly with Hartnett January 2017 when she started full-time in the float pool. After about a year in the float pool, Connors accepted an ophthalmic technician position in the Lions Vision Research and Rehabilitation Center, where she works with patients with visual impairment. She says Hartnett continues to be supportive by offering continuous guidance and training, providing Connors with speaking engagement opportunities and assisting her with clinical coverage when needed.
“I will really miss having her as a sounding board, says Connors. “She was my first manager at Wilmer, but she has continued to guide me even after I left the float pool.”
Mary Davis,
Clinic Manager, Wilmer–Odenton
Mary Davis, Odenton clinic manager, met Hartnett nearly 15 years ago when she was hired as an ophthalmic technician in the float pool. With no prior experience in ophthalmology, Davis says Hartnett was a wonderful instructor and mentor, who made learning fun and interesting. She also thanks Hartnett for always being encouraging and seeing the best in her.
“Mike has been an inspiration to me and I strive to help and encourage my team the way she helped and encouraged me. I am really going to miss her.”
Cathy DiBernardo,
Former Wilmer Technician, Director of Echography & Associate Professor of Ophthalmology
Cathy DiBernardo and Harnett met prior to them joining the Wilmer family. Years later, they became colleagues at the institution. DiBernardo, along with Hartnett, Dr. Goldberg and Dr. McDonnell were the all instrumental in the implementation of the technician training program and reimagining the float pool, DiBernardo credits Hartnett as the driving force behind the program’s success, leading it to where it is today.
“Mike is highly intelligent, compassionate and focused on providing the patients with excellent care,” says DiBernardo. “Because of her technician background, she has a keen understanding of what a technician's role is and she tailored the program so all techs, no matter what level, could be successful. She is a great leader, fun to be with and I consider her to be one of my favorite people. She is a stellar human being.”
Maggie Freeman, COA
Wilmer – Columbia
Maggie Freeman met Hartnett in July 2019, and describes herself as being anxious, overwhelmed and reserved. However, she says, it was Hartnett’s can-do attitude and message of perseverance that allowed Freeman to gain confidence and feel more at ease. An artist in her own right, Freeman says Hartnett also encouraged her to transfer her artistic skills to the ophthalmic technician role. She appreciates Hartnett’s training style of not just showing how to do something but explaining why it’s done. In addition to being an ophthalmic technician, Freeman is now studying to become an ocularist — a medical professional who creates and fits prosthetic eyes. She thanks Hartnett for being instrumental in this new endeavor.
“I remember the day I told Mike that I wanted to be an ocularist. She was delighted and surprised,” recalls Freeman. “She said had never heard that from a technician before and reached out to Wilmer Ocularist Timothy Friel almost immediately. She went above and beyond to help me learn more about ocularists and I am so grateful for that.”
Morton Goldberg, M.D.
Joseph Green Professor of Ophthalmology & former director, Wilmer Eye Institute
Morton Goldberg was chairman of the Wilmer Eye Institute when Hartnett joined the organization nearly 30 years ago. He met her when she began as a clinical technician, worked with her, Dr. McDonnell and Cathy DiBernardo to develop the technician training program, and subsequently saw her ascend to clinical supervisor of the float pool.
“Hartnett is a great team player and teacher,” says Goldberg. She is terrific and a great Wilmer stalwart. She never says no to any request!”
Barbara Hawkins, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus of Ophthalmology
Barbara Hawkins first met Hartnett when Harnett was working as a clinical trial coordinator in the Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study (COMS). Hawkins recruiting Hartnett to the institution during a meeting for the COMS. She convinced Hartnett to move to Baltimore to become a traveling visual acuity monitor for the Submacular Surgery Trials. Hawkins says recruiting Harnett is one of her most important contributions to the organization.
“I have been impressed by Mike's good humor and desire to serve, both apparent before coming to Wilmer and while here,” says Hawkins. “She has been instrumental in recruiting and training ophthalmic technicians at Wilmer.”
Colin Kane, O.D.
Neuro-Ophthalmology – East Baltimore
Colin Kane first met Hartnett in 2012 when he interviewed for an ophthalmic technician position in the float pool. He recalls — as do many — Hartnett as the consummate wordsmith who cultivated a familial environment rich with laughter and learning. Kane says Hartnett always encouraged him to do his best and, although she has high standards for the team, she was always patient and understanding. He thanks Hartnett for her understanding and flexibility, which made it possible for him to pursue optometrist.
“The opportunity Mike gave me at Wilmer has changed my life in a completely different direction than I had ever imagined,” says Kane. Without her support, I would not have found myself in the career path I am on, nor would I have met my wife here.”
Cathy Kowalewski
Administrator, Wilmer Eye Institute
Cathy Kowalewski met Hartnett over 20 years ago when Kowalewski was assistant administrator at the institution. Kowalewski appreciates Hartnett for her diligence and commitment to create, maintain and grow a large and very successful technician trainee program and float pool. She says Hartnett’s enthusiasm for education and training made her the optimal choice to launch the program, which, at the time of its inception, was one of a kind.
“In my various roles at Wilmer,” recalls Kowalewski, “I have always been able to count on Mike to help solve a dilemma or otherwise fill a need for enhanced education to support safe and quality care in our clinical areas. Best wishes to you in a well-deserved retirement, Mike.”
Peter J. McDonnell, M.D.
Director, Wilmer Eye Institute
William Holland Wilmer Professor of Ophthalmology
Peter J. McDonnell, MD, director of the Wilmer Eye Institute met Hartnett when he returned to the organization 20 years ago as its leader. McDonnell says he noticed that there was a need for the training and development of ophthalmic technicians. Consequently, a decision was made to institute an ophthalmic technician training program that would thoroughly educate ophthalmic technicians, with an added goal of national certification. He recalls Harnett being highly recommended to serve as the programs facilitator and leader, which McDonnell says was the right choice. McDonnell is thrilled that with Hartnett at the helm, the ophthalmic training program has been able to train countless new ophthalmic technicians, while augmenting the skills of senior technicians as they matriculate through the levels of certification.
“We are training the best ophthalmic technicians as well clinical faculty and staff,” says McDonnell. “Wilmer truly is a learning organization and our success in that regard reflects the hard work of our educators, with Ms. Hartnett being an excellent example.”
Cierra Poole, COA
Float Pool Ophthalmic Technician
Current ophthalmic technician Cierra Poole first met Hartnett in October 2021 during an interview. Since then, Hartnett has been both a mentor and teacher to Poole, who says she knew nothing about ophthalmology before becoming an ophthalmic technician. Poole thanks Hartnett for always being willing to help her, guide her and make her smile.
“Congratulations on your well-earned and well-deserved retirement,” says Poole. “May your new chapter be exciting and full of opportunities for relaxation. We will miss you!”
Donna Vierheller, COT
Administrator, East Baltimore
Vierheller met Hartnett when Vierheller was an ophthalmic technician at Parris-Castoro, now Wilmer – Bel Air. Although she was nervous, Vierheller says Hartnett’s enthusiasm and optimism put her at ease. Since then, Vierheller has risen in the ranks at the institution, from an ophthalmic technician to East Baltimore administrator. She says Hartnett has been supportive along the way.
“Wilmer is indeed better for having Mike Hartnett as her #1 tech,” says Vierheller.
Amber Werneke, COA
Information Technology Specialist
Amber Werneke met Hartnett when she interviewed for an ophthalmic technician position within the float pool. Werneke says that although she was nervous, it was Hartnett’s passion that showed through and quelled her anxiety. Werneke credits Hartnett as an advisor, counselor and mentor who taught her many valuable work lessons. She admires Hartnett for building an environment of camaraderie, community and connection, where everyone’s input is valued and everyone is encouraged to aim higher.
“Thank you for being able to realize my potential in that very first interview with me, even though I was practically shaking from nerves. Thank you for your never-ending support in my own growth. Thank you for everything.”
Norah Wilson
Ophthalmic Technician Assistant, Float Pool
Norah Wilson met Hartnett when she interviewed for a position in the float pool in October 2021. In the initial meeting, Wilson says Hartnett quelled her anxiety by being friendly, funny and warm. She thanks Hartnett for being a thorough trainer who positioned her for a successful career as an ophthalmic technician. Hartnett even encouraged her to become a scribe, which she says is the best part of her job.
“I know every tech at Wilmer has a fondness for Mike since she's trained most of us,” says Wilson. “We are all sorry to see her go!”
Lynne Young
Clinical Operations Manager
Wilmer clinical operations manager Lynne Young met Hartnett years before becoming operations manager. At the time, Young was the clinic manager of Wilmer’s Green Spring Station satellite location. Young lauds Hartnett’s intelligence, technical prowess and work ethic. She says Hartnett and her team of ophthalmic technicians have been instrumental in bridging the gap of patient care and keeping the clinics running effectively. Young also applauds Hartnett for her ability to cultivate unskilled talent and train them to become adept ophthalmic technicians, with limitless opportunities for growth and career advancement.
“Mike is a complete pleasure to work with. She sees the positive in things and looks for opportunities to improve her employees and Wilmer. She has taught dozens, if not hundreds, of individuals. Wilmer would be unable to care for the high number of patients it sees on a daily basis if not for ophthalmic technicians,” says Young. “Mike’s obvious love and appreciation of education and learning have resulted in inexperienced, new employees moving into an amazing career that pays off. This career has advanced many float pool technicians into higher-level positions both outside and inside of the Wilmer Eye Institute. We have Mike Hartnett to thank for that. I am very grateful to her and I wish her all good things.”