The Center for Technology Solutions (CTS) strives to create innovative and strategic solutions to address public health challenges. Our experienced team of talented staff connects people to data to support public health decision-making and increase efficiency. We provide strong IT expertise to help our clients meet their changing needs. Each solution is custom designed to meet the client’s needs, wants, and workflow. We strongly believe business drives technology, and that core belief is instrumental in how we approach each project to provide increased value and efficiency to the business. We have been a trusted health data partner since 2002 and continue to innovate and evolve to support the changing needs of business and technology.
Our Services
Click any of the items below to learn more.
Our dedicated team works hand-in-hand with clients to put them on the path to success by providing expert IT assessments, planning, and implementation of technical tools to make your internal processes more efficient. Our team provides an introductory needs assessment to collect data in an effort to understand a client’s process and identify any gaps that need to be addressed. Once a client solution is identified we are fully equipped to manage the project from conception to implementation. We will always provide non-technical and easy-to-read documentation making all your IT solutions both understandable and sustainable within your organization.
We specialize in developing advanced data management solutions that are critical to the public health sector. Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) is one tool we use to build and manage online surveys and databases that are secure, easily adaptable and provide a user-friendly interface. Every data solution we develop provides a customized experience to maintain a robust network for advancing research, building relationships, and adhering to the highest compliance and regulatory standards.
Microsoft SharePoint is highly customizable for content management, and collaboration. We specialize in guidance and actionable solutions by seeking out the best ideas through discussion, information-gathering sessions, and identifying best practices.
Each custom web application is specifically designed to meet the needs, wants, and workflow of the client. Data collection and reporting features are fully customizable and easily integrated with other systems. We stringently test our applications to ensure quality, while supporting the application after go-live. We want our clients involved every step of the way to guarantee that the product meets their expectations.
In designing rich-content websites for our clients, our team creates, supports, and maintains solutions in WordPress, a powerful platform and flexible solution for creating, managing, and distributing content on the web. We provide a tailored solution that is customizable, engaging, and interactive, while allowing for easy content management by the end-user.
Microsoft Power Platform is highly customizable for business process automation and data sharing. We offer consulting for each stage of your project from beginning planning to post-implementation support. We work with our partners so that each approach is tailored to their specific needs while using best practices.
We Develop Secure Technology Customer-Based Solutions Tailored to Your Unique Needs to Ensure Your Continued Success.
Work Examples
Our team has a diversified work portfolio that emphasizes strong partnerships with our clients, the passion we have for our work and creating custom technical solutions to support any business need. Click any of the titles on the left to see work examples.
MI COVID Vaccine Providers site was developed to collect data for providers wishing to register to provide the COVID-19 vaccine. This site integrates with the MCIR application to seamlessly allow providers to gain approval to distribute the vaccine.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Project was developed as a data collection system for applicants, awardees, and receipt submissions for the PPE Grant. This grant allows organizations to be reimbursed for their PPE purchases and submit all reimbursements electronically and efficiently.
MICARD (Michigan Certification and Regulation Database) was developed to support the MDHHS Department of Environment Health Healthy Homes Section-Certification Enforcement Unit. This unit is responsible for managing State of Michigan licensure of lead abatement workers, supervisors, trainers, and firms.
MICLEAR (Michigan Comprehensive Lead Exposure and Abatement Registry) was developed to serve as a database of addresses in which abatement applications or projects have been performed, as well as a process workflow tool for the staff managing the applications and the work.
Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice site was developed to share advice, suggestions, and solutions in a collaborative manner for the Department of Health and Human Services. Link: https://michigancommitteeonjuvenilejustice.com/
Child Welfare Improvement Task Force Report site was developed to provide information on work being done for addressing the over representation of children of color in the foster care system in Michigan. Link: https://michigancwtf.org/
Michigan Health IT site was developed to share information on the impact that technology has on health care in Michigan and provides resources for health care professionals, hospitals, payers, provider association groups, and patients. Link: https://michiganhealthit.org/
All of our technical solutions are secure, HIPAA-compliant, mobile-friendly, and accessible (ADA, Section 508).
Ed York, BS
Business Analyst
Ed has been working at MPHI since December of 2020. He is the Business Analyst for Medicaid Eligibility, Meaningful Use, and other projects. One of his main roles is to communicate with customers to elicit project requirements and translate them into functional requirements. Ed holds an Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from Davenport University and has 9 years of IT experience. He strives to build strong relationships with customers so he can better understand their needs. In his leisure time he enjoys reading, playing paintball, and tinkering on classic cars.
Adrienne Scherer, BA
Application Support Analyst
Adrienne is the Application Support Analyst for the Center of Technology Solutions. In her role, Adrienne provides support for various projects primarily with Medicaid Eligibility and SharePoint. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Printmaking at Wright State University. In her free time, she is an active member of the local quilt guild, fishing with her husband and gardening.
Peter Jantos, BS
Senior Software Developer
Peter serves as a Senior Software Developer for the Technology Solutions team. Peter develops and oversees the development of web applications. His main priority supporting the NCFRP Case Reporting system which is used by over 45 states.
Peter received his Bachelor of Computer Science degree of Baker College of Owosso. Peter also holds Microsoft Certificates for Web Application development. Peter brings 10 years of experience at MPHI in addition to 2 years as a AS 400 developer. In addition to web development, Peter has experience in database design, and mobile development.
In his free time, Peter enjoys playing video games with friends, short story writing, in addition to working on the family farm on weekends.
Rob Peterson, MA
Application Developer
Rob serves an Application Developer for the Center for Technology Solutions. In his role, Rob implements software solutions that promote community health. He received a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Michigan – Dearborn. Rob has 20+ years of professional experience in application development and database management systems. His top priority and passion is building maintainable and efficient applications as tools for improving community health. In his free time, Rob is and avid cyclist, mountain biker, and photography enthusiast.
Jeff Kern, BS
Senior Developer
Jeff joined MPHI in 2019 and is a Senior Developer for the Center of Technology Solutions. He holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Engineering from the University of Central Florida. Jeff works on the National Fatality Review Case Reporting System and MITOX a data management system to support toxicological assessments and chemical emergency response efforts by the Division of Environmental Health.
Prior to MPHI, Jeff worked at the Florida Safety Council for 12 years as the IT Manager and web application developer using the C# .NET MVC development stack and Microsoft SQL Server. Additionally, he has developed web applications to track patient outcomes and help monitor both neuro-oncology and breast cancer quality standards for over 150 hospitals across the country.
Jeff enjoys continuous learning, having fun exploring and working with the latest technology as it advances. He is driven by the challenges of making things work better, constantly looking for new ways to improve the web, mobile, and desktop experience.
Jeff moved to Michigan from Florida in 2019 to be closer to family and to enjoy all the great outdoor activities that Michigan has to offer.
Deric Maguire, BS
Software Developer
Deric is a Software Developer for The Center of Technology Solutions. In his role, Deric maintains existing web applications and develops new applications for various clients. He received an Associate’s in Business Management from Delta College and a Bachelor’s of Computer Information Systems from Baker College. Some of his hobbies include cooking, video games, and reading.
Daniel Cruz
Senior Software Developer
As a Senior Software Developer at MPHI, Daniel is responsible for developing, debugging, testing and maintaining websites and web-based applications. In his daily duties, he strives to be mindful of modern design patterns, adopt industry best practices and maintain awareness of potential improvements to the software development lifecycle. Daniel is a passionate technologist who works with a focus on efficiency, maintainability, and quality. He has achieved several industry certifications including Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) and Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MSCE). Daniel is a United States Air Force veteran and dedicated husband and father who enjoys several hobbies outside of work including blacksmithing, reading, gaming, lockpicking and occasionally strumming his acoustic guitar.
Dale Thompson
Senior Software Developer
Dale works primarily on the Medicaid Eligibility and the Claims Projects. He holds an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Software Applications and Programming from ITT Technical Institute. Dale has been a Certified Scrum Master, as well as being a Microsoft Certified Specialist in Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3. He has over 15 years of technical experience in programming using various programming languages and databases.
Dale really enjoys working on the Medicaid Eligibility Projects. From an extrinsic standpoint, Dale enjoys helping trading partners and clients get the information that they need which is vital to their businesses. From an intrinsic standpoint, he enjoys the variety that the projects entail, working with multiple different programming languages and structures.
Dale currently lives with his wife and two children in the city of Olivet. He currently serves as the Head of the Technology Committee at Barry County Christian School, as well as serving as the School Board President. In his free time, Dale enjoys playing Pokemon with his daughter, and playing video games with his son.
Ben McElroy, BA
Graphics/Web Designer
Ben McElroy serves as the Graphics/Web Designer for MPHI’s Center for Technology Solutions. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from BYU and is a member of AIGA, a professional design organization. Ben’s work covers everything from branding design, SharePoint and WordPress design, development & support, UI/UX design for custom web applications, as well as data visualization. He also provides accessibility testing and support, helping CTS produce ADA compliant work. Ben enjoys working with engaged clients to create something greater than the sum of its parts. He is a strong proponent of pragmatic design that is both user-friendly and accessible. When not busy with family, work, or other responsibilities, Ben can be found reading a good book.
Nate Clark
Associate Director of Development
Nate joined MPHI as a Programmer/Analyst in June 2011. Since that time, Nate has progressed to serve as a Development Team Lead, Supervisor of Systems of Development and now an Associate Director of Development. Nate has 13+ years of programming experience, with a heavy emphasis on web development. Since joining MPHI, he has had the opportunity to work on many impactful projects, some of which include: MICLPS (Michigan Childhood Lead Poisoning Surveillance System), MICLEAR (Michigan Comprehensive Lead Exposure and Abatement Registry), Healthy Start & Strong Beginnings (Maternal & Infant Health Programs funded by HRSA), and the EPL (Electronic Projects Library). Prior to joining MPHI, Nate worked as a Programmer/Analyst for TekSystems, Web Developer/System Admin for Send Global Communications, and Computer Support Assistant for the State of Michigan.
Sonya Groesser, BS
Associate Director of Business Applications
Sonya started at MPHI in January 2011 and manages several different facets in her role as the Associate Director for Business Application Services: SharePoint, Technical Support, WordPress, Graphics Design, User Experience Testing, Zendesk, and Technical Documentation. Sonya received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Technology from the University of Phoenix in October 2012. She is also a Certified Scrum Master, and MOS: SharePoint 2013 Expert. Sonya manages all day-to-day SharePoint activities including, but not limited to, site creation, site maintenance, site customization (custom forms/workflows), user account creation and maintenance, technical support, training and sales presentations. In addition to SharePoint, some of Sonya’s other responsibilities include keeping various technical documentation up to date (training guides, user guides, how-to’s, etc.), and serving as the first line technical support for the Smarter Mail email system. This includes setting up accounts, deleting accounts, resetting passwords, setting up list-servs, and alerting the Technical Team of higher-level issues. She also serves as a Project Manager for her projects as well as smaller application development maintenance and enhancement projects.
Kerie Hughes, BS
Director of Technical Services
Kerie earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from Saginaw Valley State University. She is responsible for managing and coordinating web development projects for MPHI, including custom development, content management websites, and SharePoint. Kerie is a Certified Scrum Master, and has over 15 years of technical experience in requirements gathering, designing, developing, testing, implementing, and managing and maintaining web development projects. She works with our clients to achieve project goals in a timely and efficient manner.
Cat Rathbun, PMP
Senior Technical Project Manager
Cat serves as the Senior Technical Project Manager for the MDHHS-Division of Immunization-Michigan Care Improvement Registry section. In her role, Cat works with the business owner to plan and prioritize custom software enhancements and fixes for the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR). She then partners with the technical development team and business from the requirements gathering process through user acceptance testing and deployment. Coordination of team efforts, planning, communication, user testing, and documentation are top priorities. Cat received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Liberal Studies with an emphasis on communication and public administration from Western Michigan University. She attained her Project Management Professional credential from the international Project Management Institute (PMI) in 2008 and has served on the Board of Directors for the local PMI chapter. Cat has an extensive background in agile software project management. In her free time, Cat enjoys an active lifestyle travelling, boating, cycling, music, attending events and festivals, cooking, and entertaining.
Max Kruglov, BS
Senior Software Developer
Max works as a Senior Software Developer for the Center for Technology Solutions. In his role, Max leads the design and development of websites and web-based applications. He helps set development standards, improve technology and processes, mentors and collaborates with other developers, and actively builds, upgrades, and maintains new and existing projects. He received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Eastern Connecticut State University and has been working as a software developer for 10 years. Max has a wide experience with a variety of programming languages, software technologies, computer hardware, and operating systems. Max has been a lead developer on multiple projects including the Michigan Lead Exposure Abatement Registry (MICLEAR), Michigan Certification And Regulation Database (MICARD), and various other projects for both internal and external clients. Outside of work, Max enjoys playing video games, reading sci-fi and fantasy novels, practicing archery, and anything related to Dungeons & Dragons.
Rick Pniewski, BA
Business Analyst Manager
As the Business Analyst Manager, Rick supervises the Business Analyst and Quality Assurance teams for CTS. Rick brings 7 years of Business process and design experience along with over 25 years of customer service experience to the team. Rick specializes in customer relations, application design and process flow creation and implementation.
Alex Mason, BS
Senior Software Developer Lead
Alex earned his bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Franklin University. He is a Microsoft Certified App Builder (MCSD), Microsoft Certified Professional (MCPS), and Certified Scrum Master (CSM) through Scaled Agile, Inc. Alex has over 12 years of software development experience.
Alex worked at MPHI as a contractor from 2015-2018 and 2020-2021 and joined as a full-time employee in August of 2021. He is the lead software developer for the MIDAP (Michigan Drug Assistance Program), HIVLMS (HIV Lab Management System), and HSTR (Health System Testing Repository/Meaningful Use) projects. He also assists with code review and technical assistance for other projects as needed. Alex most enjoys working with and mentoring other developers.
Alex lives in Saint Johns with his wife, two kids, and their cat. In his spare time, he enjoys playing Dungeons and Dragons, training for Roller Derby and roller skating with his daughter, and volunteer work in youth sports with his son.
Jennifer Keeslar, MBA
Technology Solutions Analyst
Jennifer Keeslar is a Technology Solutions Analyst for the Center of Technology Solutions at MPHI. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communications and History from Albion College and a Master’s in Business Administration with a Specialization in Information Technology Management from Capella University.
Prior to joining MPHI, Jennifer worked at Ascension Technologies, a subsidiary of Ascension Health, as a Senior Business Analyst for nine years focusing on business analysis, project management, application rationalization, and technical project estimations.
Jennifer was in the United States Army for nine years serving as a Signal Support Systems Specialist. Jennifer enjoys gardening, volunteering, and is an avid golfer.
Shawn Renaud, BS
SharePoint Analyst
Shawn started with MPHI in March of 2021 and is the SharePoint Analyst for the Center for Technology Solutions. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Aurora University.
Shawn brought more than 10 years of SharePoint experience to MPHI. In addition to providing support for the SharePoint environment, Shawn creates and maintains applications built within the Microsoft Power Platform. These may include SharePoint, PowerApps, and Power Automate (Flow) solutions. The goal of each application to streamline and improve processes, ultimately making a user’s job easier.
In his free time, Shawn enjoys traveling with his wife, walking his dog, and attending as many concerts as possible.
Tamkunath Ahmareen, BS
Quality Assurance Analyst
Tamkunath Ahmareen has a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science from India. Tam likes to design and develop testing procedures for various applications that she is working on using automation tools. She has 8 years of experience as a software engineer and has been designing and writing efficient tests for every software application. Apart from automation, Tam also has an experience in Agile frameworks, regression testing, detect and report bugs. Tam loves to play ping pong and explore nature.
Janelle Ishman, BA
Business Analyst
As an experienced business analyst, Janelle Ishman gathers, facilitates, and tailors requirements into tangible process improvement and data-driven solutions empowering public health staff to better serve their communities. Prior to joining the team, she held many different roles in the software development arena and has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Media and Information Technology from Michigan State University.
Although a native Michigander and a die-hard Spartan alum, Janelle currently resides in Philadelphia, PA. When she is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her partner, Zach, and their beloved animals, reading, gardening, exploring the great outdoors on new hiking trails and aspires to be her authentic free spirit self by traveling the world.
Kari Reister, BS
Project Manager
Kari is a Project Manager for the Center of Technology Solutions at MPHI. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Grand Valley State University and has over 20 years of IT experience including developer, technical lead, business analyst, and project manager roles.
Kari serves as the project manager over the Medicaid Eligibility, MICLEAR (Michigan Comprehensive Lead Exposure and Abatement Registry), and MIDAP (Michigan Drug Assistance Program) projects. She strives to deliver high quality, low maintenance solutions that are delivered on time and within budget.
Kari has lived in West Michigan her entire life. She currently lives in Grand Haven with her husband and three bulldogs. She has an adult son who lives nearby. She enjoys boating, fishing, relaxing by a campfire, and playing video games – especially co-op games with her husband.
Julie Mullins, BA
Sr. Financial Coordinator
Julie serves as the Sr. Financial Coordinator for MPHI’s Center for Technology Solutions. Prior to joining MPHI in February 2024, Julie worked for the State of Michigan for 23 years in various financial, budgeting and grant management roles. Julie received her bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University. Julie lives in Portland with her husband, the two kids still in the nest and 2 dogs. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and baking, spending time with her family and friends, reading and craft projects.
Location & Info
Center for Technology Solutions
2440 Woodlake Circle
Okemos, MI 48864
Phone: 517-324-8303
Email: cts@mphi.org