AmeriWound is proud of its highly experienced and talented team. Each team member brings industry-specific expertise to their respective roles as they execute the AmeriWound mission, vision and values. By virtue of applying and leveraging our team’s combined expertise, experience, and talents in the service of our patients, AmeriWound clients have been the recipients of the highest standards and level of physician wound care.
Executive Team
MILTON SCHACHTER, MPA
Chief Executive Officer
Milton Schachter, MPA, AmeriWound’s founder and Chief Executive Officer leverages his 40 years of healthcare leadership experience to build and grow AmeriWound into a national physician wound care organization. Mr. Schachter regularly seeks out new complementary services as he leads AmeriWound’s continued growth and expansion of its footprint.
Over the course of his career, Mr. Schachter built and led the Mid South’s first federally qualified HMO, partnered with Prudential to grow the health plan to 100,000 commercial and Medicaid members. Over an 18-year period, Mr. Schachter founded and led Health First Medical Group with 100 providers and its affiliated 600 provider multi state PHO. Mr. Schachter subsequently merged this organization into a 5 state MedPartners region which he successfully led achieving a 9.5% EBITDA.
Mr. Schachter led a major Orthopedic practice increasing their revenues by 35% and profitability by 26%. Mr. Schachter served as Senior Manager for Ernst & Young and Executive in Residence for LEK where he authored a number of ACO white papers. During his consulting period, Mr. Schachter led a number of hospital, group practice, ACO, home health, ASC, payer and private equity projects including developing a major/national payer’s ACO go to market strategy.
Mr. Schachter received a BA from Yeshiva University and an MPA in Healthcare Administration from New York University.
Over the course of his career, Mr. Schachter built and led the Mid South’s first federally qualified HMO, partnered with Prudential to grow the health plan to 100,000 commercial and Medicaid members. Over an 18-year period, Mr. Schachter founded and led Health First Medical Group with 100 providers and its affiliated 600 provider multi state PHO. Mr. Schachter subsequently merged this organization into a 5 state MedPartners region which he successfully led achieving a 9.5% EBITDA.
Mr. Schachter led a major Orthopedic practice increasing their revenues by 35% and profitability by 26%. Mr. Schachter served as Senior Manager for Ernst & Young and Executive in Residence for LEK where he authored a number of ACO white papers. During his consulting period, Mr. Schachter led a number of hospital, group practice, ACO, home health, ASC, payer and private equity projects including developing a major/national payer’s ACO go to market strategy.
Mr. Schachter received a BA from Yeshiva University and an MPA in Healthcare Administration from New York University.
SAMSON FIXLER, MSBA
Chief Operating Officer
Samson Fixler, MSBA, Mr. Fixler brings over 20 years in healthcare and business experience, including 10 years as a Chief Operating Officer, leading a group of five nursing homes.
Over the course of his career, he founded and led a mobile dentistry practice servicing skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities throughout Northeast Ohio. Prior to his healthcare experience, Mr. Fixler served as project manager and senior business analyst for Delaware Investments, a subsidiary of Lincoln National.
Mr. Fixler received his BA from Yeshiva University and an MSBA from Temple University's Fox School of Business.
Over the course of his career, he founded and led a mobile dentistry practice servicing skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities throughout Northeast Ohio. Prior to his healthcare experience, Mr. Fixler served as project manager and senior business analyst for Delaware Investments, a subsidiary of Lincoln National.
Mr. Fixler received his BA from Yeshiva University and an MSBA from Temple University's Fox School of Business.
ROSS LEIGHLITER, MBA
Chief Financial Office
Ross Leighliter, MBA, AmeriWound's Chief Financial Officer has management responsibility for the company’s Treasury, Controller, Revenue, and Tax functions. Mr. Leighliter’s first role at AmeriWound was as Director of Finance and Controller, where he financially guided the company through its early start-up and capitalization phases.
Mr. Leighliter was previously Assistant VP of Finance for Nashville, TN based Symbion Healthcare (now Surgery Partners), where he served as the financial leader of the Northeast Region. During that period, his region was comprised of eight ambulatory (same-day) surgery centers in five states with $45 million in annual revenue. Over his twelve years at Symbion, he also held the roles of Regional Controller and Business Manager.
Mr. Leighliter earned his Bachelors degree from Kent State University and Masters of Business Administration from Cleveland State University.
Mr. Leighliter was previously Assistant VP of Finance for Nashville, TN based Symbion Healthcare (now Surgery Partners), where he served as the financial leader of the Northeast Region. During that period, his region was comprised of eight ambulatory (same-day) surgery centers in five states with $45 million in annual revenue. Over his twelve years at Symbion, he also held the roles of Regional Controller and Business Manager.
Mr. Leighliter earned his Bachelors degree from Kent State University and Masters of Business Administration from Cleveland State University.
MAGID KERAMATI, MD, CWSP
Medical Director
Dr. Keramati joined the AmeriWound team as its Medical Director in January 2022. While serving as both a Hand Surgeon and General Surgeon, Dr. Keramati saw wound care patients, and ultimately transitioned to a roll as a full time wound care specialist.
After completing his General Surgery and Hand Surgery training, Dr. Keramati established a private practice in Seattle, Washington, where he also served as a forensic consultant. Dr. Keramati returned home with his family to Cleveland in 2017 where he continued practice as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at University Hospitals Health System. Throughout his career, Dr. Keramati has treated and managed wounds caused by amputations, burns, complications of diabetes, and necrotizing infections. Dr. Keramati is a certified wound specialist physician and a diplomate of the American Board of Wound Management.
Dr. Keramati graduated with honors and received recognition through the Golden Key National Honor Society from the University of Michigan, majoring in Cellular and Molecular Biology. He completed his medical education at the Medical College of Ohio in Toledo. He completed his General Surgery residency at St. Louis University and subsequent Hand and Microsurgery fellowship at the University of Virginia.
After completing his General Surgery and Hand Surgery training, Dr. Keramati established a private practice in Seattle, Washington, where he also served as a forensic consultant. Dr. Keramati returned home with his family to Cleveland in 2017 where he continued practice as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at University Hospitals Health System. Throughout his career, Dr. Keramati has treated and managed wounds caused by amputations, burns, complications of diabetes, and necrotizing infections. Dr. Keramati is a certified wound specialist physician and a diplomate of the American Board of Wound Management.
Dr. Keramati graduated with honors and received recognition through the Golden Key National Honor Society from the University of Michigan, majoring in Cellular and Molecular Biology. He completed his medical education at the Medical College of Ohio in Toledo. He completed his General Surgery residency at St. Louis University and subsequent Hand and Microsurgery fellowship at the University of Virginia.
Human Resources
LAUREN PEPPLE
Human Resources Director
Lauren Pepple is AmeriWound’s Human Resources Director. Lauren has 15 years of expertise in HR, Finance and Operations. She is a results-focused leader who delivers talent acquisition, retention and motivation solutions that help companies harness the full power of one of their most valuable assets – their people.
Prior to joining AmeriWound, Ms. Pepple was the Chief Human Resources Officer for HELP Malawi, a locally founded non-profit supporting healthcare and education in rural sub-Saharan Africa. Lauren also worked at Ernst & Young managing the Engagement Management Strategy for over 600 employees. Additionally, Lauren successfully managed the Human Resources process in several strategic mergers and acquisitions with Fortune 500 companies, both from the buyer and seller perspective.
Lauren has a PHR – Professional in Human Resources certification including experience in Healthcare, B2B, Accounting, Auditing, Data Marketing and Hospitality verticals.
Prior to joining AmeriWound, Ms. Pepple was the Chief Human Resources Officer for HELP Malawi, a locally founded non-profit supporting healthcare and education in rural sub-Saharan Africa. Lauren also worked at Ernst & Young managing the Engagement Management Strategy for over 600 employees. Additionally, Lauren successfully managed the Human Resources process in several strategic mergers and acquisitions with Fortune 500 companies, both from the buyer and seller perspective.
Lauren has a PHR – Professional in Human Resources certification including experience in Healthcare, B2B, Accounting, Auditing, Data Marketing and Hospitality verticals.
Clinical
MELISSA CHINCHAR, RN, IPCO, WCC
Director of Wound Education
Melissa Chinchar, RN, IPCO, WCC serves as the Director of Wound Education. Mrs. Chinchar leads our clinical support team and program, including wound education, compliance, and auditing. She supports the wound education needs of all AmeriWound affiliated providers and client facilities. Mrs. Chinchar ensures that our client facilities and their staff are proficient and current on the latest wound care rules, regulations, and treatment approaches.
Mrs. Chinchar has over 20 years of experience in long-term care, skilled nursing, and hospice. She served as the Director of Nursing in long-term care facilities for 10 years. Most recently she was a Regional Clinical Consultant with multi-facility management for a large long-term care operator in Ohio. Mrs. Chinchar is a Certified Infection Preventionist and is wound care certified by NAWCO.
Mrs. Chinchar has over 20 years of experience in long-term care, skilled nursing, and hospice. She served as the Director of Nursing in long-term care facilities for 10 years. Most recently she was a Regional Clinical Consultant with multi-facility management for a large long-term care operator in Ohio. Mrs. Chinchar is a Certified Infection Preventionist and is wound care certified by NAWCO.
CHRISTINE GRAY, LPN
Wound Educator/Quality Auditor
Christine Gray serves with the AmeriWound Clinical and Wound Education team as a Wound Care Educator and Quality Auditor. Prior to joining AmeriWound, Christine served as an MDS nurse and a floor nurse in both SNFs and hospice care. As an AmeriWound Wound Educator, Christine educates new providers in wound care and assists providers in maintaining their documentation within MDS long-term care guidelines. Christine works with the AmeriWound Medical Director and the Wound Education team to assure that the company’s MIPs reporting meets all necessary CMS guidelines.
KIESHA WILLIAMS, LPN, CWC
Wound Educator/Quality Auditor
Kiesha Williams serves with the AmeriWound Clinical and Wound Education team as a Wound Care Educator and Quality Auditor. Prior to joining AmeriWound, Kiesha served as a Wound Nurse Manager and floor nurse in LTC facilities. She also has worked as a Health Education/Case Management Nurse. As an AmeriWound Wound Educator, Kiesha educates new providers in wound care and assists providers in maintaining their documentation within MDS long-term care guidelines.
Regional Managers
STEPHANIE LOVIN, MS
Regional Director for Ohio & Western Pennsylvania
Stephanie Lovin, MS serves as the Regional Director for Ohio & Western Pennsylvania. As Regional Director she establishes new partnerships and maintains existing accounts with our valued long-term care facilities. Mrs. Lovin fosters collaborative relationships within client facilities, working closely with our physicians to coordinate and meet the needs of patients at the client facilities.
Mrs. Lovin has over 17 years of diverse sales and project management experience. During her prior experience with Pharmanex, LLC, she was responsible for establishing and maintaining accounts, designing strategic implementation processes, and successfully facilitating continuous training within the healthcare industry.
Mrs. Lovin holds a Masters Degree in Clinical Research Management from Arizona State University.
Mrs. Lovin has over 17 years of diverse sales and project management experience. During her prior experience with Pharmanex, LLC, she was responsible for establishing and maintaining accounts, designing strategic implementation processes, and successfully facilitating continuous training within the healthcare industry.
Mrs. Lovin holds a Masters Degree in Clinical Research Management from Arizona State University.
CHRISTOPHER CHURCH, OT, MBA
Regional Manager for New York
Christopher Church serves as the Regional Manager for New York state. As Regional Manager, he establishes new client facility partnerships and maintains strong collaborative relationships with existing long term care facility accounts. Chris works closely with our EmpireWound affiliated physicians to coordinate and meet the needs of wound care patients at New York state client facilities.
Mr. Church has nearly 10 years of progressive healthcare experience. He has worked as an Occupational Therapist, and served as Director of Patient Experience, Assistant Administrator, and Operations Manager in long-term care. Chris’ healthcare leadership responsibilities spanned quality assurance, care coordination, staffing logistics, risk management, auditing and compliance, and overall continuous quality improvement.
Mr. Church holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Wellness Management, a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy, and an MBA in Healthcare Administration from the State University of New York at Oswego and Utica College.
Mr. Church has nearly 10 years of progressive healthcare experience. He has worked as an Occupational Therapist, and served as Director of Patient Experience, Assistant Administrator, and Operations Manager in long-term care. Chris’ healthcare leadership responsibilities spanned quality assurance, care coordination, staffing logistics, risk management, auditing and compliance, and overall continuous quality improvement.
Mr. Church holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Wellness Management, a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy, and an MBA in Healthcare Administration from the State University of New York at Oswego and Utica College.
EREZ BAVER
Regional Manager for Illinois and Indiana
Erez Baver serves as the AmeriWound Regional Manager for Illinois and Indiana. As Regional Manager Erez establishes new SNF partnerships and supports existing accounts with long-term care facilities. Mr. Baver works closely with our physicians to coordinate and meet the needs of patients at all client facilities.
Erez has over 15 years of diverse healthcare ownership, consulting and operations experience. Previously, he was responsible for sourcing new LTC acquisitions, underwriting new deals, leasing healthcare facilities, operation assessment, financial modeling, pro-forma development, business planning, occupancy/strategy development, marketing team management oversight, sales and customer service training.
Erez has over 15 years of diverse healthcare ownership, consulting and operations experience. Previously, he was responsible for sourcing new LTC acquisitions, underwriting new deals, leasing healthcare facilities, operation assessment, financial modeling, pro-forma development, business planning, occupancy/strategy development, marketing team management oversight, sales and customer service training.
DAVID MILLER, LNHA
National Business Development Executive
David Miller is a seasoned health care veteran with over 15 years of experience in healthcare. As a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA), he has served as the administrator of skilled nursing facilities and various medical adult day care centers across New York and New Jersey.
David has significantly increased the development for various healthcare facilities and entities. He has enjoyed regular deficiency-free survey successes as a LNHA.
Through his career, David has also virtually tripled the census at various medical adult day care centers. David is known as a strong advocate for the frail and elderly residing in SNFs.
David has significantly increased the development for various healthcare facilities and entities. He has enjoyed regular deficiency-free survey successes as a LNHA.
Through his career, David has also virtually tripled the census at various medical adult day care centers. David is known as a strong advocate for the frail and elderly residing in SNFs.
Recruitment
LAUREL LEARN
National Physician Recruitment Manager
Laurel Learn, AmeriWound’s National Physician Recruitment Manager, is an experienced full-cycle healthcare recruiter with 15 years of working in healthcare. In addition to recruitment, she has an extensive background in wound care, having directed a wound care center for Healogics and educating and promoting healthcare providers on advanced biologics and medical devices with Smith and Nephew and Organogenesis. Laurel enjoys introducing the specialty of wound care to healthcare providers who may not have previously considered this area of practice.
Laurel obtained her BA in Communications Media from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Laurel obtained her BA in Communications Media from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
STEVIE RUTHERFORD
National Physician Recruiter
Stevie Rutherford is an experienced physician recruiter. She has successfully worked within the provider recruitment and the nursing home industry. Stevie enjoys working with providers to secure placements that lead to improving clinical outcomes for her clients. She brings 15 years of healthcare experience working with hospitals, CCRC's, SNF's, PCP's and visiting agencies to AmeriWound.
Stevie has a BA in Communications from The Pennsylvania State University (2006). Upon graduation from Penn State, Stevie has experience in data analytics, marketing and administration working for government and healthcare.
Stevie has a BA in Communications from The Pennsylvania State University (2006). Upon graduation from Penn State, Stevie has experience in data analytics, marketing and administration working for government and healthcare.
Corporate Office
JOE SAUSAMAN, BFA
Digital Marketing Manager
Joe serves as the Digital Marketing Manager at AmeriWound. He has the expertise and creative eye to tell the AmeriWound story. He enjoys being able to create something new every day while ensuring he stays up to date on new design trends, concepts and ideas.
Prior to joining AmeriWound, Joe worked at a PR firm in Hudson as an art director where he was responsible for managing the design team and all design related work for more than 30 clients each month. He has expert knowledge in Adobe Creative Suite, branding/rebranding, logo development, web UX/UI, digital and print production, interactive media, social media management, as well as photography and videography.
Joe holds a BFA with a focus in graphic design from The University of Akron.
Prior to joining AmeriWound, Joe worked at a PR firm in Hudson as an art director where he was responsible for managing the design team and all design related work for more than 30 clients each month. He has expert knowledge in Adobe Creative Suite, branding/rebranding, logo development, web UX/UI, digital and print production, interactive media, social media management, as well as photography and videography.
Joe holds a BFA with a focus in graphic design from The University of Akron.
GABRIELLE GOMEZ
Executive Assistant and Office Manager
Gabrielle Gomez serves as the Office Manager and Executive Assistant to the CEO, COO, CFO, and CMO. She brings 7 years of administrative leadership experience to the AmeriWound team. Gabrielle utilizes her expertise in office operations to work closely with each department ensuring all administrative needs are met in an efficient and timely manner.
Prior to joining the AmeriWound corporate office, Gabrielle served as an office administrator in higher education, business services, and the packaging industry. Her expertise include, but are not limited to: office administration, bookkeeping, travel management, project management, data management, and staff training.
Gabrielle holds a B.F.A. in Dance with a focus in education from The Ohio State University.
Prior to joining the AmeriWound corporate office, Gabrielle served as an office administrator in higher education, business services, and the packaging industry. Her expertise include, but are not limited to: office administration, bookkeeping, travel management, project management, data management, and staff training.
Gabrielle holds a B.F.A. in Dance with a focus in education from The Ohio State University.
ALLAN TAYLOR
Data Analyst
Allan Taylor serves as the Data Analyst at AmeriWound. Allan has a decade of experience in data science and analysis, having a B.S. in Computer Information Systems from DeVry University, as well as software development and data management at companies such as AmTrust Group, EnvisionRx Options, and Sherwin Williams.
Since joining the AmeriWound team, Allan has used his skills to automate processes that allow physicians to view treatment and healing trends instantly, and reduce the completion time of existing processes from days to minutes, allowing the staff and management of AmeriWound to serve patients and practice with increased responsiveness and unerring accuracy.
Since joining the AmeriWound team, Allan has used his skills to automate processes that allow physicians to view treatment and healing trends instantly, and reduce the completion time of existing processes from days to minutes, allowing the staff and management of AmeriWound to serve patients and practice with increased responsiveness and unerring accuracy.