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MesmerIQ Solutions is focused on improving patient safety. Experiential learning opportunities such as medical simulation contribute to the development of confident and competent clinical and non-clinical practitioners by providing real-world learning opportunities that are authentic, relevant, meaningful, and most of all, safe.

Backed by decades of research, when integrated and facilitated according to best-practice, medical simulation and related modes of experiential learning positively contribute to the development of clinical and non-clinical professionals who are better prepared for real-world professional practice.

“We have been in the trenches. We understand. Achieving success in simulation is challenging and sometimes we need a helping hand. Our commitment is providing you with the support and guidance needed to elevate your program to its greatest potential.”
~Gerrad S. Fase, Owner and Founder

History

The idea behind MesmerIQ Solutions was conceived in 2018 but developed over the course of several years as a result of observations made about how simulation is performed, and the challenges that accompany the operation of simulation programs. After having the opportunity to work closely with clinicians, educators, technicians, and leaders within simulation, it became obvious that an inequity in access to high-quality simulation exists and that many programs with a desire to develop outstanding simulation experiences, simply struggle to do so because of limited access to the necessary resources.

Finally, in November of 2022 as a result of a layoff from a VR-based based healthcare simulation company and feeling the time was right within the industry, the plan to move forward with MesmerIQ Solutions was set in motion. Supported by an incredible team of highly experienced clinicians, simulation practitioners, educators, technologists, and researchers, MesmerIQ Solutions is ready break down accessibility barriers and strengthen the simulation community.

Meet the MesmerIQ Team

Leadership Team

Gerrad Fase MEd, BSN, CHSE

Owner and Principal Consultant

Gerrad is a registered nurse specialized in acute care pediatrics; he holds a master’s degree in Learning and Technology and a bachelor of science in Nursing. With over 27 years of combined experience in multiple industries and trades, Gerrad has a deep understanding of medical simulation, healthcare, technology, and adult education.

MesmerIQ Solutions exists because of his belief in the power of simulation and that every academic and professional organization seeking to deliver amazing simulation, should be able to do so with quality and without limitation. He also believes that learners – new and experienced alike – deserve a safe place to practice their skills as individuals and among peers.

Clinical Beginnings
Gerrad began his clinical career in pediatrics in 2011 with Children’s Mercy Hospital at the Northland Urgent Care and Clinic in Kansas City, Missouri.

Show more about Gerrad Fase

Gerrad began his clinical career in pediatrics in 2011 with Children’s Mercy Hospital at the Northland Urgent Care and Clinic in Kansas City, Missouri. In 2015 he transitioned to acute care nursing on the medical and surgical unit at Children’s Mercy Hospital Kansas Campus in Overland Park, Kansas.

While at Children’s Mercy Hospital, Gerrad became active within the hospital system focusing his extra energy serving to improve nursing practice within the hospital system. During his tenure, Gerrad led three unit-based quality improvement projects that lead to improvements in patient assessment, hand-off communication, and discharge education; he also contributed to two research involving human factors and applications designed to aid clinical practitioners in the management of asthma and other respiratory pathologies.

Medical Simulation
Medical simulation has been a part of Gerrad’s healthcare career since before his foray into healthcare. As an information technology professional, Gerrad developed on-boarding programs and experiential learning opportunities to learn critical operational tasks at Sprint-Nextel, an experience that would unknowingly benefit him in his healthcare career. Since 2011, Gerrad has experienced and studied simulation and experiential modes of learning as a student, intern, operator, and educator.

Product Development
As a subject matter expert, Gerrad has had the privilege of contributing to the development of various simulation products and services, including pediatric simulators and VR-based immersive experiences. Further, he has been able to contribute as the voice-of-customer, providing insight into the education needs of professional clinical practice and academic clinical education.

Mark Kempton, M.OL., MSL, NREMT-P, FP-C

Dir. of Business Development and Principal Consultant

Mark is a highly experienced Paramedic with a master’s degree in organizational leadership. With 35+ years of professional experience, Mark also demonstrates extensive experience as a practitioner of medical simulation, adult educator and trainer, and as a business leader. Mark’s unique combination of healthcare and business expertise allows him to provide valuable insights and solutions for our clients.

Andel Frazier BSN, CHSE

Principal Consultant

Andel is a highly experienced clinician and educator with 30+ years combined nursing, emergency services, simulation, and academic and professional clinical adult education design and facilitation. Additionally, she has extensive experience within the simulation industry influencing product design of patient simulators and immersive content, including Virtual Reality.

Clinical Beginnings
Andel began her clinical career in emergency services as an EMT, eventually moving on to become a flight paramedic, and in 2005

Show more about Andel Frazier

Clinical Beginnings
Andel began her clinical career in emergency services as an EMT, eventually moving on to become a flight paramedic, and in 2005 she became a registered nurse. Coupled with her experience in as an adult educator, Andel was able to put her collective experience to work as an EMS Coordinator for Longmont United Hospital and Paramedic/Base Educator for Classic Air Medical in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

Medical Simulation
Medical simulation has been a part of Andel’s professional profile for over 20 years; she has extensive experience experience in simulation leadership, scenario designing and facilitation, and simulator operations. Skilled in the use of multiple frameworks and approaches, Andel is highly skilled with simulation debriefing and managing conflict.

Advisory Board

Michael Blomquist, PhD, RN, CCRN-K, CHSE

Director of Nursing Simulation
Concorde Career Colleges, Kansas City

As a critical care nurse with over 25 years of experience, Michael holds a Ph.D. of Nursing from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. As an advisor to MesmerIQ Solutions, he brings a wealth of experience performing and publishing research focused on the transfer of simulation training to clinical practice, as well as, human factors, positive psychology, implementation science, stress and coping strategies, and well-being

In addition to his critical care nursing and research background, Michael is a passionate educator who enjoys coaching and mentoring others so they may use simulation to its full potential and to help them achieve their personal and organizational expected outcomes.

In 2015, Michael helped launch the Zamierowski Institute for Experiential Learning (ZIEL), a partnership between the University of Kansas Medical Center and The University of Kansas Health System.

Michael is now the Director of Nursing Simulation (PN & BSN) at Concorde Career Colleges in Kansas City, where he is actively developing their BSN simulation program.

Show More about Michael Blomquist

Michael began his nursing career in 1996 and took his first RN job in 1999 in the MICU at the University of Kansas Hospital. In 2005, Michael leveraged his predominately critical care and code blue experience to work, to improve code blue performance as a key contributor to the initiation of the rapid response team at the University of Kansas Health System.
As a practitioner of simulation and experiential learning, Michael has had the distinct privilege of learning simulation from the best, having received training and certifications from the Israel Center for Medical Simulation and the Harvard Center for Medical Simulation. Over the last few years, he has enjoyed presenting various simulation-based topics locally and nationally.

Alex Freeburne MBA, CSM, LSS-HC

Data Engineer and Business Automation Consultant

Alex Freeburne is a seasoned Consulting Analyst with over 30 years of professional experience, currently serving at the University of Missouri. With a diverse background spanning multiple industries, Alex has consistently demonstrated expertise in data engineering, software development, project management, business analysis, and business automation, and business process improvement.

In his current role, Alex has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and driving innovation. Notable achievements include the development of a comprehensive COVID security and tracking system, the automation of patient clinic record procedures, and the implementation of an agile project management framework within the organization. Alex’s proficiency in Agile methodologies has been instrumental in streamlining project workflows and maximizing team productivity.

Alex’s industry-recognized certifications include:

Automation Anywhere Advanced Bot Developer: Demonstrating his proficiency in advanced bot development techniques and automation solutions.
Certified Scrum Master (CSM): Validating his expertise in Scrum methodology and agile project management practices.
Lean Six Sigma Healthcare (LSS-HC): Expertise in applying Lean Six Sigma principles within healthcare environments.

Prior to his tenure at the University of Missouri, Alex held key positions at leading telecommunications companies such as T-Mobile and Sprint.

More About Alex Freeburne

Prior to his tenure at the University of Missouri, Alex held key positions at leading telecommunications companies such as T-Mobile and Sprint. During his tenure in those organizations, Alex served as a Business Analyst and Automation Lead, playing pivotal roles in rebranding products, executing process mapping strategies, oversight of agile projects, and leading the implementation of robotic process automation solutions. His strategic vision and technical acumen enabled him to achieve significant cost savings and operational efficiencies for the organization.

Academics
Alex holds an MBA in Project Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University, where he received accolades for his exemplary business plan. Additionally, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he founded the UMKC Student Chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).

Col. Cheryl Lockhart, USAF (Ret.)
DNP, MSN, MPH, CC-CNS,
AG-CNS, CCRN, CNE, CHSE

United States Airforce (Ret.)| Critical Care Nursing | Simulation | Adult Education | XR Technologies

Cheryl is a retired military and civilian trauma nurse with over 30 years of experience in hospital, aeromedical, deployed/operational facilities and outpatient clinics. In addition to holding a Doctor of Nursing Practice, Cheryl is a certified Nurse Executive and critical care nursing. In 2018, Cheryl was recognized for leadership excellence, and in 2023, she was recognized as the US Military Health System Senior Air Force Nurse of the Year.

Medical Simulation
Cheryl has also been an advocate for and practitioner of medical simulation, bringing the philosophy and best practices of experiential learning to the USAF. She is an educator and with experience designing simulation scenarios and facilitating their execution using a variety of high-fidelity manikins and supportive education delivery technologies, including immersive with VR and AR.

Funding Procurement and Research
In addition to her experience as a nurse, Cheryl brings a wealth of expertise in Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding, grant procurement and

Show More about Cheryl Lockhart

Funding Procurement and Research
In addition to her experience as a nurse, Cheryl brings a wealth of expertise in Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding, grant procurement and management, and research analysis and presentation to the MesmerIQ Solutions team.

Personal Interests
She is an avid VR/AR and Unity user and is currently working on learning how to develop for immersive environments using C# and Unity.

MesmerIQ Solutions. Your Partner In Healthcare Simulation.

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