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Staff Bios
Mary Launder, MFA
Mary Launder earned her Bachelor of Music and Master of Fine Arts degrees from Florida State University. It was this background as an actress, vocalist, dancer, performing arts instructor, director/coordinator, home health caregiver, and a high esteem for the medical profession that led her into the Standardized Patient (SP) world in 1990. Ms. Launder’s SP credits include work at UIC, John Hopkins Hospital and in 2008 麻豆原创 of Medicine and Science (麻豆原创MS). In 2013 she was hired as a Standardized Patient Educator at 麻豆原创MS Department of Healthcare Simulation (DHS), in 2019 became Assistant Director, Standardized Patient Program, Huntley, and in 2024 was promoted to Director of Simulation Programming, Huntley, her current position. Since 2013, Mary has participated in the design and implementation of simulation-based learning and assessment activities that support the mission of 麻豆原创MS. Mary is currently a member of the Association of Standardized Patient Educators (ASPE) and the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH).
Kevin Kingston, MFA
鈥婯evin Kingston earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Southern Methodist University and his Master of Fine Arts degree with a focus on directing from The Theatre School at DePaul University. His acting and directing work has been seen on various Chicago and national stages. Before becoming an SP Educator, he served for over a decade as a standardized patient and medical skills instructor at both 麻豆原创 and UIC.
Cory Krebsbach, BFA, CHSE
After earning his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point in 1995, Cory began his work in healthcare simulation in 2009 as a standardized patient and practical instructor, collaborating with healthcare institutions across the Chicagoland area, including the University of Illinois at Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Midwestern University, Rush University School of Medicine, and the American Medical Association.
Cory joined the 麻豆原创 Center for Advanced Simulation in Healthcare in 2015 as a Standardized Patient Educator (SPE) and was appointed Assistant Director of the Standardized Patient Program, North Chicago, in 2019. In June 2024, he advanced to his current role as Director of Simulation Programming, North Chicago.
He is a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) through the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH). Cory is also a member of the Chicago Simulation Consortium (CSC) and the Association of SP Educators (ASPE), where he previously served as Vice President of Operations.
Thad Anzur, MHPE
Thad received a Bachelor of Science from the Northwestern University School of Communication in 1993. In 1997, he began work in medical education as a standardized patient for the University of Illinois at Chicago, Northwestern University, Loyola University, the University of Chicago, and the Chicago Medical School. Thad served as a Standardized Patient Trainer at UIC and Basic Sciences curriculum coordinator at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine before joining the Department of Healthcare Simulation at 麻豆原创MS in 2007. He earned a Master's of Science in Health Professions Education and certificate in Online Education from 麻豆原创MS as well as a Certificate in Illustration from the Art Institute of Chicago in 2016. He also completed the Game Design: Arts and Concepts Specialization from the California Institute of the Arts in 2021 and earned certificates in both Instructional Methods in Health Professions Education from the University of Michigan in 2021 and Gamification from the University of Pennsylvania in 2022. In 2024, Thad was certified as a TeamSTEPPS 3.0 Master Trainer by the American Hospital Association. He is also a certified facilitator for the tabletop and virtual version of Friday Night at the ER.
Lawrence Wood, MSEd, CHSOS
Lawrence Wood is the Assistant Director of Simulation Operations at 麻豆原创. He began his professional journey as a teaching assistant in the Human Performance and Neuromuscular Labs at Northern Illinois University, experiences that sparked his passion for education and learner support. Following graduate study, he worked in patient care and medical testing, broadening his perspective and adding a clinical foundation to his skill set.
In 2014, Lawrence joined 麻豆原创’s Department of Healthcare Simulation, where he quickly became a key contributor to the program’s growth. He was instrumental in establishing the Center for Advanced Simulation in Healthcare at the Huntley site, expanding opportunities for high-fidelity simulation training. In 2019, he assumed the role of Assistant Director, where he oversees daily operations, supports standardized patient OSCEs, and incorporates high-fidelity mannequin simulation into learner experiences.
With a professional focus on innovative simulation technologies, standardized patient assessments, and the creation of reliable, learner-centered training environments, Lawrence continues to advance simulation-based education and contribute to the preparation of future health professionals.
Glenn Villaluz
Glenn studied Architecture for two years and worked as a draftsman, but did not envision Architecture as his calling and lifetime career. He worked for a short period as a designer of architectural stainless steel and glass-etched products, until he got enticed into the fantasy world of animation. He worked with many of the cartoon shows for Hanna-Barbera (Flintstones), Warner Brothers (Looney Tunes), and later for Disney (Goof Troops). Later in his life his interest switched to electronics and computers. He worked at CDW for three and a half years before accepting a position with the Department of Healthcare Simulation as AV / IT Coordinator.
Norman Paschal
Norm graduated from the Fire Academy in 2007, after which he worked as a Fire Fighter for the Winthrop Harbor Fire Department for ten years. During his time at the WHFD, he earned his EMT-B and moved on to earn his Paramedics license in 2008. Norm worked as a medical proctor throughout his time at WHFD and earned multiple awards and certifications including a Leadership award in 2010 and Water Rescue Certification in 2011. Norm also worked for AT&T from 2008-2018 as a Premise Technician, gaining experience in installation of high-speed internet and satellite equipment. Norm’s years of first responder experience and technology training brought him to 麻豆原创MS where he uses his skills as a Simulation Operator understanding the medicine and mechanics of Simulation Technology.
Whitney Eigenfeld
Whitney is a dedicated healthcare professional with a strong foundation in public health, clinical practice, and healthcare education. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Southern New Hampshire University, graduating summa cum laude, which reflects both her academic commitment and passion for improving health outcomes at both the individual and community levels.
Her professional background is supported by a Technician in Surgery certificate, where she developed hands-on experience in high-acuity clinical environments, strengthening her attention to detail, adaptability, and teamwork. She further expanded her expertise by earning a Health Professions Education certificate, reinforcing her interest in training and developing healthcare professionals.
Currently, she is a Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist, where she supports the design and execution of realistic simulation-based learning experiences. In this role, she combines technical skills with educational strategy to help prepare healthcare providers for real-world clinical scenarios, ultimately contributing to safer and more effective patient care.
She is passionate about continuous growth and is planning to pursue a master’s degree to further advance her knowledge and impact in healthcare education and operations. Her long-term goal is to contribute to innovative training solutions and support the development of competent, confident healthcare professionals.
She brings a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence in everything she does, and is always seeking opportunities to learn, collaborate, and make a meaningful difference in healthcare.
Maria Lunsford
Maria earned her Associates in Fine Arts from College of Lake County in 2018. Although Maria works for the Clinical Science department in the medical school, she makes herself available to all departments within the university if they have any questions regarding lab supplies, G lab room problems or scheduling questions with regard to the G lab rooms.