Diabetes is a complex disease, and often a patient with diabetes feels overwhelmed and confused about how to manage it. Working with the primary care physician, a team of diabetes educators can educate, support, and teach self-management skills to the patient with diabetes. This team approach is the best way to ensure that every patient receives the highest quality of care to improve his or her health.
Susi Wals, RN, CDE, BSN
Diabetes Educator and Coordinator of Program
Susi Wals is the Coordinator of the Metro Health Diabetes Education Program. She has been with Metro Health since 1979 and has worked in the diabetes program since 1999. She became a certified diabetes educator in 2001. Susi has particular experience in helping diabetes patients learn how to manage their disease, including intensive insulin management.
Jan Hopewell, RD, CDE
Diabetes Educator
Jan Hopewell has been a registered dietitian for more than 30 years and has more than 15 years experience as a certified diabetes educator. She is dedicated to patient needs and takes great care in providing individualized nutrition guidance for each of her patients.
Karen Kwekel, RN, BSN, CDE
Diabetes Educator
Karen Kwekel began her career at Metro Health in 1987 as a registered nurse for the hospital. She held a variety of positions before going back to school in 1994 for her BSN. Karen has been a diabetes educator since 1997 and loves her current role helping people manage their diabetes.
Carol Van Rhee, RN, CDE
Diabetes Educator
Carol VanRhee has been a certified diabetes educator since 2005 and has been employed at Metro Health since 2007. She has experience in both classroom diabetes education and clinic visits with a physician. Carol specializes in insulin pump training and management.
Carolyn Belsito, RD, CDE
Diabetes Educator
Carolyn has been a registered dietitian for more than 20 years. She has been a certified diabetes educator since 2006 and part of Metro Health since 2009. She has knowledge and experience in meal planning all kidney conditions. Carolyn is dedicated to helping people learn to eat healthy and manage their disease.
Joy Heyboer
Diabetes Assistant
Joy has been employed with Metro Health since 2008 as an assistant in the diabetes program. Joy takes great pride in helping patients get scheduled for needed diabetes appointments. She is the first person the patients talk to and often helps them understand the importance of education.
