Clinical Operations

Todd graduated from the University of Iowa in 1996 and began working full-time as a processing services specialist with ILEB in November of 2019. Todd previously worked for ILEB from 2007-2016 as a laboratory technician, and as the eye bank's first distribution manager. During his time away from ILEB, Todd worked as a research support coordinator for the Visual Field Reading Center with Iowa Health Care, where he managed activities associated with multi-center clinical trials in Ophthalmology.

Ashlyn began working for ILEB in February of 2022 as a donor eligibility specialist. Originally from Indiana, she moved to the Iowa City area in 2015 to attend University of Iowa. Prior to working at ILEB she worked for the DeGowin Blood Center for almost 5 years as a clinical technician, collecting blood for transfusion. Then she moved on to work for University of Iowa Pharmaceuticals as a sterile products production specialist compounding and manufacturing sterile drug products.

Rakeli joined ILEB in January 2023. Prior to joining ILEB she worked at Iowa Health Care for six years in the Neuroscience Intermediate Unit and in a junior unit managed by Respiratory Specialty and Comprehensive Care Unit called the Video Monitoring Unit.

Jen graduated from Grand View University with a Bachelor of Science in nursing. She began her eye banking journey in July of 2017 as a recovery technician, and then transferred to a full-time position in donor eligibility in May of 2019. Jen is responsible for screening donor charts and completing various lab duties.  Prior to working at Iowa Lions Eye Bank, Jen worked in an emergency department.

Kay graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Science in biology and a chemistry minor, along with a Bachelor of Science degree in clinical laboratory sciences from the Carver College of Medicine. She is also a certified laboratory medical technologist (ASCP.) She joined the eye bank in 2017 and is currently a donor eligibility specialist where she screens donor charts along with completing various lab duties. Prior to her work at ILEB, Kay was a laboratory technologist for ten years and then an ophthalmology technician for ten years at the Iowa City Veteran’s Hospital.

Chelsea graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago with her bachelor’s degree in psychological research and minority studies, with a minor in pre-med. She joined the eye bank in 2017 as a tissue processing specialist. Chelsea operates as a tissue processor as well as a tissue circulator for the eye bank.

Kailynn is the Recovery Services Lead at Iowa Lions Eye Bank (ILEB). In this role, she oversees ILEB’s statewide team of recovery technicians, ensuring excellence in donor eye tissue procurement, training, recruitment, and scheduling. She also manages inventory control and other critical recovery operations. Kailynn began her journey with ILEB in 2016 as a cornea recovery technician. In August 2021, she transitioned to a full-time position, stepping into her current leadership role. Her dedication and expertise were honored in December 2021 when she received the Jachin Misko Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship recognizes rising stars in a technical eye banking role, honoring those who demonstrate leadership, strive for innovation, and are passionate about eye banking. Prior to joining ILEB, Kailynn worked at Mercy Hospital for 3 years in the cardiac, surgery, and ICU units. Additionally, she volunteered for several years with the non-profit organization Farm Safety 4 Just Kids, reflecting her passion to help others.

Emma joined ILEB as a part-time cornea recovery technician in September 2022, transitioning to a full-time processing services specialist in October 2023. She received her Associate of Arts degree from Kirkwood Community College in 2022.

Monica graduated from Coe College with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Biology. She serves as the donor eligibility manager at Iowa Lions Eye Bank, where she is responsible for the coordination and support of the daily operations. Additionally, Monica serves as an Administrator On Call (AOC) for ILEB. Monica began her journey at the eye bank in 2008 as a recovery technician, and then transferred to a full-time position in donor eligibility which led to her current position as the donor eligibility manager. She was awarded the Jachin Misko Memorial Scholarship for Technical Advancement in Eye Bank in 2014 and is a Certified Eye Bank Technician (CEBT). Monica is an active member of the Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA), having previously served on the Technician Education Committee, Exam Committee and the Continuing Education Committee. Monica is currently serving on the Statistical Report Committee and the Technical Procedures Manual Subcommittee.