Meka S. Elmore brings dedication to patient care and operational excellence in the health care field, leading with compassion and precision. As team leader of intake and clinical services at Riverside Medical Center, she is integral to streamlining the patient experience and managing critical internal processes. Her responsibilities include assessing patients on-site, coordinating external referrals and ensuring a seamless transition into the health care system. She also directs scheduling efforts for both central intake and case management teams, provides vital support to case managers, and helps coordinate discharge planning and family meetings. Her leadership extends into administrative duties such as maintaining accurate records of intake activity, analyzing trends, and presenting detailed performance reports to executive leadership.
Ms. Elmore’s journey toward health care leadership was shaped by a strong academic foundation. She began her undergraduate studies in biology at MacMurray College, where she received division honors and earned notable recognitions such as the American College of Healthcare Executives Award and the Mid America Healthcare Executive Forum Outstanding Student Award. She continued her studies at McKendree University and earned a Bachelor of Science in biology with a minor in psychology. Her academic pursuits culminated in a Master of Health Administration in nursing administration, which further honed her ability to lead within clinical environments. These educational milestones helped her transition confidently into leadership roles.
Before her current leadership position, Ms. Elmore was an admission and referral specialist at Riverside Medical Center. In this capacity, she sharpened her skills in patient intake and referral processing, developing the expertise that would soon propel her into a higher position of responsibility. Her commitment and perseverance during particularly challenging periods did not go unnoticed. She was honored by her manager as a Mission Impossible Member, a recognition awarded for going above and beyond in supporting others, particularly during the demanding times following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beyond her formal roles, Ms. Elmore continues to engage in professional development. She is a member of Phi Kappa Phi, a prestigious interdisciplinary honor society that recognizes academic excellence and service. In addition, she attended the SUMMA Prehealth Conference at Stanford University, an experience that expanded her understanding of the complexities and future directions of health care delivery.
Much of Ms. Elmore’s motivation is rooted in the values instilled by her family. She credits her mother Kim, her father Terrence, and her stepfather Ray for their steadfast encouragement and for teaching her the importance of authenticity, perseverance, and self-belief. Their support has been a guiding force in both her personal and professional endeavors.
Outside of her work in health care, Ms. Elmore finds joy in fitness and is an avid viewer of investigative crime dramas, particularly “Law & Order SVU.” She cherishes time spent with her boyfriend and loved ones, finding balance through these connections. Looking ahead, her aspiration is to become a physician specializing in psychiatry. With a vision to help transform the medical field and improve mental health outcomes, she remains deeply committed to making an impact on the lives of others.