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 Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFUMS). In 2013 she was hired as a Standardized Patient Educator at RFUMS 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 RFUMS. Mary is currently a member of the Association of Standardized Patient Educators (ASPE) and the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH).

Kevin Kingston, MFA

​Kevin 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 Rosalind Franklin University and UIC.

Cory Krebsbach, BFA, CHSE

After receiving his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1995, Cory has worked as a standardized patient and practical instructor at healthcare institutions throughout Chicagoland including the University of Illinois at Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Loyola School of Medicine, University of Chicago School of Medicine, Midwestern University, and Rush University School of Medicine. In 2015, Cory joined the RFU Center for Advanced Simulation in Healthcare staff and was named Assistant Director, Standardized Patient Program, North Chicago in 2019. In June 2024, he assumed the role of Director of Simulation Programming, North Chicago. Cory has been recognized as a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH). He is also a member of the Chicago Simulation Consortium (CSC) and currently holds a Board of Director position with the Association of SP Educators (ASPE).

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 RFUMS in 2007. He earned a Master's of Science in Health Professions Education and certificate in Online Education from RFUMS 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.

Lawrence Wood, MSEd, CHSOS

Lawrence earned his Bachelor of Science in 2006 and Master of Science in Education in 2009 from Northern Illinois University Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education. During his graduate education, he was a teaching assistant in both the Human Performance Lab as well as the Neuromuscular Lab which enhanced an already budding interest in working in education. Post-graduation, his professional work in the clinical setting in patient care and medical testing enhanced his ability to bring another layer of knowledge and skills to Department of Healthcare Simulation, which he joined in 2014.

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 RFUMS where he uses his skills as a Simulation Operator understanding the medicine and mechanics of Simulation Technology.

Whitney Eigenfeld

Whitney graduated Summa Cum Laude from Southern New Hampshire in February 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. She started her career in healthcare as a Ward Clerk in the Operating room of Fairbanks Alaska Memorial Hospital. Later on, she received training to become a Surgical Technician in the operating room and moved on to become an OB Surgical Technician at Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital where she later joined Rosalind Franklin Simulation team as a contracted Simulation Technician. She is planning on pursuing her Master's Degree next.

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.