Family?
Happily married to Kenny Rassi, II. We have 3 beautiful sons. Originally from Round Lake, Illinois. Moved to East Peoria, Illinois when I was 6 years old.

Hobbies/Interests?
Raising my children, watching my sons football and baseball games, educational presentations, online shopping

Why did you choose neurosurgery? 
As an adolescent, one of my best friends died of a traumatic brain injury from a MVC.

My grandfather also survived a massive left sided stroke.   I wanted to learn more about the brain and spine after these life experiences.

Neuroscience Experience?
I have been an OSF Saint Francis Medical Center employee since 1995.  

I started as a nurse extern on Acute General Neurology and absolutely loved the complexity of neuroscience patients.  

Once I graduated from Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing in 1996, I stayed working on Acute General Neurology. I then gained nursing experience on Neuroscience Critical Care Unit, Surgical Intensive Care Unit, and as a Trauma Services Manager.  

In 2004, I graduated from the Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing and joined Associated University Neurosurgeons, now Illinois Neurological Institute.

As an advanced practice nurse, I evaluate, treat, and manage a neurosurgical patient population across the continuum of care (outpatient, hospital, rehab, subacute care, skilled nursing facility).

Continuous education; ongoing assessment; effective, timely, and safe treatment along with thorough communication to patients, families, nursing, and the organization is the key to successful outcomes.

Do you have any advice to give patients? 
Don't smoke! Think First!   Be an active participant in health care.