Meet the instructor behind SMC Academy.
Get to know the experienced instructor dedicated to guiding you through your medical coding journey at SMC Academy, LLC.
From student mentor to industry leader.
Lora has a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management from Illinois State University (ISU). During her time at ISU, Lora proctored exams and helped mentor underclassmen. This is when Lora became passionate about teaching and knew she wanted to help empower others through education. Lora has 10+ years of teaching experience in higher education.
Lora holds the RHIA, CCS, and CPC-I credentials and is an AAPC Approved Instructor. Former positions include HIT, Medical Coding, and CMA Instructor at Rend Lake College; HIT Capstone Instructor at Baptist Health System School of Health Professions; Coding Appeals Peer Review Auditor at Allmed; Medical Records Director at Vandalia Correctional Center; Biller/Coder at Heartcare Midwest; and Patient Sitter at Crossroads Community Hospital.
In 2022, Lora partnered with AAPC and started her Certified Professional Coder (CPC) training program, SMC Academy, LLC. With the help of TikTok (@sass.mama.coding), SMC Academy rapidly grew and is now considered a large partner with AAPC. Lora thrives in fast-paced and stimulating educational landscapes.
Outside of her professional life, Lora enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Her hobbies include hiking, reading, taekwondo, and volunteering in her local community. She is also a mentor to aspiring coders and an advocate for continuing education in the field.
Meet the rest of our team.
“Just wanted to let you know I took my CPC exam in July and passed! Thank you again! It was totally worth it and I’m glad I didn’t go to my community college. Now, my coworkers are interested in it, so hopefully they join your program.”
“Switching careers in the middle of your life is never easy! But Lora made this whole experience worth it! She never made me feel less when I wasn’t understanding something and she really is there to help you through the whole process!! Anyone thinking about doing...
“This course was EXCELLENT! I was able to complete it within a few months while being a single mom with two kids and working full time. I passed my exam this passed Saturday on my first try and felt...
“Just wanted to let you know I took my CPC exam in July and passed! I started my first wfh medical coding position 2.5 weeks ago & am loving it so far. 🙌🏻 I started your cpc training program in January, finished in March, sat for my credentialing exam on...
