As a Case Manager at the University of Michigan, April Braman, CCM ‘14 manages short and long term disability cases for their employees, assists them with ADA accommodations, return to work concerns, and FMLA clarification. She says her experience at Davenport empowered her. “It allowed me to believe in myself and it has given me the opportunity to show my children that you can achieve whatever you set your heart and mind to accomplish.” Learn more about April and her journey below.

Tell us about yourself!

My name is April Braman, I live in Hartland, Michigan. I am a 41 year old single mother of a 10 year old daughter and an 8 year old son, who are my heart, soul, and driving force behind everything that I do.

Why did you pick Davenport?

Davenport is the only accredited university to offer the Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Case Management (now known as health and human services case management), which is the career path I’ve slowly been working toward for the past decade. When I enrolled to in the program, I was living out of state and the portability of online classes was exactly what I needed. When I learned that the instructors are all experienced professionals with real world experience, it made sense because their answers and advice all came from that point of view

As a graduate of DU, when you think of your experience what comes to mind?

I love Davenport! The support the faculty and staff offered and the setup of their programs was exactly what I was looking for.  I am actually enrolled again as a graduate student earning my MBA with healthcare concentration.  My experience over the years has made me feel empowered, it allows me to believe in myself, and it has given me the opportunity to show my children that you can achieve whatever you set your heart and mind to accomplish.

In a nutshell, what do you do?

I am a case manager with the University of Michigan. We manage the short and long-term disability cases for our own employees, assist them with ADA accommodations, return to work concerns, and FMLA clarification.

What is your biggest accomplishment?

My biggest accomplishment is two-fold.  The first is passing the Certified Case Manager exam in December 2016, and the second was forging a partnership through U of M to accept our first Davenport medical case management practicum student this semester (Winter 2017).

What is your dream job?

My dream job is to work from home as an active case manager, while also becoming a professor for future case management students.

Best advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice I ever received is to be your own biggest cheerleader.  Whenever you are faced with a difficult decision or circumstance, think of the best advice you would give to your child or another loved one, and say it to yourself.

Are you are you passionate about?

I am passionate about being a great example for my children, and loving that I am able to watch two wonderful people grow and change throughout the years into the thoughtful adults they are both destined to become.

What do you do when you are not working?

When I am not working I am usually doing something with my children.  Now that I am enrolled in a graduate program at Davenport, my evenings are also spent working in my classes.  When I get some time to myself, I decompress by spending time with my friends, because laughter really is the best way to unwind.