People

Department of Anesthesiology FAS Employee of the Quarter: June 2023

Amira Hodzic has been named the 2023 Q3 Employee of the Quarter! Her nominator couldn't speak more highly of her, stating, “Amira has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to mastering every aspect of her job, always asking the 'why' behind our processes and driving innovative solutions to improve accuracy and workflow. She is a true asset to our team.”

Since joining the Department of Anesthesiology in 2022 as a fellowship coordinator for Pediatric Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Amira has made a remarkable impact. She was chosen to serve as one of the department's nine Equity Champions, where she spearheads discussions and provides training on anti-racism culture change and leadership.

Originally from Bosnia, she immigrated to upstate New York as a child but has spent the last eight years in St. Louis. She is an alumna of SLU’s College for Public Health and Social Justice, and just recently completed her Master’s in Health Leadership from WGU. Outside of work, Amira enjoys hanging out with family and friends, thrifting, writing poetry, and playing with her dog, Julie.

Amira humbly attributes her success to her education team, “Lauren, Erin, Shirley, and Tegan are some of the greatest colleagues. While I am so appreciative to be acknowledged as Employee of the Quarter, this acknowledgment would not be possible without the mentorship and guidance of my wonderful team!”

Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: March 2020

Janice is an Executive Secretary for the Pain Division in the Anesthesiology Department. She has worked for Washington University for 20 years and has spent the entire time in the Pain Management Center. She completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2009 through University College at Washington University. She enjoys spending time with her three grown children and three grandchildren. She and her husband recently celebrated 40 years of marriage by taking a Mediterranean cruise.

Assists Drs. Ivan Kangrga, Jason Gillihan, Justin Knittel, and Molly McCormick

Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: July 2025

Erin is an executive secretary who supports clinical operations and the general and trauma divisions. She came to WashU Medicine in January of 2023 after working in K-12 education for 16 years as a high school English teacher and school administrator. She is really enjoying working with adults after spending so many years with teenagers.

Erin and her husband share four wonderful kids in their blended family. She loves to travel (especially to mountains and beaches), read, and relax as often as possible.

Medical School: University of Kansas, Wichita

Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: June 2025

Katie Holzer, PhD, LCSW, is an assistant professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and the administrative director of the Center for Perioperative Mental Health. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Illinois Wesleyan University, a Master of Social Work from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, and a PhD from Saint Louis University’s School of Public Health and Social Justice.

Before joining the department, Dr. Holzer worked as a clinical social worker in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatry at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Her research focuses on improving mental health outcomes for older adults and enhancing patient engagement in clinical research.

A St. Louis native, Dr. Holzer enjoys exploring the city with her husband, Deven, and their two energetic sons, Bobby (6) and Charlie (3). In her free time, she likes reading, traveling, playing tennis, and volunteering with the Alzheimer’s Association.

Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: December 2023

Erin Hooper is a board-certified pediatric Nurse Practitioner who recently joined the Pediatric Pain Management team in the Department of Anesthesiology. She helps manage patients with acute pain on the inpatient Pediatric Pain service as well as with Chronic Pain conditions in the outpatient setting.

Prior to working with the Department of Anesthesiology department, Erin worked in the neonatal intensive care unit, and also coordinated care for children with medical complexity and special health care needs. Erin enjoys translating research into practice through education, and being a resource for patients and families.

Outside of work, Erin enjoys spending time with her husband Robert, and their three children Violet, Layla, and Brett, and keeping up with their busy schedules, sports events, and activities.