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All our professionals at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates, P.C. maintain the highest levels of accreditation and pursue ongoing education to stay abreast of the latest trends in podiatry.

We are always looking for new team members. Scroll down to view current employment opportunities. Please, no phone calls regarding positions.

Melissa J. Lockwood, D.P.M.

As founder of Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates, P.C., Dr. Melissa J. Lockwood happily returned to central Illinois in 2008 after seven years in Cleveland, Ohio. She is a graduate of Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox, Illinois. Dr. Lockwood completed her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois (Urbana/Champaign) in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor degree in Chemistry. Dr. Lockwood has a great interest in archaeology and also received a minor degree in Anthropology from the U of I in 2001.

Dr. Lockwood went on to the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine and matriculated with her Podiatric Medical Degree in 2005. While at OCPM, Dr. Lockwood served as both a delegate to the student branch of the APMA as well as President of the Student Government organization (OPMSA). Dr. Lockwood was the recipient of several awards while attending OCPM, including the Ohio Podiatric Medical Association Dr. James Conforti Community Relations Award and the OCPM Mildred Kaufman Memorial Award for Proficiency in Orthopedics and Biomechanics.

Dr. Lockwood arrived in Bloomington following a three year residency in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Lockwood completed a 36 month Podiatric Medical and Surgical Residency Program based out of the University Hospital System/Richmond Heights Medical Center. Dr. Lockwood has extensive training in both forefoot (bunions, hammertoes, neuromas) elective surgical procedures as well as rearfoot reconstruction. She has a special interest in the treatment of sports related injuries, dermatological conditions and diabetic palliative and preventive care. Dr. Lockwood enjoys working with patients one on one in a clinical setting and chatting about her favorite sports teams!

Dr. Lockwood, her husband Scott and daughter Lauren can be found rooting on the Illini, Redbirds, Chicago Bears, and White Sox!

EDUCATION

PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATION

• NBPME Part I (2003)
• NBPME Boards Part II (2005)
• NBPME Boards Part III - PM Lexus (2005)
• State of Illinois Licensure (2008)
• Board Certified, American Board of Podiatric Medicine (2012)

HONORS AND AWARDS

• Illinois State Scholar (1997)
• OCPM Academic Scholarship (2001)
• OCPM Dean's List (2004)
• OPMA Dr. James Conforti Community Relations Award (2005)
• OCPM Mildred Kaufman Memorial Award for Proficiency in Orthopedics and Biomechanics (2005)
• University Hospitals Richmond Medical Center Outstanding Podiatric Resident (2008)

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

• AAPPM, Board of Trustee (2012-Present)
• President, Ohio Podiatric Medical Student's Association 2002-2004
• Delegate, American Podiatric Medical Student's Association 2002-2004
• Chairman - President's Committee, American Podiatric Medical Student's Association Feb. 2004
• Member - KSUCPM Board of Trustees (2002-2004)
• APMA/IPMA member at large
• AAWP, Featured Speaker

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

• Member, Sigma Kappa National Sorority, Theta Chapter
• Advisory Board Chairman, Sigma Kappa National Sorority, Eta Chapter
• Board Member, Bloomington Rotary Club
• Distinguished Member, McLean County Chamber of Commerce
• Enjoys bowling, swimming, and watching the Illini and Chicago Bears

Please feel free to contact Dr. Lockwood by clicking here.

Scott Heape, CPA - Business Manager

Co-founder of Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates, Scott Heape graduated from Illinois State University in 2000 with a BS degree in Accountancy.  Scott spends his days working as the finance and operations manager at the McLean County Chamber of Commerce.  Scott spends most of his nights and weekends working at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates as the business manager.  When Scott does have spare time, he enjoys playing poker or watching his favorite sport teams with Dr. Lockwood. Regardless of the heated rivalry between their colleges (Redbirds vs. Illini) Scott and Dr. Lockwood compromise and root for both teams.
You can e-mail Scott at Scott@heartlandfootandankle.com.

Sam Fowler, PMAC - Office Manager and Human Resource Director

As one of Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates’ first employees, Sam Fowler has experienced all aspects of the office, including medical assisting, front office, and management.  In December of 2010, she graduated from Illinois State University one semester early.  She is used to a busy schedule, balancing working full time with a full school schedule.  So after graduating from ISU, Sam went right back to the books to earn her PMAC, and is now a certified podiatric medical assistant.  Sam is an active member of the ASPMA, the American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants, ISPMA, the Illinois Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants, and AAPPM,  American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management.  Sam enjoys spending time with her husband, Adam, who can be seen hanging pictures and shelves at HFAA and working events.  She loves working with the entire HFAA team and helping as many patients as possible.  Sam has a healthy obsession with feet!      
You can email Sam at Sam@heartlandfootandankle.com. 

Amy Miramontes - Front Office Coordinator

Hi, I’m Amy!  I was born and raised in Peru, IL.  In 2012 I earned my bachelor’s degree in sociology from Ashford University in Iowa.  I am currently pursuingmy master’s degree in education.  My hobbies include spending time with my teenage daughter, shopping, and traveling.  I love visiting sunny, sandy destinations and lounging around at the beach.  I really enjoy working at Heartland because I love helping people.  When you come in to Heartland I will greet you with a smile! I’m excited to assist YOU!  
You can e-mail Amy at Amy@heartlandfootandankle.com.

Cindy Hull - Marketing Coordinator

Hi, I'm Cindy! I was born and raised a Buckeye fan from Columbus, Ohio. I graduated from Case Western Reserve University in 2010 with a degree in Marketing and minors in Economics and Spanish. I am very close with my family and love meeting new people. In my spare time, I am a Zumba fanatic, avid reader and definitely have a passion for travel. My husband and I have two little sassy yorkie puppies that we love to spoil very much. I promise to always greet YOU with a smile and look forward to meeting all your podiatric marketing needs!
You can e-mail Cindy at Cindy@heartlandfootandankle.com.

Lisa M. Howard - Billing Coordinator

Hi, I’m Lisa! I was born and raised in Bloomington/Normal. I am a graduate of Eastern Illinois University with a BS degree in Community Health. I have also taken classes towards my Masters degree in Counseling. I’m excited to bring over 20 years of experience in healthcare billing/insurance to HFAA. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my boyfriend and our two dogs. I love being able to help patients with all their billing/insurance needs and questions! 
You can e-mail Lisa at Lisa@heartlandfootandankle.com.

Diana Guillory - Head Medical Assistant

Hi, I’m Diana!  I was born in San Diego, CA and moved to Normal, IL to be closer to family.  I am currently attending Heartland Community college in pursuit of my nursing degree and nursing assistant certification. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading, and riding ATV's. I love being in the medical field because I can help patients feel better.  My co-workers are like my family, I have so much fun working with them and Dr. Lockwood.  I love to get patients back onto their feet!  I can't wait to get you back onto your feet!
You can e-mail Diana at Diana@heartlandfootandankle.com.

Yaya Bueno - Medical Assistant

Hi, I’m Yaya! I was raised in Chicago and moved to Normal, IL a few years ago to attend ISU. I am a Golden Apple Scholar pursuing an English and Theatre Education major with intentions of pursuing a minor in nursing. I am currently working on opening a youth ministry in the Bloomington/Normal area and hope to have it open by the fall. My hobbies include performing at open mics, spending time with my family, helping others, as well as cooking. I am so happy to join the HFAA team and even more happy to be able to help Dr. Lockwood. I enjoy helping our patients find the best way to feeling better! Time heals all wounds, but we’re here to make you feel better even faster!
You can e-mail Yaya at Yaya@heartlandfootandankle.com.

Stosha Cruz - Certified Nail Technician

Hi, I'm Stosha! I was born and raised in Peoria, IL and moved to Normal, IL to attend ISU. I am a graduate of the Paul Mitchell School in Normal where I learned to be a ‘Day Maker’ and do amazing Pedicures. In my spare time I love travel with my husband, learn about art, and spend time with family. For me, getting a pedicure always makes my day. I want to do the same for you and have your experience at Healing Steps Spa be truly memorable. I want to give you the spa experience you deserve make your feet feel great!
You can e-mail Stosha at Stosha@heartlandfootandankle.com.

Lauren June Heape - Podiatrist in Training

Hi, I'm Lauren! You can call me L.J. for short.  I'm the youngest member of the HFAA team.  I was born on February 7, 2012 at 4:15 pm.  Back then I was small - only 21 inches long and just under 8 pounds.  But I get bigger every day! Now I'm in daycare learning lots of fun things! But occasionally you may see me in the office on Saturdays with my Dad, Scott.  Oh yeah - I forgot to mention you might know my Mom and Dad.  My Mom is Dr. Lockwood, she treats your feet!  I might be like my Mom when I grow up and be a foot doctor.  For now I spend my free time crawling, eating, sleeping and TRYING to walk!!  We have two doggies and my favorite colors are orange and blue.
You can e-mail my Mom at drlockwood@heartlandfootandankle.com.

Employment Opportunities

Are you an outgoing ‘People Person’ who loves to smile? Have you always wanted to work in a small office where you are an integral part of the TEAM? Do you love working with people to help make their experience the best one possible? Have you ever visited Disneyworld and thought ‘I wish every place was like this?’ If you answered yes to these questions,  you may want to be the newest team member at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates! 

Our ideal applicant is friendly, upbeat, patient and professional. To survive at our office, you must be able to multi-task several important items at once, stress is an everyday occurrence.  Must be good with people in person and on the telephone, team oriented, and have moderate computer skills (word, excel, etc).  Someone who is respectful, has a good work ethic, friendly, cheerful, upbeat, gets along with others, is a team player and ambitious is the person we’re looking for. Soft skills are the most important skills, we can teach you the rest!

All positions are PART TIME. Hours range from 25-35 hours per week.  High School Diploma or GED required for all positions.

Medical Assistant

Position entails handling all duties associated with the back office, including but not limited to escorting patient to room, triaging chief complaint, assisting doctor while in room, completing note in E.M.R., assisting with minor procedures, taking radiographs, filing syringes, explaining treatments and products, making appointments, explaining insurance benefits, and anything else asked of you.

Nursing Home Medical Assistant

Position entails traveling with our physician to nursing homes within central Illinois to medical assistant at the nursing homes. The Nursing Home Coordinator is responsible for handling all duties associated with the nursing facilities, including but not limited to processing all PPG packages, documenting all notes, documenting all billing, measure and ordering shoes, maintaining inventory, autoclaving instruments, preparing blank notes, preparing monthly millage reimbursements, preparing schedules, and anything else asked of you.

Front Desk Coordinator

Position entails handling all duties associated with the front desk, including but not limited to greeting patients and making them feel welcome, telephone contact and triage, appointment scheduling and updating patient information, knowledge of computer, collecting monies, checking out patients, entering in patient information, billing and collections, filing, scanning, verifying insurances, physician to physician relations, processing mail, and anything else asked of you.

Marketing Coordinator

Position entails all duties associated with marketing our practice including but not limited to web based marketing, referral (shoe leather) marketing, internal marketing, external marketing, and anything else asked of you.  This position will market on the internet and social media sites (Facebook, twitter, Pinterest), be responsible for the upkeep of websites and blogs, and upkeep of SEO, RSS, and Google Analytics.  Will be responsible for visiting local medical offices and non-medical businesses to develop great relationships and schedule lunch and learns. This person is also responsible for creating and sending electronic and paper newsletter, upkeep of recall and reactivation campaigns, sending greeting/holiday cards, and analyzing marketing survey.

Licensed Nail Technician

Healing Steps Spa was created to provide a safe, sanitary, private environment for the healing and wellness of client’s feet. Healing Steps Spa only uses all-natural, vitamin-enriched nail polishes and organic lotions, creams, and scrubs. We focus on feet, and manicures are only available as an add on service in addition to a pedicure. Healing Steps Spa also offers a variety of products to help heal fungal nails and the symptoms associated with them, including discoloration, brittleness, and thickness. In addition to spa services and products, Healing Steps Spa also offers laser therapy for nails and Keryflex nail restoration system. Gel nails and acrylic nails are not offered. Position entails performing laser nail therapy, Kerflex nail restoration treatments, spa services, and marketing Healing Steps Spa. Spa services include manicures, pedicures, polish change, nail art, and foot facials.  Marketing will include web based marketing, referral marketing, and internal marketing. The nail technician will work hand in hand with our podiatrist to provide comprehensive services and refer clients to the physician when needed.  All applicants for the nail technician position MUST be licensed. 


If you are our "People Person", please submit a cover letter and resume via word document attachment to sam@heartlandfootandankle.com. Subject line must read: "I AM your new (position applying for)". For example, if applying for the medical assistant postion, the subject line would read “I AM your new medical assistant”. 

Include three professional references who can attest to your work experience and communication skills.

In your email, answer:
1) Why do you want this position?
2) Why are you the best fit for this position?
3) What’s your favorite color, and why?   

No phone calls, please. We can’t wait to meet you!