Executive Student Bios - COHORT 2021 - UT Tyler
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Executive Student Bios
COHORT 2021
EXECUTIVE MBA HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ■ COHORT 2021 ■ SOULES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ■ THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT TYLER
EMBA@UTTYLER.EDU ■ 903.565.6528 ■ UTTYLER.EDU/EMBA
COHORT ROSTER
▪ VANESSA BERNAL, CCRP ▪ WILLIAM HOOKS JR, MD
CLINICAL RESEARCH COORDINATOR, PHYSICAL MEDICAL DIRECTOR OF PROCEDURAL SERVICES & CHIEF
MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION DEPARTMENT AT THE MEDICAL INFORMATION OFFICER, TITUS REGIONAL
MCGOVERN MEDICAL SCHOOL AT UTHEALTH – MEDICAL CENTER
HOUSTON
▪ RAVI KAJA
▪ DENNIS W. COOK, PHD-C, MSN, RN, CJCP, DIRECTOR, TELADOC HEALTH, INC.
CPHQ, CPPS, HACP, CSSBB ▪ CHRIS MALONE
SYSTEM DIRECTOR, REGULATORY COMPLIANCE, SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER, CHILDREN'S HEALTH
CHRISTUS® TRINITY MOTHER FRANCES HEALTH SYSTEMS OF TEXAS
SYSTEM
▪ ROSE A. ORJI, MBBS
▪ RALPH DE SIMILIEN, MD, MPH ACTIVITY THERAPIST, UT HEALTH BEHAVIOR HEALTH
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY - CENTER (BHC)
UT HEALTH EAST TEXAS
▪ LITTON ALVIN SCHEXNAILDRE
▪ JAMIE JACK DOWELL, BS, PMP OWNER, DBS ALLERGY, LLC
PROGRAM DIRECTOR, PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICE,
CHRISTUS® GOOD SHEPHERD HEALTH SYSTEM
▪ RONADE MARTINE SIMILIEN, PH.D.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, HAITI SUSTAINABLE
▪ JOSEPH ELLIOTT, PMP AGRICULTURE & RESEARCH LLC
OPERATIONS ANALYST, PATIENTCARE EMS
▪ SAMANTHA SMITH
▪ JAMIE FREELS-RUNEY, BS DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, CEDAR PARK
SENIOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONAL, REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER (CPRMC)
EATING RECOVERY CENTER AND INSIGHT BEHAVIORAL
HEALTH
▪ VERA M. STROMAN TURNEY
PROGRAM DIRECTOR, CHRISTUS® GOOD SHEPHERD
▪ ELIZABETH GARZA, MD WOUND CARE CENTER- MARSHALL
RURAL FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENT, THE UNIVERSITY
OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER TYLER
▪ IGAL TARASH, D.O., B.S.
PSYCHIATRY AND BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE PROGRAM
▪ SONYA M. GRIGSBY, DNP, APRN, AGACNP-BC RESIDENT, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE
ACNP-TRINITY CLINIC INTENSIVISTS, CHRISTUS® CENTER TYLER
TRINITY MOTHER FRANCES HOSPITAL
ADJUNCT FACULTY, UT TYLER
▪ SUPRIYA VEERAMACHANENI
PROJECT MANAGER, AUSTIN REGIONAL CLINIC
▪ SARAH HERBEL, MD
FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENT, THE UNIVERSITY OF
▪ RIGOBERTO VILLA JR, CHAA
TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER TYLER OFFICE COORDINATOR, HEALOGICS
EXECUTIVE MBA HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ■ COHORT 2021 ■ SOULES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ■ THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT TYLER
EMBA@UTTYLER.EDU ■ 903.565.6528 ■ UTTYLER.EDU/EMBA
Executive MBA Healthcare Management Program
Cohort 2021
VANESSA BERNAL, CCRP
CLINICAL RESEARCH COORDINATOR, PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION DEPARTMENT AT THE MCGOVERN
MEDICAL SCHOOL AT UTHEALTH - HOUSTON
Vanessa Bernal is a Clinical Research Coordinator II in the Physical
Medicine and Rehabilitation Department at the McGovern Medical
School in Houston, Texas. She has led a successful career in the health
care industry with 10+ years of experience in clinical research where she
independently manages day to day operations for industry-sponsored
trials including outcomes, budgets, and timelines; personnel, facilities,
and supplies. Vanessa’s experience in clinical research involves
investigator-initiated and industry-sponsored trials. She simultaneously
manages multiple research studies under different principal
investigators.
Vanessa is SoCRA certified and obtained a Bachelor of Science in
Kinesiology – Exercise Science degree and a minor in Italian from the
University of Houston. Vanessa is fluent in Spanish and Italian. She enjoys spending time exploring the outdoors
with her partner and their two terriers.
EXECUTIVE MBA HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ■ COHORT 2021 ■ SOULES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ■ THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT TYLER
EMBA@UTTYLER.EDU ■ 903.565.6528 ■ UTTYLER.EDU/EMBA
Executive MBA Healthcare Management Program
Cohort 2021
DENNIS W. COOK, PHD-C, MSN, RN, CJCP, CPHQ, CPPS, HACP, CSSBB
SYSTEM DIRECTOR, REGULATORY COMPLIANCE, CHRISTUS® TRINITY MOTHER FRANCES HEALTH SYSTEM
Dennis Cook is the System Director of Regulatory Compliance at
CHRISTUS® Trinity Mother Frances Health System. A seasoned healthcare
quality, patient safety, and accreditation leader, Dennis has extensive
experience in developing and implementing programs and processes to
meet, exceed, and sustain, quality and patient safety goals and
accreditation standards in hospitals, healthcare systems, academic
medical centers, and ambulatory surgery centers. Over his 13+ years
working in healthcare quality and patient safety, Dennis has had the
opportunity to work in various leadership positions that have improved
practice and performance for the betterment of patient safety and quality
outcomes. These positions include his current System Director role along
with previous roles as AVP of Patient Safety and Quality of the HCA nation-
wide Ambulatory Surgery Division as well as the University of New Mexico
Hospitals in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Dennis previously worked with hospitals across the state of Texas as the Vice President of Quality and Patient
Safety at Texas Hospital Association where he developed programs to assist THA member hospitals in eliminating
hospital-acquired conditions and patient harm as part of the CMS-funded Partnership for Patients program. His
career focus in quality improvement and patient safety started at Houston Methodist Hospital where he
transitioned from his role as an inpatient nurse practitioner to manager of patient safety/systems design.
Dennis is nearing the completion of a PhD program at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, in
which he is focused on quality and patient safety science, processes, and outcomes. With this degree and
knowledge, and with his MBA – Healthcare Management, Dennis looks to continue on his leadership journey
focusing on elevating quality and patient safety programs that will improve healthcare practice.
EXECUTIVE MBA HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ■ COHORT 2021 ■ SOULES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ■ THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT TYLER
EMBA@UTTYLER.EDU ■ 903.565.6528 ■ UTTYLER.EDU/EMBA
Executive MBA Healthcare Management Program
Cohort 2021
RALPH DE SIMILIEN, MD, MPH
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY - UT HEALTH EAST TEXAS
Ralph de Similien is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry
at UT Health East Texas. An alumnus of Teach for America and the
AmeriCorp programs, he previously taught elementary school science
before entering the medical profession through Wayne State University
School of Medicine, where he obtained his Doctor of Medicine (MD)
degree.
He completed his residency in Psychiatry at Howard University Hospital
in Washington, DC., his Public Psychiatry fellowship at Yale University,
and his MPH degree at Harvard University.
Ralph’s interests range broadly in the area of Health Care Management.
Among these interests are included (but not limited to) minority mental
health; public, community, and rural mental health; teaching; academic
leadership and administration; mental health delivery in the young adult population; and in studying and
addressing the financial impacts of the social determinants of health on our present system of care delivery and
care management.
EXECUTIVE MBA HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ■ COHORT 2021 ■ SOULES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ■ THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT TYLER
EMBA@UTTYLER.EDU ■ 903.565.6528 ■ UTTYLER.EDU/EMBA
Executive MBA Healthcare Management Program
Cohort 2021
JAMIE JACK DOWELL, BS, PMP
PROGRAM DIRECTOR, PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICE, CHRISTUS® GOOD SHEPHERD HEALTH SYSTEM
Jamie Jack Dowell is the Program Director in the Project Management Office at
CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System. Jamie has 15+ years of healthcare
experience with 10 years of operational management experience. Prior to her
current role, Jamie served as the Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer,
Executive Office Manager and Project Manager. Her passion for healthcare
began with her first position as a night-shift unit clerk in the Trauma Intensive
Care Unit.
Under her leadership, Jamie has demonstrated success in the areas of
operational, communication and departmental management. Jamie has also
been instrumental in the management of the hospital’s COVID-19 response.
Jamie holds an Associate and Bachelor degree in Healthcare Administration
from LeTourneau University in Longview, TX. In her spare time, Jamie and her
husband, Marcus, along with their two dogs enjoy spending their time in the
kitchen creating culinary masterpieces. And, when not in the kitchen, they enjoy
traveling, the arts, and outside activities with their canine companions.
EXECUTIVE MBA HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ■ COHORT 2021 ■ SOULES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ■ THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT TYLER
EMBA@UTTYLER.EDU ■ 903.565.6528 ■ UTTYLER.EDU/EMBA
Executive MBA Healthcare Management Program
Cohort 2021
JOSEPH ELLIOTT, PMP
OPERATIONS ANALYST, PATIENTCARE EMS
Joseph Elliott is an Operations Analyst for PatientCare EMS. He began a
public safety career with the City of Tyler Police Department in 1999
where he served as a 911 Dispatcher and Dispatch Supervisor. Joseph
later joined ETMC EMS, completed EMT training, completed a BA in
History, and earned a promotion to Director of Support Services for an
ETMC subsidiary, Paramedics Plus, in Oakland, California. At the
conclusion of that contract in 2019, Joseph returned to Tyler as a
corporate operations analyst for the new parent company, PatientCare
EMS, where he works to improve operational efficiencies in their 7
agencies across the country. He holds a PMP certification.
Joseph enjoys playing chess, backpacking with his family, working from
home, wearing masks, and maintaining social distance.
EXECUTIVE MBA HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ■ COHORT 2021 ■ SOULES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ■ THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT TYLER
EMBA@UTTYLER.EDU ■ 903.565.6528 ■ UTTYLER.EDU/EMBA
Executive MBA Healthcare Management Program
Cohort 2021
JAMIE FREELS-RUNEY, BS
SENIOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONAL, EATING RECOVERY CENTER AND INSIGHT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Jamie Freels-Runey is the Senior Business Development Professionals for the
Eating Recovery Center and Insight Behvavioural Health. She has over 20
years’ experience working in hospital administration from Universal Health
Systems (UHS), Springstone Health, and Memorial Hermann Health Care
System. Her experience includes in-house and corporate communications,
long- and short-term marketing plans, and referral development through
Business-2-Business relationships. Jamie’s expertise also includes hospital
startup systems, marketing development, event planning, vendor fairs,
community development, and the training and supervision of other
marketing professionals. She is passionate about communication and
creating efficient systems. Jamie has been with Eating Recovery Center and
Pathlight Mood and Anxiety Centers for 4+ years and is currently a Senior
Professional Relationship Liaison.
EXECUTIVE MBA HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ■ COHORT 2021 ■ SOULES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ■ THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT TYLER
EMBA@UTTYLER.EDU ■ 903.565.6528 ■ UTTYLER.EDU/EMBA
Executive MBA Healthcare Management Program
Cohort 2021
ELIZABETH GARZA, MD
RURAL FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENT, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER TYLER
Elizabeth Garza is a second-year rural family medicine resident with The
University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler in Pittsburg, Texas. She
is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, Texas Medical
Association, and American Medical Women’s Association. She will serve as
co-chief resident during her third year of residency. She earned her
medical degree from the UT Long School of Medicine at the UT Health
Science Center at San Antonio. While attending medical school, she served
as president of both the Catholic Medical Student Association and the
Hospice and Palliative Care Interest Group. Her leadership roles also
involved serving as a Mentor in Medicine for other medical students.
Elizabeth earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology with a Minor
in Chemistry at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, where she was
involved with Chapel Choir, The Society of Honors Scholars, Delta Zeta, and
the university’s work-study program. While attending St. Mary’s University,
she also met her husband, Zach.
Elizabeth was born in Goliad, Texas. She loves to return home to visit her parents and grandparents whenever her
schedule allows. She also finds time to visit her younger sisters wherever they are at the time. She has a love for
learning and reading and spends her time doing so when she is not spending time with family.
EXECUTIVE MBA HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ■ COHORT 2021 ■ SOULES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ■ THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT TYLER
EMBA@UTTYLER.EDU ■ 903.565.6528 ■ UTTYLER.EDU/EMBA
Executive MBA Healthcare Management Program
Cohort 2021
SONYA M. GRIGSBY, DNP, APRN, AGACNP-BC
ACNP-TRINITY CLINIC INTENSIVISTS, CHRISTUS® TRINITY MOTHER FRANCES HOSPITAL
ADJUNCT FACULTY, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT TYLER
Sonya Grigsby is an ACNP with the Trinity Clinic Intensivists at Christus
Mother Frances in Tyler, Texas. Sonya is also adjunct faculty at The
University of Texas at Tyler teaching ICU clinical rotations. She is also
completing the Post MSN FNP program at UT Tyler.
Previously, Sonya spent nine years working as an RN in the ICU at Christus
Mother Frances Hospital in the medical/surgical unit. She also spent time
as charge nurse in the unit, responsible for delegating nursing
assignments, overseeing admissions, discharges, and supervision of
bedside staff. Sonya also works at OSF in Peoria, Illinois as ACNP in the ICU.
She maintains multiple state licenses and continue to work as critical care
locum NP.
Sonya received her BSN from the University of Texas at Tyler followed by
MSN at Walden University. She competed her CCRN in 2016, FCCS in 2019,
ENLS in 2017.She recently completed her Doctor of Nursing practice (DNP)
in May 2020 from the University of Texas at Tyler. Sonya is a member of the ETNP, TNP, AANP, TNA, ANA, SCCM,
ANCC, and Texas DNP. She also severs as a TNA Expert advisor on the APRN/Policy Committee and was a TNA
DNP Fellow in 2019. Sonya is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society for Nursing and
presented her DNP poster presentation at the 2020 Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Conference. She has
coauthored multiple published articles on the role of the DNP.
EXECUTIVE MBA HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ■ COHORT 2021 ■ SOULES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ■ THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT TYLER
EMBA@UTTYLER.EDU ■ 903.565.6528 ■ UTTYLER.EDU/EMBAExecutive MBA Healthcare Management Program
Cohort 2021
SARAH HERBEL, MD
FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENT, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER TYLER
Sarah Herbal is a family medicine resident at The University of Texas Health
Sciences Center Tyler. She was raised in Coushatta, Louisiana, where she
developed a love of rural communities. Upon completion of high school, she
went on to become the first in her family to attend college, graduating Cum
Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Molecular and Cellular biology from Louisiana
State University-Shreveport. Following graduation she took an internship as a
laboratory technician at ADA Carbon Solutions. There she learned quality
control analysis of carbon for mercury capture and water purification. During
her internship she continued to work at her hometown hospital where she
gained valuable patient care experience and developed a passion for rural
medicine.
Sarah completed her medical school education at Louisiana State University
Health Sciences Center-Shreveport. During that time she was an active member in American Academy of Family
Physicians, Louisiana Academy of Family physicians, and the Family Medicine Interest Group at LSUHSC-
Shreveport. She continued to pursue opportunities to work in the rural setting, completing the Primary Care Rural
Preceptorship Program (PCRPP). In July 2020, Sarah started her Family Medicine Residency at the University of
Texas Health Sciences Center at Tyler. She is currently in her first year of residency training with plans of returning
home to give back to the rural community that first sparked her passion of medicine. Sarah intends to use the
knowledge gained in the MBA program to better serve the entire healthcare system in her hometown in rural
Louisiana.
EXECUTIVE MBA HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ■ COHORT 2021 ■ SOULES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ■ THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT TYLER
EMBA@UTTYLER.EDU ■ 903.565.6528 ■ UTTYLER.EDU/EMBAExecutive MBA Healthcare Management Program
Cohort 2021
WILLIAM HOOKS JR, MD
MEDICAL DIRECTOR OF PROCEDURAL SERVICES & CHIEF MEDICAL INFORMATION OFFICER, TITUS REGIONAL MEDICAL
CENTER
William Hooks is the Medical Director of Procedural Services as well as Chief
Medical Information Officer at Titus Regional Medical Center. He is a native of
Mount Pleasant, Texas and received an Associates of Science in Chemistry at
Northeast Texas Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Biology at
Stephen F. Austin State University where he graduated Summa Cum Laude and
Highest-Ranking Senior. Later, William attended medical school at the University
of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.
While a medical student, William joined the United States Navy as an officer
where he ultimately served 13 years, earning several commendation medals and
awards throughout his service. After completing a Transitional Internship at the
National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD, he completed a 3-year tour as a Flight Surgeon. He was stationed
in California, deploying twice aboard the USS Ronald Reagan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2009,
he moved back to Bethesda, MD where he completed his residency in Anesthesiology at Walter Reed National
Military Medical Center. His final tour of duty in the Navy was at Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune where he was
stationed for 3 years before resigning his commission and moving back to Mount Pleasant. William is board-
certified in Anesthesiology and is a member of the medical staff at Titus Regional Medical Center. He serves as
the Medical Director of Procedural Services as well as Chief Medical Information Officer. Additionally, he is the
current Chief of Staff at TRMC. He enjoys spending time with his family, camping and playing tennis.
EXECUTIVE MBA HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ■ COHORT 2021 ■ SOULES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ■ THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT TYLER
EMBA@UTTYLER.EDU ■ 903.565.6528 ■ UTTYLER.EDU/EMBAExecutive MBA Healthcare Management Program
Cohort 2021
RAVI KAJA
DIRECTOR, TELADOC HEALTH, INC.
Ravi Kaja is the Director of corporate applications at Teladoc Health, a
leading provider of telehealth services in over 130 countries across the
world. His current work involves leading and solution designing
telehealth projects and serving as the conduit between the business and
multiple IT areas. His ability to see interconnections between business
processes and data enable him to be a key driver for sustainable
solution design at Teladoc Health.
Previously, he spent 5 years as a data architect and subject matter
expert at EmblemHealth, one of the largest nonprofit health plans
where he was instrumental in implementing a $20M pharmacy benefits
management process with Express Scripts. Prior to joining
EmblemHealth, Ravi spent 8 years as a DW/BI consultant at MassMutual
Financial Group where he was responsible for developing data warehouse and business intelligence strategies.
Ravi is passionate about addressing health care issues across the world including cost, access to care, and quality
of care and plans on helping organizations execute health care strategies that bridge the gap. He has a Bachelor
of Technology in Electrical Engineering from JNTU, India and Master of Engineering in Electrical and Computer
Engineering from University of Utah in Salt Lake City.
EXECUTIVE MBA HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ■ COHORT 2021 ■ SOULES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ■ THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT TYLER
EMBA@UTTYLER.EDU ■ 903.565.6528 ■ UTTYLER.EDU/EMBAExecutive MBA Healthcare Management Program
Cohort 2021
CHRIS MALONE
SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER, CHILDREN'S HEALTH SYSTEMS OF TEXAS
Chris Malone is the Senior Project Manager for Children's Health Systems of Texas in
Dallas, TX. Children’s is a leading provider of pediatric healthcare in North Texas,
licensed for over 600 beds in three hospitals, covering over 4,000,000 square feet of
real estate which he is responsible for managing and improving through his role in
the Planning, Design, and Construction department. Chris manages construction for
major capital projects. These projects range from a couple hundred thousand to
several hundred million dollars. He oversees all aspects from inception to turn over.
Previously Chris spent nearly 15 years working with general contractors in the DFW
area. He has completed projects in K-12, Higher Education, Healthcare, Tenant
Improvement, and government both local and federal. He has built projects in over 7
states. Chris was previously the owner of a Custom Home Builder company. At Children’s, Chris serves on the
PRIDE Committee to help promote equality and diversity throughout the organization. Currently he serves on a
couple of sub committees with Pride, most recently developing and implementing the Transgender Employee
Policy.
EXECUTIVE MBA HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ■ COHORT 2021 ■ SOULES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ■ THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT TYLER
EMBA@UTTYLER.EDU ■ 903.565.6528 ■ UTTYLER.EDU/EMBAExecutive MBA Healthcare Management Program
Cohort 2021
ROSE A. ORJI, MBBS
ACTIVITY THERAPIST, UT HEALTH BEHAVIOR HEALTH CENTER (BHC)
Rose A. Orji is an Activity Therapist at the UT Health Behavior Health
Center. She is originally from the city of Lagos, Nigeria where she practiced
General Medicine before moving to the United States. “Witnessing the
great inefficiency in the Nigerian health care system (as compared to that
of the United States) was part of my initial motivation to obtain this formal
training in healthcare management,” she wrote.
While in the United States, she has, over the past 5 years, worked at the
UT Health Behavior Health Center (BHC) here in Tyler, TX as an Activity
Therapist in their inpatient psychiatric department. She is currently a
member of the Nigerian Medical Association as well as, the National
Medical Association and wants to be part of the movement of the
Nigerian diaspora community making subtle foundational changes in the
Nigerian’s healthcare system from abroad.
Her long-term goal is to return to clinical practice of general medicine where she hopes to couple her clinical skills
and managerial knowledges to enhance patient access to health care. “I want to go back to clinical practice but,
with the added ability to speak both the language of an administrator, as well as that of a care provider. I believe
that such ability will enhance my efficiency in healthcare management and medical care delivery,” she added.
EXECUTIVE MBA HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ■ COHORT 2021 ■ SOULES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ■ THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT TYLER
EMBA@UTTYLER.EDU ■ 903.565.6528 ■ UTTYLER.EDU/EMBAExecutive MBA Healthcare Management Program
Cohort 2021
LITTON ALVIN SCHEXNAILDRE
OWNER, DBS ALLERGY, LLC
Litton Schexnaildre is the Owner of DBS Allergy, LLC. He is a strategic executive
with 25+ years of experience in multiple industries capable of leading large
groups in challenging times. Litton was born and raised in Louisiana and
graduated from Louisiana State University with an Industrial Engineering
degree. Post-graduation his first career was in the Oil and Gas industry. In the
20 years he was in the industry, he had the opportunity to travel the world and
live in Canada where he ran Operations for several years. In 2016 he started
his second career in Healthcare managing the operations for a small marketing
business. In 2017, Litton started DBS Allergy, LLC after recognizing a need and
a competitive advantage. He utilizes engineering principles and experience to
optimize top and bottom lines. He brings a strong background from large
corporations to small business ownership success.
His goal for the EMBA-HCM program is to learn critical details about the Healthcare industry while optimizing the
business skills required to successfully manage in the industry. Additionally, he wants to expand his network,
assist his classmates whenever possible, and improve his collaboration skills. He has been married for 17 years,
has 3 children, and resides in The Woodlands, TX. He enjoys hunting and fishing for fun and playing basketball for
exercise.
EXECUTIVE MBA HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ■ COHORT 2021 ■ SOULES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ■ THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT TYLER
EMBA@UTTYLER.EDU ■ 903.565.6528 ■ UTTYLER.EDU/EMBAExecutive MBA Healthcare Management Program
Cohort 2021
RONADE MARTINE SIMILIEN, PH.D.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, HAITI SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE & RESEARCH LLC
Ronade Martine Similien is the CEO of Haiti Sustainable Agriculture &
Research. She has 10+ years of experience in Agriculture research
specifically in Biofuel, bioenergy, plant production, plant breeding and
genetic. She holds her BA from Iowa State University and her MS and
Ph.D. degrees from South Dakota State University. Her academic and
professional backgrounds are in the areas of teaching and research.
Ronade currently owns and operates Haiti Sustainable Agriculture &
Research (HSAR), an international nonprofit Organization 501(C) (3)
headquartered in Sioux Falls, SD. Founded in 2010, the organization
was developed to support women in agriculture by strengthening their
capacity in agricultural production, agroforestry, and pastoralism.
Ronade’s interests in the area of Health Care Management stems from her
interest in managed care especially as pertained to dementia and Alzheimer’s care: areas that she worked in
before her doctorate studies. She has several publications in the American Society of Agronomy and presents at
the Forages focus.
EXECUTIVE MBA HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ■ COHORT 2021 ■ SOULES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ■ THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT TYLER
EMBA@UTTYLER.EDU ■ 903.565.6528 ■ UTTYLER.EDU/EMBAExecutive MBA Healthcare Management Program
Cohort 2021
SAMANTHA SMITH
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, CEDAR PARK REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER (CPRMC)
Samantha Smith is the Director of Business Development for Cedar Park
Regional Medical Center (CPRMC). As a part of an innovative executive
team, Samantha identifies opportunities for joint ventures, physician
practice acquisition, and hospital service line growth/development. In her
almost 8 years at CPRMC, Samantha has developed over 25 physician
practices, facilitated in 4 practice acquisitions, participated in 3 joint
venture projects, started up 6 new hospital service lines, and reduced
patient outmigration in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She is
passionate about developing and implementing a strategic growth plan
based on market intelligence and data driven findings.
Prior to joining CPRMC, Samantha was an Account Executive and Recruiter
in the healthcare staffing industry where she started up two new lines of
business in both local and national markets. She earned a Bachelor of
Science degree from Texas Tech University and received a Professional in
Human Resources Certification from the Human Resource Certification Institute. Samantha is known to be
outgoing and always happy to build new relationships both professionally and personally. In her personal life,
Samantha enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, taking exercise classes, and bay fishing.
EXECUTIVE MBA HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ■ COHORT 2021 ■ SOULES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ■ THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT TYLER
EMBA@UTTYLER.EDU ■ 903.565.6528 ■ UTTYLER.EDU/EMBAExecutive MBA Healthcare Management Program
Cohort 2021
VERA M. STROMAN TURNEY
PROGRAM DIRECTOR, CHRISTUS® GOOD SHEPHERD WOUND CARE CENTER- MARSHALL
Vera Turney is the Program Director at the Christus Good Shepherd
Wound Care Center in Marshall, Texas and is responsible for the
operational and clinical performance of the center. She received her
Bachelor of Science from East Texas Baptist University in 2008 and has
worked for local and nationally recognized companies in the healthcare
industry, such as: At Home Healthcare, Encompass Health and Healogics.
She has over 10 years of healthcare management experience and is often
consulted for her advance knowledge in marketing and business
development.
Vera is passionate about connecting her community with resources that
can best meet their needs and serves on various boards, committees and
networking groups. She never turns down an opportunity to share the
benefits of advance wound care or to advocate for underserved populations.
She resides in Longview, Texas with her husband, Marcus and two sons, Langston (age 9) and Cohen (age 5).
EXECUTIVE MBA HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ■ COHORT 2021 ■ SOULES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ■ THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT TYLER
EMBA@UTTYLER.EDU ■ 903.565.6528 ■ UTTYLER.EDU/EMBAExecutive MBA Healthcare Management Program
Cohort 2021
IGAL TARASH, D.O., B.S.
PSYCHIATRY AND BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE PROGRAM RESIDENT, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER TYLER
Igal Tarash is a Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine resident at The
University of Texas Health Sciences Center Tyler. He was born in Tehran
and raised in a Jewish family. Igal grew up immersing himself in the rich
Iranian culture of architecture, art, literature and poetry. Due to
sociocultural difficulties his family moved to the United States when he
was seventeen via a 1 year stop in Vienna where he initially faced many
language and cultural barriers. Shortly after arrival to the states, he
started attending a community college before transferring to UCLA where
Igal graduated with a degree in cognitive neurosciences. After watching a
loved one die at a young age and seeing its impact on the rest of his family,
Igal became determined to pursue medicine such that he could help
others by giving back the gift of health.
Igal’s intimacy with Iranian, American and Jewish cultures and observing the stigma of mental health in many
cultures along with his intense fascination with the largely unmapped complexity of how neurons and synapses
affect personality and behavior inspired him to decide upon psychiatry as his way forward. He and his girlfriend
moved to Tyler for residency training; they are very happy to be here. When Igal is not working, he loves to
paddleboard, play soccer, study Spanish, get involved in medical research and attend piano recitals. His motivation
for obtaining an EMBA in Healthcare Management is to diversify his career and improve the quality and efficiency
of mental health care delivery.
EXECUTIVE MBA HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ■ COHORT 2021 ■ SOULES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ■ THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT TYLER
EMBA@UTTYLER.EDU ■ 903.565.6528 ■ UTTYLER.EDU/EMBAExecutive MBA Healthcare Management Program
Cohort 2021
SUPRIYA VEERAMACHANENI
PROJECT MANAGER, AUSTIN REGIONAL CLINIC
Supriya Veeramachaneni is a Project Manager for eMD access at Austin
Regional Clinic, one of central Texas largest professional medical groups.
Her current work involves managing “eMD access” telehealth projects and
leading DBA team. She has been instrumental in bringing scrum and agile
development principles across the company.
Previously, she worked as an IT consultant at various companies
undertaking strategic and operational missions and helped clients in
implementation. Supriya has a strong IT background and she is passionate
about learning go-to-market strategy, product launch, branding at a global
level. She wants to improve her leadership and entrepreneurial skills.
Supriya has a Bachelor in Computer Applications and Master of Science in
Information Systems.
EXECUTIVE MBA HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ■ COHORT 2021 ■ SOULES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ■ THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT TYLER
EMBA@UTTYLER.EDU ■ 903.565.6528 ■ UTTYLER.EDU/EMBAExecutive MBA Healthcare Management Program
Cohort 2021
RIGOBERTO VILLA JR, CHAA
OFFICE COORDINATOR, HEALOGICS
Rigoberto Villa is the Office Coordinator at Healogics where he coordinates
with the clinical team on office operations from audits, insurance,
referrals, payments, the Epic system, etc.. Rigoberto is a member of the
Advisory board at Northeast Texas Community College where he reviews
program curriculum.
Rigoberto has 10 years of military and civilian management experience.
Before his career in healthcare, Rigoberto enlisted in the United States
Navy. His assignments included two tours to the middle east and two
tours to the Pacific. He now resides in Mount Pleasant, TX where started
his new journey of pursing higher education.
Rigoberto received an Associate degree in Medical Office Support from
Northeast Texas Community College along with three certificates. From there
he continued his education and received a Bachelor in Healthcare Management from Letourneau University in
Longview TX, where he graduated cum laude. He continued his education in his current role and successfully
passed the Certified Healthcare Access Associate in 2020 and holds a current CHAA certification. Rigoberto is an
entrepreneur with two small businesses; he is the co-owner of Tacos Doña Maty and Cupid's Gift Shop and More.
EXECUTIVE MBA HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ■ COHORT 2021 ■ SOULES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ■ THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT TYLER
EMBA@UTTYLER.EDU ■ 903.565.6528 ■ UTTYLER.EDU/EMBAYou can also read
