Facing a pandemic over this past year has been a whirlwind for the healthcare industry. Throughout all the problems that arose, though, people began to step up and go above and beyond in their healthcare roles. The Texas Ambulatory Surgery Center Society sent out a survey to find out who members believe are emerging leaders in the surgery center community … caregivers and administrators alike, who truly stepped up and shined in their roles.
Three administrators stood out to the TASCS members as emerging leaders in the world of ambulatory care.
Kayla Schneeweiss has been an administrator for Mann Eye Institute for less than five years but has over 10 years of experience in the medical field. She is a master communicator for her team and able to connect the dots from boardroom to clinical staff. She is a great listener to her team and a quick learner with a desire to always be in the know so she can make a difference.
Christine Whittle has been a nurse administrator for almost four years to two centers: Central Texas Day Surgery Center and Abilene Spine & Joint Surgery Center. She left 12 years of experience in a hospital setting to join the ASC team and loves the new family she gained in the process. From one leadership position to the next, Whittle is certainly a force to be reckoned with.
Ali Morgan is the administrator for Pinnacle Surgery Center. She has seven years of experience in the industry and has been the administrator for two years. In that short time, she has made a name for herself, able to jump in and perform any clinical task when needed, and she is on her way to becoming a savvy business leader, as well.
Administrators are not the only people making waves in the leadership arena, though. Several patient caregivers also stood out to members.
Lavita Middleton is the business office manager at North Pines Surgery Center. For over 30 years, she has been working hard in the medical field and has gained invaluable experience in all aspects of the business. She is a natural-born leader to her staff and also takes charge on the business side of things, as well.
Marilyn Saathoff works in the pre-op and post-anesthesia care unit infection control at Cedar Park Surgery Center. With over 30 years under her belt, she is a leader like no other who is still learning and adapting to the everchanging medical world. Saathoff is always there to help implement changes directly impacting patient care to give them the safest environment possible.
Katie Turner has been the clinical director for North Texas Team Care Surgery Center for two years. She has become known as a strong leader who works hard to advocate for her patients and staff to ensure they are in the best environment possible.
Andrea Monaco is a registered nurse who works in the post-anesthesia care unit at North Pines Surgery Center. She has been in the medical industry for 12 years and is one of the most diplomatic patient advocates. She takes on ownership in her facility, and her staff can tell she genuinely cares for everyone, from her co-workers to her patients.
Cristina Flores has been in the industry for 10 years and is currently the scheduling coordinator for Cedar Park Surgery Center. She is known as the bridge between the center and the surgeon office to provide safe patient care. She is very detail-oriented and is always quick to catch scheduling errors and correct the problem.
Rose Bruner is a preadmission nurse at Cedar Park Surgery Center. She has over 15 years of experience and is the best first impression the center could have. She is an amazing representation for Cedar Park.
Thank you to all who helped us recognize these emerging leaders, and thank you to everyone who helps make sure the ambulatory surgery center industry provides high-quality, cost-effective care!
