Welcome to Beacon Health System’s Administrative Fellowship Program

• Education: Bachelor’s in Kinesiology from DePauw University and Master’s in Healthcare Management degree from Indiana University – Bloomington
• Mentor: Jennifer Pierce, Manager, BMG Education/Float Pool
• Previous Rotation: Elkhart General Hospital, Human Resources
• Current Rotation: Beacon Medical Group

Staisy Cardenas is originally from Michoacán, Mexico but grew up in Fort Wayne, IN. Her projects have included operationalizing the Beacon Scholar Program, workflow standardization in the ambulatory setting, and patient bed placement improvement. Staisy is involved with multiple DE&I efforts in the system and has a special interest in health equity, healthcare access, and community outreach. Outside of work, Staisy enjoys spending time wither puppy, Archie, family and friends as well as continuing to explore the South Bend/Mishawaka and Elkhart areas.

• Education: Bachelor’s in Biology from Trinity University and Master’s in Healthcare Administration/Business Administration from the University of Houston – Clear Lake
• Mentor: Susan King, President, Beacon Health Foundation
• Previous Rotations: Finance – Revenue Cycle, Memorial Hospital of South Bend
• Current Rotation: Strategy & Digital Growth

Huda Syed was born and raised in Houston, TX. Huda’s professional interests include clinical operations, healthcare equity, and strategy. Her projects have focused on Anthem timely filing submissions, Cerner assessments, Joint Commission survey, and performance improvement with Surgical Services. Outside of work, Huda enjoys spending time with friends and family, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, reading, and traveling.

• Education: Bachelor’s in Public Health and Master’s in Healthcare Administration from the University of Kentucky
• Mentor: Kimberly Green Reeves, Director Community Impact
• Current Rotation: Elkhart General Hospital

Shaelyn Richardson was born and raised in Danville, KY. Shaelyn’s first rotation is at Elkhart General Hospital, where she reports directly to the VP of Operations. She is currently involved in various projects with focuses on system wide patient transport, EGH quality/safety, and Phreesia implementation. Shaelyn’s professional interests include patient safety and experience, quality, community, and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Outside of work, Shaelyn enjoys spending time with family and friends, prioritizing self-care, and watching sports.

• Education: Bachelor’s from Indiana University – South Bend and Master’s of Healthcare Administration from Purdue University
• Mentor: Carl Risk, President of Elkhart General Hospital
• Current Rotation: Patient Accounting; Revenue Cycle Management & Finance

As a lifelong resident of South Bend, Indiana, Blake Bertles was drawn to the Administrative Fellowship position so he could have the opportunity to give back and play a small role in shaping the future of community based healthcare right here in his hometown. Currently, Blake is spending his time in Patient Accounting-- Revenue Cycle Management & Finance. During his rotation in patient accounting he is providing hands-on administrative support for the department. His projects have focused on data analysis, data validation, labor budgeting, and the standardization of departmental operations.

Blake’s professional interests include quality & patient safety, performance improvement, and the retail model of healthcare. His goal is to use his passion of working with people as a way to further influence how quality patient care is delivered to our community members. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, coaching fast-pitch softball, writing and recording music, watching live music and sporting events, and traveling.

• Education: Bachelor’s in Family and Child Science from Florida State University and Master’s in Health Administration from Florida A&M University.
• Mentor: Rodrigo Correa, Director of Rehab Inpatient Services
• Current Rotation: Memorial Hospital of South Bend

Samuel Dobbins is originally from Tampa, FL. Samuel’s first rotation is at our Memorial Hospital of South Bend where he reports directly to the President of the hospital. Projects he has worked on includes conducting a Safety risk assessment for a community-wide project between Memorial and other local entities, participating in initiatives to optimize length of stay for patient safety at Memorial Hospital, and providing management support for potential new service lines to expand Beacon’s services. Samuel has a professional interest in mental health, healthcare access and operational efficiency. Outside of work Samuel enjoys working out, watching sports, reading and trying new food places.