UPSTATE PEOPLE: SIOBHAN KEOUGH
March 15
Siobhan Keough. BSN, RN, has been named manager of the Nurse Residency Program. In this position, Keough will support the continuous professional development of nurse residents and assure alignment of Upstate’s Nurse Residency Program curriculum with ANCC PTAP criteria for accreditation w/ distinction. Keough began her career at Upstate in 2014 as a RN in the MICU. She later served as clinical leader and clinical training specialist. Throughout her nursing career, she has participated on many nursing committees, most recently on the 6I MICU team that achieved the first-ever American Association of Critical Care Nurses Gold Beacon Award. Keough is pursuing is a master’s degree nursing. She will continue to support the Professional Development Program as the interim manager.
March 8
Mickiel Bergh has been named team leader for Surgical Subspecialties and Vascular Surgery ambulatory clinics at Upstate Community Hospital as. Bergh has worked in various areas at Upstate since 2021, including the Joslin Diabetes Center and the Upstate Cancer Center.
Chris Stanton, MSN, has been named assistant nurse manager for 9F. Stanton has worked at Upstate since 2010 and was named a clinical leader in 2016. As a clinical leader, he has been instrumental in improving compliance with DNV and AHA standards for stroke care as well as decreasing unit CAUTIs. As assistant nurse manager, Stanton will provide oversight for patient care and nursing services.
Feb. 23
Michelle Finnerty, BSN, RN has been appointed nurse manager for the ambulatory Urology clinics. Finnerty has been serving as the interim manager for Urology since April 2023. She began her career in critical care and vascular access before joining Upstate in 2002 as an RN in the Children’s Surgery Center. She also served as clinical leader of the Surgery Center at Community and as a clinical document improvement specialist.
Feb. 9
Julia Pirro has been named interim nurse manager of the Community Hospital Operating Room. Pirro, who holds a bachelor’s degree from LeMoyne College, started at Upstate in 2018 as a circulating nurse and later as assistant nurse manager in 2022.
Jan. 19
Michael Waters, BSN, RN, has been named clinical training specialist for 4 North at Upstate Community Hospital. Waters has been at Upstate for 12 years serving in various roles clinical leader, and clinical training specialist. He received his bachelor’s degree in nursing in 2017 from Upstate’s College of Nursing. He serves as a co-chair on Medicine Shared Governance Committee.
Jan. 12
Bridgett Langstaff, MS, has been named pediatric patient safety coordinator, effective Feb. 1. Langstaff holds a master's degree in nursing administration from SUNY Empire. She has worked in the PICU since 2012 and has been a clinical leader in 12F since 2019.
Dec. 29
Tammy White, BSN, RN, has been named assistant nurse manager on 2 North. She received her associates degree in nursing applied science from Onondaga Community College in 2016 and her bachelor's degree in nursing from Utica in 2019. White has a variety of clinical experience including both inpatient and outpatient, as well as procedural. including serving as a clinical leader in the med-surg float pool for two years and most recently in the throughput operations department.
Dec. 22
Sandra Hathaway BSN, RN, CPN, has been named assistant nurse manager of 12E, effective Jan. 3. Hathaway has 24 years of nursing experience in various pediatric roles: PICU, PACU, school nursing, pediatric after-hours, inpatient general pediatrics. Along with her significant clinical experience, Hathaway has been able to share her leadership abilities in her most recent role as clinical training specialist on 12E.
Dec. 15
Katherine 'Kasey' Deep has been named assistant nurse manager on 11E, Upstate University Hospital. A graduate of SUNY Brockport, Deep began her nursing career on 11E and was promoted to a clinical leader in 2018. She transitioned to the 11E clinical training specialist in 2022. Throughout her career, Deep has assisted with numerous initiatives, such as onboarding staff and facilitating throughput.
Amanda Paventi has been named assistant nurse manager of 4 North at Upstate Community Hospital. She has served at Upstate Nursing for two years in such roles as preceptor, educator and charge nurse. She is a graduate of Western Governors University.
Dec. 1
Kaelyn Bersani has been named clinical leader of 8E. Bersani, who received her bachelor's degree in nursing from Utica College, began her career at Upstate in 2017. Bersani serves as a preceptor for new staff. She is the recipient of the Chancellor’s Award for Classified Service and the President’s Award for Clinical Employee of the Year.
Nov. 3
Jessica Dow, MSN, RN, FNP-C, CWCN, has been named assistant director of Advanced Practice Services. She began her career at Upstate in 2003 as a student clinical assistant and transitioned into the RN role in 2004, working on the cardiothoracic step-down unit. She joined the wound and ostomy team as a nurse practitioner in 2009. Dow quickly developed a passion for wound care and obtained her certified wound care nurse specialty certification. Dow joined the Advanced Practice leadership team in 2016 as a team leader, and then, manager. She most recently served as the interim assistant director of Advanced Practice.
Oct. 13
Zachary McNall, CPhT, PACS, has been named associate director of pharmacy patient services for the Retail/Specialty Pharmacy Department. McNall began his career at Upstate in 2016 as a pharmacy technician at the downtown Inpatient Pharmacy. He was then promoted to prior authorization coordinator within the Outpatient Pharmacy; and subsequently named as prior authorization manager, focusing on enhancing the Prior Authorization Program for greater coverage within the Upstate clinics. Under McNall’s direction, the prior authorization program has grown to have prior authorization coverage in 46 clinics within Upstate, including infusion authorizations and private practice locations allowing the clinic staff to focus more solely on patient care. In his new post, McNall will lead a large initiative involving multiple departments, to manage the authorizations for clinic-based infusions, among other issues.
Oct. 6
The Rev. Jae 'James' Kim was named manager of spiritual care at Upstate Community Hospital. Kim is an ordained Christian Reformed Church (CRC) minister. Before joining Upstate, he served as director of chaplains at Central New York Psychiatric Center. He holds a bachelor's degree from Han-Sei University and William Tyndale College and a master of divinity degree from Calvin Theological Seminary. Kim served as senior pastor at Kang Sung Full Gospel Church, youth pastor at Han-Bit CRC, MI and Trinity CRC, Alaska, before moving to Spokane, Wash., to pastor New Hope CRC. He currently serves as pastor of Pitcher Hill Reformed Church in America in North Syracuse. He completed four units of ACPE Clinical Pastoral Education at Upstate and is a board-certified chaplain with the Association of Professional Chaplains.
Crystal Vitale, PharmD, has been named associate director of pharmacy operations at Upstate Community Hospital. Vitale began her career at Community in 2010 as a staff pharmacist, was named senior pharmacist—supervisor of operations in 2016 and most recently served as interim director of pharmacy at Upstate Community Hospital. She has played a pivotal role in developing workflows around Upstate's pharmacy systems, focusing on integration and efficiency. She earned her doctor of pharmacy degree from Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in 2010.
Sept. 29
Tim Morris has been named director of talent acquisition in the Department of Human Resources. In this new position, Morris will oversee the Human Resources recruiting process and will play a key role in designing an organizational strategy to attract diverse and qualified candidates. Morris brings 35 years of experience in talent acquisition to Upstate, working in support of some of the world's largest pharmaceutical, medical device and financial services companies as well as Aspen Dental and St. Joseph’s Health.
April Tyler has joined Upstate's Clinical Education Team. Tyler has held numerous nursing roles at Upstate over the past 20 years, including as staff nurse, preceptor, clinical leader, bed manager, and most recently as a clinical trainer. She earned her master's degree in nursing this year from SUNY Empire State University.
Sept. 22
Ardena Garner, LSW, has been named EAP coordinator. Prior to joining to Upstate, Garner was program director for Coordinated Care Services, Inc., which partnered with Onondaga County Department of Children and Family Services in providing social and emotional interventions to students in Syracuse City and Solvay school districts. As an EAP coordinator, Garner will facilitate clinical assessments, brief solution-orientated counseling, supervisory consultation, as well as provide life resources to Upstate employees and families. Garner received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Columbia College in 2008, a master's degree in social work from Syracuse University in 2014, and became a licensed master social worker in 2016. Garner also received certification as a professional coach through Fowler Wainwright International in 2010. EAP is located at Upstate Community Hospital.
Thomas Spangenburg, PT, DPT, has been named outpatient supervisor of the PM&R rehab therapies department. Spangenburg graduated from Upstate Medical University in 2013. He began work at Upstate in 2015, and was appointed to a full-time senior-levelNUE physical therapist in 2016. He will oversee operations at Upstate's Western Lights and Township 5 locations.
Sept. 15
Julie Cyr, MSN, RN BC has been named nurse manager of Anesthesia Specialists in the Perioperative Department. Cyr brings more than 20 years of experience in the perioperative and critical care setting.
Aug. 25
Kristin Soper, DNP, MS, RN, ANP-BC, AOCNP, has been named associate director of nursing for the Upstate Cancer Center, effective Aug. 31. Soper has held numerous positions at Upstate, since 2007, including clinical leader, clinical trainer, nurse practitioner, team lead for APS, assistant director of nursing, and most recently, as interim associate director of Nursing at the Upstate Cancer Center. She also serves an assistant professor in Upstate’s College of Nursing. She has published manuscripts in multiple journals including the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, the Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing and the Journal for Nurse Practitioners, as well as presented at many national conferences. She has received numerous awards, including Provider of the Month and the Daisy Award. She received a doctorate of nursing practice from the University of Buffalo and holds both advanced oncology as well as adult nurse practitioner board certifications.
Aug. 18
Edmund (Ted) Freeborn has been named pediatric clinical resource nurse with Pediatric Quality & Safety team. Freeborn holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Stony Brook University and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from SUNY Brockport. After serving as a critical care flight paramedic, Freeborn joined Upstate in 2016 and has worked with the Adult ED, PICU, and Pediatric SWAT teams. He most recently served as the clinical trainer for the PICU, in addition to an ECMO specialist.
Aug. 11
Rachel Ives, BSN, RN, has been named as nurse manager of Upstate Pediatrics, effective Sept. 14. Throughout her nursing career, Ives has worked in home care, adult med/surg and pediatrics. She has been with Upstate since 2018, most recently serving as assistant nurse manager of 12E. Ives has been involved in the Pediatric Nurse Resident Communication Committee since its inception in 2022, and the Pediatric Behavioral Event Committee. Ives holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from SUNY Brockport.
Aug. 4
Kerrigan Lindsay, MSN, RN, CNE, CLC, CPN, has been named nurse residency program manager. In this role, she will be responsible for the Nurse Residency Program and will be instrumental in the upcoming ANCC Practice Transition Accreditation Program re-accreditation. Liindsay’s nursing experience includes pediatric nursing, educator, newborn SWAT nurse, 12E pediatric nurse manager, and most recently the Professional Development Program manager. She holds a master’s degree in nurse education addition and a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Her specialty certifications include certified nurse educator, certified pediatric nurse, and certified lactation consultant.
July 28
Amy Payne has been named director for Market Intelligence and Insights in Information, Management & Technology. Her focus will be on market growth and competitive analysis. Payne transitioned to IMT from the hospital strategy office. Payne began her Upstate career in 2017 as director of Ambulatory Analytics. Throughout her tenure, she collaborated on projects such as NCQA’s Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Recognition, volume projections for the Nappi Wellness Institute, ambulatory downstream revenue, outpatient clinic room utilization and the Upstate Strategic Plan. Payne was also involved in the many reporting and data initiatives during COVID. In 2020, she served as Interim Executive Director for Upstate Community Medical, P.C. (UCM). Payne holds a bachelor’s degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and has completed the Academy for Healthcare Leadership Advancement through HANYS and Cornell University.
July 21
Juliann Axton has been named as interim associate administrator for Operations and Support Services for Upstate Community Hospital effective, July 18. Axton brings more than 22 years of healthcare experience to the post, having worked at Community General as an ER nurse. She also has served in nursing posts at Upstate and held numerous leadership roles across the organization, including transplant manager, transplant administrator, ambulatory services director, interim administrator for Ambulatory Services and most recently as the director of Strategic Initiatives.
June 23
Jillian Michlovitch MSN, RN, SCRN has been named nurse manager of the Throughput Operations Center. In this role, Michlovitch, will be responsible for bed management and the Transfer Center. She has 10 years of Upstate nursing experience and most recently served as an administrative supervisor. Michlovitch holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in nursing administration.
June 16
Natasha Zmitrowitz has been named coordinator of the Heart Failure Program, effective June 15. Zmitrowitz has been the data coordinator of the program since 2018. Before her role in the Heart Failure Program, Zmitrowitz was a CP-ICU RN on 8F. She graduated from Tompkins Cortland Community College in 2012 and earned her MSN-ED earlier this year. She is certified as a heart failure nurse.
May 26
Sarah Schroeder BSN, CPN has been named 3N Pre/Post nurse manager. Schroeder has been a registered nurse for 15 years and eight years as a pediatric PACU nurse, serving most recently as supervisor for the Pre-op/PACU at Phoenix (Ariz.) Children's Hospital.
May 11
Elizabeth Hartigan, BSN, MBA, has been appointed temporary agency staffing coordinator. Hartigan holds a bachelor’s degree from Upstate and an MBA from WGU. She is certified in both Critical Care and Infection Prevention. She has held various roles in healthcare in her 15-year career, including service at Upstate as a critical care staff, medical ICU and trauma ICU, medical ICU clinical leader and trainer. She has served as adjunct professor at Cayuga Community College, Utica College and Upstate. In this new role, Hartigan will be the primary contact for nursing travelers. She will assist with hiring, interviewing of new travelers, management (contracts, timekeeping, concerns) of current travelers, review/revision of current processes (onboarding, off-boarding, performance evaluation) and communication with traveler agencies.
Jamie Patchett BS, MBA, has been named nursing business operations manager and labor hours analyst. Patchett has worked at Upstate since 2016 starting her career in Nursing Recruitment as an onboarding specialist. She was promoted to nursing labor hours analyst in the Nursing Business Office in 2018. Patchett earned a bachelor's degree and an MBA in health services administration from SUNY Oswego. In her new role, she will continue with all of her current tasks (reporting, Kronos support and training, assistance with F1s and PCC) and take on a larger role in the annual nursing budget process and supervision of office staff.
May 4
Jennifer Logiudice has been named director of Business Development and Strategic Initiatives at the Upstate Cancer Center. In this new role, Logiudice will be responsible for assessing, developing, and facilitating service line strategic growth initiatives, including planning and project execution. Logiudice comes to Upstate from Catholic Health in Rockville Centre, N.Y., where she has worked for many years. In her most recent position as vice president of Service Line and Business Development she was responsible for strategic planning, financial planning, marketing, data reporting, practice management, program development and much more. She holds a doctorate and a master’s degree in business administration from Baker College in Flint, Mich.
April 28
Mandi Dixon, BSN, MS, has been named clinical educator with Professional Development and Learning. At Upstate since 2002, Dixon has served as an administrative supervisor, clinical training specialist with the Family Birth Center. In her role as a clinical educator, Dixon Mandi will cover the Family Birth Center and become the Primary nurse planner for ICNE. Dixon holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Roberts Wesleyan College and a master’s degree in nursing education from Excelsior College.
April 14
Julie Moore, BSN, and Lindsay Miner, BSN, have been named managers of the Family Birth Center at Upstate Community Hospital. Moore has more than eight years of clinical experience within Labor & Delivery at Crouse Hospital, She holds a BSN from SUNY Empire State College, holds a BS in business management and is pursuing her master’s in nursing administration at SUNY Delhi. Miner has most recently served as interim nurse manager of the Family Birth Center, while continuing to serve as nurse manager of the Float and Support Pool at Upstate Community Hospital. Miner earned her BSN at Western Governors University.
April 7
Christan Daley, RN, BSN, has been named assistant nurse manager of the Pediatric Emergency Department (PED) effective April 27. Daley brings with her more than 13 years of nursing experience. She came to the Upstate PED in 2017 from Crouse Hospital, where she cared for patients in the Level 4 NICU. In the PED, she serves in a variety of roles, including preceptor, charge and trauma nurse.
March 31
Chantana Taranto, BSN, RN, CMSRN, has been named nurse manager for 6B. Taranto holds a BSN from Prachomklao College of Nursing, Phetchaburi, Thailand. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in transformational leadership in nursing at SUNY Polytechnic Institute. Taranto began her nursing career in the surgical intensive care unit at Prachomklao Hospital, Phetchaburi, Thailand. During her early career, she also worked with patients and families in a pediatric HIV clinic, and in a long-term care setting as a nurse manager. In 2014 she joined Upstate and the nursing team on 6B, serving as as a bedside nurse, clinical leader, assistant nurse manager and most recently as interim nurse manager.
March 24
Tonya Seckner MSN, RN, has been appointed assistant director of Perioperative Services. She received her master's degree from American College of Education and her bachelor's degree from SUNY Canton. She started her career on 5E Pre-Postoperative in 2002 as a clinical staff nurse. She has remained in this department throughout her career advancing to clinical leader in 2015, assistant nurse manager in 2018 and manager of both 5E and 3N Pre/Post in 2019. She has worked on numerous improvement projects in both departments and was awarded the Magnet Recognition award.
March 17
James Cavalluzzi, BSN, RN, CNOR, has been named nurse manager Pre-Admission Testing. Cavalluzzi started his Upstate career in 2000, after graduating with his BSN from Syracuse University. He has worked in the Clark Burn Center and Orthopedics, in addition to his time in the OR. Cavalluzzi has been a preceptor, a clinical leader, assistant nurse manager, and most previously managed the 5E OR.
March 10
Ronsetta Hutchison, BSN, MA, RN, CNOR, has been named assistant nurse manager for the 5 East OR. Hutchinson has been a registered nurse for 21 years with 15 years of peri-operative experience. She has served as in numerous leadership nursing positions with the U.S. Air Force.
Elizabeth Bottorff BSN, RN, has been named assistant nurse manager for the 5 East OR. Bottorff holds a BSN from SUNY Brockport. She started her Upstate career in 2016 in the OR as a circulating nurse. She has been a preceptor and transitioned into the clinical leader role in 2018.
March 3
Rochelle Ratliff, MS RN, has been named associate director of nursing for pediatrics, effective April 13. Her career includes positions at Howard Community College and Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., where she served as shift coordinator in pediatric hematology/oncology and as nurse manager of the pediatric hematology/oncology unit. After joining Upstate in 2010, she has worked on 11G (Pediatric Hematology/Oncology) as a clinical leader. She now serves as nurse manager at Upstate Pediatrics, one of Upstate Golisano’s Pediatric primary care clinics.
Feb. 17
Cassandra Bradford, MS, AGNP-BC, RN has been named as clinical training specialist for 5 East Transitional Care Unit. Bradford has worked at Upstate for more than 30 years serving in various roles, most recently as a diabetic educator. She holds a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree in nursing education and an adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner certification.
Jeremy Smith, RN, BSN, has been named assistant nurse manager for the surgical/trauma ICU (8E) and Clark Burn Center (6E). He has served as a charge nurse and preceptor for 5A, and a charge nurse, preceptor and clinical leader for the surgical ICU. He holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Utica College.
Feb. 1
Kerri Swart, RN, BSN, CCRN, CCDS, has been named director of clinical documentation improvement (CDI). This new position is part of the restructuring and strategic plan for the CDI program. Swart has been in the interim role of associate director of UM-CDI for the last six months. In this time, she has made great strides in provider engagement as well as initiating new strategic plans for the program. Prior to this interim role, Swart has served as CDI staff development educator and CDI staff RN. Additionally, Swart holds more than 10 years of experience as a trauma staff nurse, clinical preceptor and charge nurse.
Jan. 20
Jennifer Murphy, MSN, RN, CCRN, has been named manager of the pediatric resuscitation program. The appointment is effective Jan. 19. Murphy earned a master’s degree in nursing administration in 2022 from SUNY Empire and is certified as a Pediatric CCRN. She has been a PICU nurse for 13 years, with the last seven years dedicated to Pediatric SWAT and advocating for advancing care specific to pediatric resuscitation. In her role as manager, Murphy will be responsible for the organization of services and systems necessary to provide high quality, safe care to children requiring resuscitation throughout the Upstate system.
Jan. 6
Kristin Whittaker, BSN, RN, has been named nurse manager for the adult medical-surgical float and support pool. The appointment is effective Feb. 2. Whitaker has worked as an RN at Upstate since 2017 and most recently has worked in the med-surg float pool for the past three years.
Dec. 30
Kristin Soper, DNP, MS, RN, ANP-BC, AOCNP has been named interim director of nursing for the Upstate Cancer Center. She began her career at Upstate in 2007 as a registered nurse and has since held various oncology roles within the organization including clinical leader, clinical trainer, nurse practitioner, team lead for APS and most recently, as the assistant director of nursing at the cancer center. She is also an assistant professor in Upstate’s College of Nursing. Among the awards Soper has received are Provider of the Month and the Daisy Award. She has published manuscripts in both the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing and the Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing as well as presented at many national conferences. She holds a Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Buffalo and holds both Advanced Oncology as well as Adult Nurse Practitioner board certifications.
Dec. 23
Emery House, MSN, RN, CCRN, CMSRN, has been named evidence-based practice nurse research program manager, effective Feb. 2. This new position is part of the Nursing Practice Excellence Team and will work closely with the nurse scientist to support nurses at all levels in evidence-based practice and nursing research. House joins the team following six years in the ICU support pool and three years on 6A/7U at the Downtown Campus. She is a graduate of Cayuga Community College and Keuka College, receiving her MSN in 2018. She is pursuing her doctorate in education at St. John Fisher University. Throughout her affiliation at Upstate she has been involved with shared governance councils such as professional development, nursing excellence, Magnet and Nursing Congress, which she currently chairs.
Dec. 16
Karen Sochia, BSN, RN CMSRN, CNML, has been named as nurse manager for 2 North Acute Rehabilitation unit, Downtown Campus, Sochia has been a nurse since 2008 and began her career on 2 North. She has served as a clinical training specialist, a clinical leader and most currently as nurse manager for the Med/Surg Support/Float Pools DT. Karen is well versed in quality outcomes and nursing leadership. She earned a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Canton and recently obtained her nurse leader certification via AONL
Dec. 2
Jessica Trainer, BSN, has been named clinical leader on 6E. A graduate of D'Youville University, Trainer began her career at St Joe's and joined Upstate in October 2020. Trainer served as charge nurse and preceptor in the Burn ICU. She is an ABLS provider and a resource to staff on burn-related topics.
Oct. 21
Lauren Angelone comes to Upstate from Syracuse City School District, where she provided crisis intervention, assessment, conflict resolution and brief intervention strategies. She has more than 15 years of experience facilitating professional development presentations and coordinating events to support wellness and strengthenimg the institutional culture of wellness. Angelone will be a resource to Upstate employees who may have been impacted by critical or traumatic events that may cause distress in the workplace. She will work collaboratively with organizational management, EAP, the Wellbeing Council and the Pathways to Wellness to identify strategies and resources to support staff wellness. Angelone holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Le Moyne College and a master’s degree in social work from Syracuse University. Angelone is certified in therapeutic crisis intervention, applied suicide intervention skills training and has completed coursework in educational leadership. Angelone can be reached by email at AngelonL@softlawinternationale.net and by phone at 4-6001.
Oct. 14
KayDee Hierholzer has been named nurse manager of 7A. Hierholzer most recently served assistant nurse manager. She is well versed in quality outcomes and clinical management of the orthopedic patients. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing and is certified in medical-surgical nursing.
Oct. 4
Eric Adams has been named system food services and hospitality director. Adams was previously food service director for nearly 12 years at St Joseph’s Hospital Health Center. He previously worked for Chili’s Restaurant Division. Adams holds bachelor’s degree from SUNY Oswego. He will work with various food service vendors to fill retail locations across the campus, in addition to working closely with Morrison Healthcare at the Downtown and Community campus locations.
Mark Bovard has ben named assistant nurse manager for the PICC team. He has 20 years nursing experience and recently received his MSN in Informatics from the University of Phoenix. His nursing background includes ICU nursing, and service as credentialed research nurse/coordinator role, involved in clinical trials with pharmaceuticals, medical devices and treatments. He also has served as clinical leader role in ambulatory procedures and One Day Surgery.
Jonathan Conlon, PA, has joined Advanced Practice Services as an advanced practice manager. Conlon worked in emergency and acute care medicine prior to joining Upstate in 2019. Since then he has been working in the Infectious Disease clinic where he was instrumental in developing and implementing the telemedicine protocols and rollout during COVID. In addition to his clinical practice, he has served as an adjunct instructor at Le Moyne teaching clinical medicine, problem-based learning and in the physical diagnosis lab for the Physician Assistant program. While working at St. Joseph’s Heath, he developed the first Unit Practice Council which successfully created a program connecting patients in need with primary care providers. Conlon hold a master’s degree in physician assistant studies from Le Moyne College.
Sept. 23
Brenda Fire has been name manager of the perioperative business office. She will oversee the surgical and procedural scheduling operations for Downtown and Community locations. Fire has 9 years of experience at Upstate and has been a part of the perioperative business office team for the last 3 years. She holds an associates degree in applied science in medical administrative assisting.
Sept. 9
Kate Jacobs has been named interim associate director of perioperative services at Upsate Community Hospital. In this post, Jaobs oversees the Operating Rooms, Surgery Center, PACU, Pre-Testing and Central Sterile services. Her nearly 10 years of nursing experience at Upstate includes service in Surgical Trauma ICU, Burn ICU and for the past three years as assistant nurse manager of the 5E Operating Room. Jacobs also works at Oneida Health Hospital on a per diem basis as administrative nursing supervisor. She holds her master's degree in nursing leadership and administration as well as doctor of nursing practice degree. She holds multiple certifications and sits on several hospital committees.
Megan Schuler, LPN, has been promoted to Clinical Research Associate in the Department of Geriatrics. The appointment was effective in June. Schuler has more than 13 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse and has worked as a Clinical Research Assistant for the past two years coordinating Alzheimer’s and dementia related clinical trials for Upstate
Sept.2
Morgan Gaffney has been appointed nursing marketing and community relations coordinator for Nursing Recruitment. Gaffney most recently served as the social media manager for CNY Fertility Center, in Syracuse. Gaffney holds an associate’s degree in professional communications from Onondaga Community College and a bachelor’s degree in communications from Le Moyne College.
Aaron Petty has been named assistant director for maitenance and construction. Petty brings more than 20 years of administrative supervisor experience to this role. For the past 12 years, he has been the electrical facilities manager at Upstate University Hospital. Prior to that post, Petty worked on the construction crew for Upstate. Before joining Upstate, Petty was an IBEW electrician and was promoted to foreman. Petty obtained his associate's degree in electrical construction and maintenance at Alfred State College. He has been recognized as an Emerging Leader by the American Society for Health Care Engineering.
Aug. 12
Jennie DeRose has been named associate director for the administrative supervisors, effective immediately. DeRose brings more than 18 years of administrative supervisor experience to this role. For the past year, she has been the senior administrative supervisor at Upstate Community Hospital; she previously served as supervisor liaison to the Cardiovascular Service Line and Pediatrics. Prior to joining the administrative supervisors, DeRose worked in the CPICU where she was quickly promoted to a patient service leader. DeRose earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Rochester and a master's degree in health leadership degree from Western Governors University She is board certified as a Nurse Executive.
July 8
Tim Kohanski has been named ISO management representative. Kohanski has been interim in the ISO management position since mid-April. He has worked at Upstate University Hospital since March 2017 as a senior environmental health and safety specialist. Kohnaski is a graduate of Clarkson University and is pursuing a master's degree in public health.
July 1
Shannon Mathewson has been named associate administrator for Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. Mathewson has more than 25 year of experience in healthcare administration both inpatient and outpatient. She has worked in various areas of healthcare administration and more recently served as the vice president of operations for Mohawk Valley Health System in Utica. She holds an MBA for SUNY Polytechnic Institute, and a bachelor's degree in health service administration from Ithaca College.
June 24
Katie Chase has been named pediatric clinical practice coordinator for Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. Chase obtained her bachelor's degree in nursing from St. John Fisher University and her master's degree in nursing education from SUNY Delhi. She is a certified pediatric nurse with experience in NICU and inpatient pediatric med/surg. In this role, Chase will work to support staff and act as a resource to the night shift.
June 16
Tracie Marris BSN, RN has been named nurse manager of the Breast Care, Endocrine and Plastic Surgery office effective April 28. Morris has more than 20 years of nursing experience in a variety of settings that include burn, trauma, emergency medicine and ambulatory management. She started her nursing career as an LPN, received an a AAS from Excelsior college, and a bachelor's degree from Roberts Wesleyan College and is currently studying for her master's degree in nursing. Morris joined the Upstate family in March 2020 as the ambulatory transitions manager to assist with COVID initiatives, infection prevention liaison and aided with creation of the ILI clinic. She has also served in interim nurse manager roles throughout ambulatory that include Breast Care, Family Medicine, Geriatrics, ILI, Immune Health and most recently in Ophthalmology.
June 10
Jeremy Havener, BSN, RN, has been named nurse manager for the Upstate Community Hospital Emergency Department. Havener has worked at Upstate since 2009, in various roles, such as an inpatient staff nurse and patient service leader. In 2013, he transferred to the Adult Emergency Department. Since 2013, he has worked in all three of Upstate’s Emergency Departments, most recently as a clinical leader in the Community ED.
June 3
Michael Spaiches has been named manager of Central Receiving at Upstate University Hospital. Spaiches brings more than 30 years of logistics experience to Upstate, including 25 years with the U.S. Air Force and Navy. He most recently served as warehouse manager at National Grid and Irby Electrical Utilities.
Colleen Lupia, MS, RN, CFSP, has been named director of Value Analysis Program. Lupia joined Upstate in September 2018 as the safe patient handling manager and promptly added falls prevention manager to her portfolio. Prior to joining Upstate, Lupia worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital. She received her bachelor's degre in nursing from Le Moyne College and her master's degree in nursing from Keuka College. Prior to nursing, Lupia serviced in the U.S. Coast Guard as a Federal Law Enforcement team member.
Kristin Wright has been named director of Centralized Patient Services (CPS) where she will oversee Patient Transport and Central Equipment Services. Wright previously served as interim director of CPS, patient transport manager, and supervisor in Distribution. Wright received an MBA from Empire State College, where she also obtained her bachelor's degree.
May 20
Sarah Fries, MSN, FNP-BC, NEA-BC has been named deputy director of nursing for Upstate Community Hospital and cross campus procedural services. In addition, she will maintain responsibility for nursing quality and the Magnet Program. Fries began her career at Upstate in 1999 as a registered nurse and has since held various roles within the organization including as a transplant nurse practitioner, clinical manager, transplant administrator, among others. In 2019, she was named deputy nursing director of advanced practice inclusive of the Magnet Program, nursing quality and advanced practice providers. Fries has received numerous honors for her work, including the President’s Clinical Leader of the Year Award and the Daisy Nurse Leader Award. She is currently pursuing her MBA in health services administration. She holds a master’s degree in nursing from Binghamton University as a community health nurse practitioner. She holds both nursing executive advanced & family nurse practitioner board certifications.
Jordan Workman, BSN, RN, has been named nurse manager for 5B. Workman has experience in trauma, surgery and medicine. He has been a clinical leader on 5A and most recently served as assistant nurse manager. Workman has a bachelor’s degree in nursing from SUNY Delhi and is currently pursuing a master’s degree.
May 13
Lindsay Miner BSN, RN has been named nurse manager for float and support RN pools at Upstate Community Hospital. She previous served as interim nurse manager. Miner also served as 4 East nurse manager, Upstate Community Hospital.
Jamie Waterstripe, BSN, RN, has been named assistant director of nursing for business operations, effective immediately. Waterstripe has been with Upstate for the 12 years and has held clinical leader and assistant nurse manager roles. Most recently she has been the manager of nursing business operations. Under her leadership, this unit has expanded and taken on broader roles with budgeting, workforce planning, data analytics, travel nurse management, and has played key roles in incident command with the labor pool, resource pool, and operations and planning during the pandemic. She has an associate’s degree in nursing from Onondaga Community College and bachelor's degree in nursing from Western Governor’s University. She completed the HANYS/Cornell Academy for Healthcare Leadership Advancement in 2021 and is currently studying to take the Nurse Executive Certification.
May 6
Alexandra Eisenhut, BSN, RN, has been named assistant nurse manager of 3 West at the Community Campus. Eisenhut holds a bachelor's degree in nursing as well as in biological health sciences. She has been a nurse on 3W for two years.
April 29
Kathy Berardi, MSN, RN, CNRN, SCRN, CNML, will be the new assistant director for the Inppatient Leadership Team, effective May 26. She will be responsible for 9E, 9F, 9G and the Med Surg Float Pool. Kathy holds a master's degree in nursing from Empire State College and is a certified nurse manager and leader.
April 22
Shamika Blyden-Mayo, MSN, CPN, has been appointed nurse manager of the Pediatric Support and Float Pools, effect April 28. Blyden-Mayo started at Upstate as a HCT in 2004. Since 2010, she has worked as a RN staff nurse, clinical leader and clinical training specialist in the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, Pediatric Support and Float Pools and Pediatric Emergency Department. Blyden-Mayo holds a master’s degree in nursing education and is currently working on her doctor of nursing practice degree.
April 8
Sarah Vienne, LMSW. has been named director of the social work department. Vienne has been serving as interim director since March. Prior to the interim role, Vienne has served as assistant director since January 2021. Vienne came to Upstate from Helio Health, where she was director of inpatient services. Prior to Helio Health, Vienne was the director of transitional care at Auburn Community Hospital. Vienne has a more than 16 years of experience in the medical and behavioral health community and inpatient settings. She holds a master’s degree in social work, a certification in healthcare leadership, and is a member of the National Association of Social Work.
March 10
Jeanne Albanese has been named assistant director of public and media relations. Albanese has 30 years of journalism experience, having served as a reporter for the Post-Standard, and a freelance journalist and editor for numerous publications, including the Central New York Magazine. She also has served as an adjunct professor at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and a journalism instructor at Manlius Pebble Hill School. She has been honored for her work by the Associated Press and Syracuse Press Club, among others. Albanese holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism from Syracuse University.
Denise Barber, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CPHQ, has been named director of quality improvement. She has served as interim director since April 2021. Barber worked at Upstate from 1999 to 2007, returning in 2014. Barber has more than 35 years of clinical, leadership and quality experience across multiple specialties. Since 2014, Barber has been working in the Quality Department as a quality improvement coordinator, most specifically for the Department of Medicine service line. Barber has played a pivotal role in multiple DNV, DOH and OMH site visits, and assisting in the development and monitoring of action plans related to survey visits.
March 3
Sean Behm has been named associate director for plant operations for Upstate Community Hospital. The appointment was effective Feb. 24. In this position, Behm will provide oversight of the Plant Operations department with responsiblity for the maintenance of all facilities, buildings and grounds at Upstate Community Hospital. Behm comes to Upstate from ConnextCare in Oswego County, where he served as director of facilities and safety officer, overseeing the maintenance and compliance for 15 outpatient buildings, facilities. Previously, Behm worked for Upstate in the Physical Plant Carpenter Shop and Lock Shop at the Downtown Campus. Behm holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and human resources from Columbia College of Missouri and is currently pursuing a master's degree in occupational health and safety.
Feb. 25
Kimberlee Garver, a pediatric social worker with Upstate’s Cystic Fibrosis Clinic, has been named winner of the CURE (Caring, Understanding, Relationship, Education) Award from the Central New York Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Garver received the honor at the foundation’s Feb. 10 annual meeting. The CURE Award recognizes a care team member who goes above and beyond in the areas of caring, understanding, relationship and education. Care team members include numerous individuals assigned to care for children with CF, such as, physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, dieticians, pharmacists, social workers and researchers. Garver joined Upstate in 2003 and previously worked in the Emergency Department and the Center for Development, Behavior, and Genetics.
Feb.18
Lawrence Chin, MD, dean of Upstate's Alan and Marlene Norton College of Medicine, has been named to the administrative board of the Council of Deans for the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). The Council of Deans (COD) is the only organization of its kind, convening deans of AAMC member medical schools in the U.S. and Canada to address issues affecting academic medicine and develop strategies to achieve excellence in medical education, research, and patient care. The 14-member administrative board oversees and manages the affairs of the council. Chin will serve on the board through 2024. The AAMC represents 172 accredited U.S. and Canadian medical schools.
Feb. 4
Michelle Saya, RN, BSN, MSM, has been named IRB administrator and chief compliance officer for Research Administration, effective March 11. Saya has more than 25 years of clinical, leadership and management experience. She began as a nurse at Upstate in 2009. Saya recently served as clinical research compliance specialist.
Erin Shortslef, MSN, RN, NE-BC, has been named deputy director of nursing for psychiatric services, effective Feb. 3. Shortslef has served in this role on an interim basis since August 2021. Shortslef joined Upstate in 2003, and brings more than 18 years of clinical, leadership and management experience across multiple specialties including PM & R, Peds Med/Surg, Peds ED, PICU, Peds After Hours, and most recently as the float nurse manager covering vacancies across the system.
Jan. 28
Sydney Carncross, BSN will serve as night shift clinical leader of the surgical intensive care unit, effective Jan. 20. Carncross started her nursing career at Upstate in 2016. She attended nursing programs at St Joseph's Health and LeMoyne College. Carncross is a Daisy Award recipient.
Jeremy Smith, BSN, will serve as day shift clinical leader on the surgical intensive care unit, effective Feb. 3. Smith received his nursing degree from Utica college and began his career at Upstate in 2017. He transferred to the SICU and has been a strong patient advocate and resource on the unit.
Dec. 31, 2021
Whitney Bralye, RN, MSN, CHPN, CNL, has joined Adult Hematology Oncology in the Upstate Cancer Center. Bralye is a valuable addition to the Upstate Cancer Center leadership, bringing her expertise in oncology as a clinical nurse III at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, and most recently, at the University of San Francisco in California. Bralye earned a master’s degree in nursing from the University of San Francisco and holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, also from the University of San Francisco.
Joseph M. Burczynski, PharmD, has been named executive director of Pharmacy Services, effective Dec. 9. He will oversee the design and operation of clinical pharmacy and medication distribution services throughout our entire health system. Burczynski brings with him more than 20 years of clinical and operational pharmacy experience. Burczynski began his career with Upstate in 2001 as a critical care pharmacist, while also working as a specialist at the Central New York Poison Control Center. In 2013, he was named as a senior pharmacist leading the Clinical Informatics and Pharmacy Inventory management teams. During this time, he oversaw the pharmacy's conversion to EPIC and led the adoption of many innovative technologies. He is the primary author of multiple peer reviewed articles and is an active member of numerous multidisciplinary committees. Burczynski earned his doctor of pharmacy degree from Albany College of Pharmacy in 2001.
Kimberly Hope BSN, CCRP, RN has been named nurse manager for the Clinical Research Unit, effective Jan. 6. Hope joined Upstate in 2002 starting as a staff nurse after completion of her BSN at Syracuse University. Hope has worked in various inpatient and outpatient departments throughout her career at Upstate before first joining the Clinical Research Unit in 2013.
Sarah Irish, MPH, BSN, RN has been named ambulatory nurse manager for Upstate Family Medicine clinics located at UHCC and Community Hospital, and the Geriatrics clinic at 550 Harrison. Irish received a bachelor’s degree in nursing Upstate in 2018, and is currently enrolled in the Empire College master of nursing program with anticipated graduation date of December 2022. Irish has been at Upstate for more than 14 years in various leadership positions. She will assume this new role on Jan. 6.
Jamie Kapilla, BSN, RN, CPAN has been named a clinical value analyst within Materials Management. Kapilla has been a member of the Upstate family since 2008 starting as a PICU nurse after completion of her BSN at St. John Fisher. She has worked in a variety of clinical roles, including pre/post-operative nurse in the Center for Children’s Surgery, later becoming a clinical trainer in this department. Most recently, Kapilla has been working as the program manager in the Center for Children’s Surgery.
Dec. 10, 2021
Susan Brigham, BSN RN, has been named ambulatory nurse manager for Inclusive Health Services and Geriatrics, effective Dec. 9. Brigham holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Le Moyne College and is currently enrolled in master’s degree program in nursing at SUNY Delhi. Additionally, she recently received certification in HIV/AIDS nursing (ACRN).
Renata Culum, BSN, RN, has been named nurse manager of 4 North, Upstate Community Hospital, effective Dec. 9. Culum recently served as SWAT RN for the Community Campus over the last 4 years were she promoted team effort and collaboration care during high stress times.
Nov. 18, 2021
Ronnie Bradford has been appointed manager of Desktop Support within the IMT-Customer Support Services department. Bradford has been with Upstate for 12 years and was most recently the assistant Mmnager of Desktop Support, where he managed large projects such as the deployment of telemedicine equipment, the Outlook migration, and our Windows 10 upgrade. As manager, Bradford will oversee the team of support professionals that ensure Upstate’s more that 14,000 desktop computers are well maintained, operational, and up to date.
Madelyn “Maddie” Reilly, BSN, RN has been appoionted clinical leader for the Burn ICU. Reilly began her career at Upstate on the Burn ICU in 2018. She has dual bachelor degrees in exercise science from SUNY Cortland and nursing from Utica College’s accelerated program. For the past two years, Reilly has been involved with evidenced based quality initiatives and is a burn champion and ABLS provider. She was the leader for a Moral Distress project to provide staff with tips and tricks to relieve stress during the pandemic. Reilly also holds a monthly journaling club online.
Nov. 4, 2021
Malena Jones, PhD, MBA, MS, RN, CNE, has been appointed clinical assistant professor in the College of Nursing. Jones will teach courses in undergraduate and graduate programs at the College of Nursing. Jones completed her PhD in nursing at the University at Buffalo, master's degrees in community health nursing at D’Youville College and business administration at Western Governor’s University, as well as a bachelor’s degree at Niagara University. She was most recently a member of the faculty at Western Governor’s University and Niagara University. Jones is also an active member of the Professional Nurses Association of Western New York, Sigma Theta Tau International, and the National League for Nursing.
Caitlin Tomko, MS, FNP-C, ACHPN, CCRN, has been appointed clinical assistant professor in the College of Nursing. Tomko will teach courses in undergraduate and clinical nurse practitioner graduate programs. She completed her master of science, Family Nurse Practitioner degree at SUNY Upstate Medical University's College of Nursing and bachelor’s degree at LeMoyne College. Currently, she is also enrolled in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the University at Buffalo. Tomko has served at Upstate since 2015. Most recently, she was a clinical Family Nurse Practitioner in palliative care and prior to that, she worked as Registered Nurse on the Medical Intensive Care Unit. Tomko is an active member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, American Association of Critical Care Nurses, and the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association.
Oct. 29, 2021
The College of Medicine is pleased to announce results of the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) senior year elections for the Class of 2022. AOA is the national medical student honor society, and election is based on scholarly achievement, leadership, professionalism, and service. The newly elected members have committed to contributing a significant amount of their time as academic tutors for first and second year students, and to upholding academic integrity and professional behavior. The chapter sponsors a student clerkship liaison program, service/leadership programs, a visiting professorship, and participates in Student Research Day planning, among other activities and events.
Senior inductees are:
Mahin Choudhury
Omoefe Ebhohimen
Acadia Fairchild
Kathleen Heslin
James Lyon
Nathaniel Mercer
Oghale Obaro-Best
Justin Patricia
Neveada Raventhiranathan
Bethany Regan
Jaimie Rogner
Ashley Shim
Sarah Zainelabdin
Alexsaundra Zywicki
Oct. 15, 2021
Michelle Dolphin, PT, DPT, MS, OCS has been named assistant dean for faculty engagement in the College of Health Professisons, effective Jan. 1, 2022. In this two-year post, Dolphin will develop a mentoring program that engages College of Health Professions faculty at different levels of their academic careers (across teaching, research and service). Dolphin, an Upstate alumna, has extensive experience as a clinician and educator. She is board certified in Orthopedic PT and is currently completing a postdoctoral fellowship in advanced Orthopedic PT practice.
Oct. 8
Amanda Adams, DNP, FNP-BC, has been appointment as a nursing student success specialist. Adams will serve as the primary resource to the college's online undergraduate students in addressing barriers to successful academic performance. She will work collaboratively with the RN-BS program director, College of Nursing faculty, and other campus services in innovative ways to help facilitate a coordinated and adequately supported experience for online students from their first course through graduation. Adams earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rochester, and a doctor of nursing practice degree, family nurse practitioner degree from the University at Buffalo. Adams maintains a clinical practice as a family nurse practitioner with the rural and underserved Native American population in Lewiston, N.Y.
Joshua Purcell, MSN, RN, has been appointed clinical assistant professor. Purcell will work with clinical students from partner SUNY institutions, as well as teach courses in undergraduate and graduate programs in the College of Nursing. Purcell completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing at LeMoyne College. He was most recently a member of the faculty at St. Joseph’s College of Nursing and an adjunct faculty member with LeMoyne College.
Yowali Singh, MSN, RN has been named assistant nursing director for Ambulatory Services with responsibility for Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Adult Medicine, Geriatrics, Adult Subspecialty practices and Inclusive Health Services. Singh joined Upstate as nurse manager for Bariatric and General Surgery Clinic in 2014. Since that time, she has served as nurse manager (or interim) for Vascular Surgery Clinic, Midwifery and Gynecology, ENT, and for the last year, she served dual roles as nurse manager for Family Medicine as well as interim assistant nursing director in Ambulatory Services. She holds an associate's degree in nursing from St. Joseph’s Hospital College of Nursing, a bachelor's degree in sociology from Binghamton University and master's degree in nursing from Walden University.
Sept. 24
Tammy L. Austin-Ketch, PhD, FNP, BC, FAANP, dean of the College of Nursing, has been appointed to board of directors of the New York State Association for Rural Health. Austin-Ketch will serve a three-year term. The New York State Association for Rural Health (www.nysarh.org) is a not-for-profit, non-partisan, grassroots membership organization working to preserve and improve health and human services in rural New York State. Austin-Ketch is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nurses.
Patricia Kelley has been appointed administrative supervisor and staffing office specialist manager. Kelley has been with Upstate for more than 11 years in progressive leadership positions. She started her Upstate nursing career on the Neuro Intensive Care Unit—9F and was promoted to clinical leader. For the past 5 years, Kelly has been an administrative supervisor at Upstate University Hospital. Kelley holds a bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Cincinnati.
Sept. 17
Nicole Derosa, PsyD, has been appointed assistant dean for microcredential development in the College of Health Professions. In this role she will work with faculty to develop brief programs of study to build specific skill sets that are needed in the health care workforce. Health Professions currently has one microcredential program for Respiratory Therapists, Post-Acute Care. Derosa will be developing a Registered Behavior Technician microcredential, and will assist other departments in conceptualizing, planning and launching their own programs. DeRosa is a dually licensed psychologist and behavior analyst in New York, as well as a board-certified behavior analyst, doctoral. She has extensive experience as a clinician and researcher, focusing on the assessment and treatment of severe challenging forms of behavior (e.g., aggression, self-injury) with individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. We look forward to Derosa’s leadership in building CHP’s microcredential offerings.
Sept. 3.
Shelly Rupracht, BSN, RN, AORN, has been appointed nurse manager 5E Operating Room, Downtown. Rupracht received her bachelor's degree in nursing from SUNY Delhi in 2015. She is now pursuing her master's degree in nursing at SUNY Delhi. She started her career at Upstate in 2010 on 9G and then moved to 5E operating room as a circulating nurse. She became the assistant nurse manager in 2019 and has worked in the interim nurse manager since February 2021.
Aug. 27
Rebecca Fabrizio has been MICU Clinical Practice Coordinator. Fabrizio has six years of experience as an registered nurse and clinical leader in 6I medical intensive care unit. She is well versed in quality outcomes and the post pandemic growth of the MICU. She is skilled in critical care nursing and has completed the Covid ICU care certificate training via ANCC. Fabrizio received her master's degree in nursing from Western Governors University in 2020 and is CCRN certified. Her appointment is effective Sept. 30
Kamrin Kucera, MJHL-CC, BSN, BA, RN, CPHRM, has been appointed as director of Risk Management. Kucera has been a registered nurse for more than 16 years and has spent 13 of those years at Upstate. Here she has worked at the bedside in the ICUs as well as in Risk Management. Kamrin holds her master's degree from the University of Chicago, Loyola in jurisprudence in healthcare law as well as a certificate in compliance. Kucera's passion for healthcare law, mitigating risk, and quality improvement make her the perfect individual to lead Upstate’ s Risk Management program. Kucera's office is located in Jacobsen Hall room 905; she will also spend time at the Community Hospital.
Aug. 13
Kathryn Wolford has been appointed nurse manager for the 6 Ortho at Upstate Community Hospital. Wolford recently served as assistant nurse manager for 6 Ortho. Prior to serving as assistant nurse manager, Wolford worked as a registered nurse in Orthopedics. Wolford's experience also includes working as an HCT and MOA. She has more than 14 years of orthopedic experience. Wolford received her associate's degree in nursing from Onondaga Community College in 2011. In 2014, she completed her bachelor's degreen in nursing from Keuka College. In 2017, Wolford became ONC certified.
Aug. 6
The College of Nursing has announced the following appointments:
Karen Klingman, PhD, RN, has been named director of nursing science. In this leadership role, she will be responsible for working with select accreditation requirements and elements of the strategic plan, as well as leadership in areas of research and scholarship, data collection and analysis, departmental outcomes, and mentorship of tenure track faculty. Klingman will serve as a liaison to grant program managers within the College of Nursing, as well as a committee liaison. Klingman joined the faculty of the Upstate College of Nursing in 2015, and previously served in the role of associate dean of academic and faculty affairs. She is currently the primary investigator on “Sleep Effects on Post-Stroke Rehabilitation,” funded by NIH-NINR, and “Upstate Medical University Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Program,” funded by HRSA. Dr. Klingman is a graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo (PhD, Nursing ‘15, Adv Certificate Nursing Education ‘15), University of Rochester (BS, Nursing ‘07), University of Florida (PhD, Chemical Engineering ‘85), and University of South Florida (BS, MS Engineering ‘80).
Justin Warywold, DNP, RN, ANP-C, ACNP-BC, GS-C, CNE, FAANP, has been named assistant dean for nursing education. In this leadership role, he will be responsible for working with select accreditation requirements and elements of the strategic plan, as well as program outcomes, quality assurance, and leadership of the clinical track NP programs and associated faculty. In addition, he will serve as a liaison to various College of Nursing and campus-wide committees. Waryold joined the faculty of the Upstate College of Nursing in 2020. He is a graduate of SUNY Stony Brook University (DNP ’14; MS Adult Health Nursing ’08; BSN ‘05), Excelsior College (Post-Masters Cert, Nursing Education ’12), and Suffolk Community College (AAS, Nursing ’98). Waryold is nationally board certified by ANCC, AANP, GNCC and the NLN.
Florence Mandebvu, DNP, RN, GCNS-BC, has been named program director for post-master’s doctor of nursing practice. Mandebvu joined the College of Nursing faculty in 2013. She is a graduate of the SUNY Upstate Medical University College of Nursing (DNP ’16, MSN ’11), University of Arkansas (BS Education, ’95), and University of Zimbabwe (Cert Education, ’87).
Megan Wolfe, DNP, MS Ed, FNP-C, RN, RD, CMSRN, CNE, has been named program director for the master of science family nurse practitioner program. Wolfe joined the faculty of the College of Nursing in 2019. She is currently an Ed.D candidate at Northeastern University (’21), and a graduate of the George Washington University (DNP ’17), SUNY Upstate Medical University (MS FNP, ’17), LeMoyne College (MSN, ’13; MS Educational Administration ’07, CAS ‘06), Syracuse University (MS Ed ’03), University of Oklahoma (MS, Nutrition ’01), and Cornell University (BS, Nutritional Biochemistry ’99). Wolfe is nationally board certified by AANP.
Kathryn Holliday, DNP, CPNP, CNE, has been named program director for the master of science pediatric nurse practitioner program. Holliday joined the College of Nursing faculty in 2019, and has served as the PNP program director since that time. She is a graduate of SUNY at Buffalo (DNP ’19), SUNY Upstate Medical University (MS PNP ’13), D’Youville College (BSN ’10), and John Carroll University (BS Biology, ’07). Dr. Holliday is nationally board certified by PNCB and NLN.
Eric Rodriguez, MS, FNP-C, has been named program director of the RN to bachelor of science undergraduate program. Rodriguez joined the faculty of the College of Nursing in 2016, and previously served as program director for the Family Nurse Practitioner Program. He is currently a PhD candidate at Capella University (’21), and is a graduate of SUNY Upstate Medical University (MS FNP, ’12), Keuka College (BSN ’10), and Onondaga Community College (’07). Mr. Rodriguez is nationally board certified by AANP.
Edward Thompson, MSN, NP-P, PMHNP-BC, has been named program director of the master of science family psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program. Thompson joined the College of Nursing faculty in 2021. He is a graduate of SUNY Upstate Medical University College of Nursing (DNP ’20), University of South Alabama (MSN PMHNP, ’15, BSN ’12). Dr. Thompson is nationally board certified by ANCC.
Jennifer Vaughn, DNP, RN, NE-BC, has been named executive assistant dean for administration.
In this leadership role, Vaughn will be responsible for working with select accreditation requirements and elements of the strategic plan, as well as faculty, student and alumni affairs related to educational programming; recruitment, retention and sustainability; departmental operations and special events. Vaughn will serve as a leader and mentor to the DNP and undergraduate programs and associated faculty. In addition, she will serve as a liaison to various College of Nursing and campus-wide committees, as well as chair of the College of Nursing Advisory Board. Vaughn joined the faculty of the College of Nursing in 2019 and previously served in the role of DNP program director. She is a graduate of Chamberlain College of Nursing.
July 30
Quonitra Bullock MSN, RN, has been named nurse manager for the 5E Transitional Care Unit at Upstate Community Hospital. Bullock began her nursing career in 2000 and has served in multiple roles within Upstate since 2003, including more than eight years in an inpatient management role. She is a graduate of Syracuse University with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and has completed her master’s degree in leeadership and administration from Robert Wesleyan College. She is active in the community through Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.
July 23
Kiran Devaraj MD, a cardiologist specializing in cardiac electrophysiology, has joined the Upstate Heart Institute at Upstate Medical University. He will also serve as assistant professor of medicine.
Electrophysiology studies help physicians determine whether individuals may have abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmias.
Devaraj was previously affiliated with Westfall Cardiology, Rochester General Hospital and Newark-Wayne Community Hospital.
He earned a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University and his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College. He completed an internal medicine residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (Philadelphia) and a cardiovascular, clinical cardiac electrophysiology at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and advanced cardiac electrophysiology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Devaraj will see patients at University Health Care Center and the Liverpool office of the Upstate Cardiovascular Group.
Kylee Deese MS, RN, NE-BC, has been named as interim nurse manager for 3 West at Community Hospital, Community Campus. The appointment was effective July 15. Deese will continue in her role as nurse manager for the float and support pool at our Community Hospital. Deese has played an important role in achieving patient care goals, improving satisfaction and driving initiatives within the health-care system.
July 16
Vincent Calleo, MD, has been named medical director of the Upstate New York Poison Center. He previously served as a medical toxicology fellow for the poison center. He will also serve as an assistant professor of emergency medicine. He earned his undergraduate degree from Binghamton University and his medical degree from Upstate Medical University. He also completed a residency and fellowship in emergency medicine at Upstate. His appointment was effective July 1.
Nicole Harf, BSN, RN, NPD-BC, has been appointed program manager for the Upstate Nursing Professional Development Program. The appointment was effective July 7. In addition to the current recognition and professional development programs she oversees, she will now be the lead and responsible for all operations related to All-In-One Shared Governance day, the Upstate Nursing Newsletter, the RN Satisfaction survey, and the Upstate Nursing Annual Report.
Megan Stevens, DNP, RN, CCNS, CWCN has been named as a member for the Pressure Injury Prevention team, and as a Clinical Nurse Specialist and a certified Wound Ostomy & Continence nurse.
July 2
Kamrin Kucera, MJHL-CC, BSN, BA, RN, CPHRM has been named as Interim Director of Risk Management. Kamrin has 13-years of experience at Upstate, previously working in the Burn ICU, Surgical Critical Care Unit and Outpatient Cardiology and has advanced her career by working in Risk Management for the last three years as a Senior Quality Investigator. She graduated from West Virginia University with a bachelors degree in sociology and anthropology; and from the University of Charleston, WV with a bachelor's degree in nursing. Additionally, she earned a master's degree in Health Care Law and a Certification in Compliance from Loyola University of Chicago. Kamrin also completed a Certification in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM) and IHI Quality Certification.
KayDee Hierholzer has been named assistant nurse manager for 7A, effective June 16. Hierholzer began as a graduate nurse on 7A from Utica College's accelerated BSN program in July 2017. She previously attended the University of Connecticut and obtained a bachelor's degree in sociology with a minor in business. In 2019, Hierholzer was promoted to clinical leader. In that role, she has excelled in unit quality and is a patient throughput champion; in which she has strongly advocated and increased the unit usage of the discharge hospitality center. Hierholzer will start in her new role effective Sept. 16.
Jordan Workman, BSN, RN, CMSRN, has been named as assistant nurse manager on 5A, effective Sept. 2, 2021. Workman has served as a nurse on 5A since 2017 and has worked in the leadership role as a charge nurse and clinical leader since 2019. Workman received his associates degree in nursing from Cayuga Community College in 2017, and received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from SUNY Delhi in 2020. He is a Specialty Certified Medical Surgical Nurse.
Jan. 29
Claire Aloan, RT, MS, RRT-NPS, FAARC, director of the SUNY Upstate Respiratory Therapy program, has been named to the Board of Directors of the Lambda Beta Honor Society. In addition to her board post, she serves as co-chair for Public Relations for the organization. The Lambda Beta Society is a national honor society sponsored and maintained by the National Board for Respiratory Care. It is an honor society specifically recognizing undergraduate, graduate, alumni and faculty achievement in Respiratory Care programs in colleges and universities throughout the United States.
Mary DiMura has been named as director of operations for the College of Health Professions. She brings an abundance of experience in higher education from her years in the Office of the Registrar at Syracuse University, and has substantial business experience in the private sector as well. DiMura earned all of her degrees, including an MBA, in the SUNY system at Empire State College. For the next few weeks she will be learning the Upstate and CHP system with outgoing director of operations Deb Stehle.
Jan. 15, 2021
Nina Popow, MBA, has been appointed director of leased properties In this new role, Popow will oversee all of Upstate’s leased properties relative to lease negotiations, ensuring code requirements are met as mandated by the state Health Department, DNV and local building/fire safety codes. She will also manage all construction improvement projects to ensure leased properties are up to quality standards. In addition to her strong leadership skills and determination, Popow brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the position. She has been in the healthcare field for more than 25 years, in both operational and construction management roles. Popow has been with Upstate since 2004 as senior planner in the Hospital Planning Department. Popow is very knowledgeable in the NY State Department of Health Certificate of Need (CON) process. Prior to coming to Upstate, Popow served as director of financial services for Oswego Hospital. Popow holds a master’s in business administration from SUNY Oswego.
Dec. 25, 2020
Trinisa Pitts, CPC, CPMA has been promoted to assistant manager of Ambulatory Billing. Pitts has been with Upstate’s Patient Financial Service (PFS) Department since 2019 as the coding and auditing supervisor in Ambulatory Billing. Prior to joining PFS, Pitts worked at Med Best for 10 as a coder for General Surgery before being promoted to compliance. Pitts will continue to supervise the Ambulatory Billing team and will be the primary contact for any ambulatory billing concerns. tion since Maureen’s retirement.
Christine Jonkoski, CPC, has been promoted to financial improvement manager and will now oversee Ambulatory Billing, in addition to her current responsibilities. Jonkoski has been with Upstate’s Patient Financial Service (PFS) Department since 2017 as the financial improvement coordinator. Prior to joining PFS, she worked in compliance at Med Best and as a billing analyst at Meridian Health System. Jonkoski has played a critical role in financial improvement and integrity for the hospital.
Dec. 11, 2020
Caley Michalski has been named nurse manager for 10G and 10H at Upstate University Hospital. Michalski has been a registered nurse since 2009; she holds a bachelor’s degree from Utica College. She has experience including med/surg nursing with acute care surgical, burns and transplant patients and is a certified clinical transplant coordinator. She is certified through the state health department as an assault forensic examiner and is a sexual assault nurse examiner through Vera House. Michalski will start her new role Jan. 4.
Dec. 3, 2020
Sarah Vienne, LMSW, has been named assistant director of social work, effective Jan. 7, 2021. Vienne is a graduate of SUNY Binghamton School of Social Work and has been working as an administrator for the past 15 years, most recently as a director at Helio Health. She brings experience managing operations, strategic planning, quality improvement and promoting interdisciplinary collaborative team work.
Nov. 25, 2020
Juliann Axton has been appointed director of strategic initiatives in the Hospital Strategy Office. The appointment was effective Nov. 19. Axton will work closely with leadership across the hospital, colleges and faculty practice on business development and regional strategy initiatives to advance and grow Upstate’s clinical enterprise. Axton brings more than 20 years of healthcare experience, including 18 years at Upstate in both clinical and leadership positions. She most recently served as the interim associate administrator for ambulatory services. Axton holds a master’s degree in nursing leadership and administration and a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She also earned certification from the Cornell-HANYS Academy for Healthcare Leadership Advancement program.
Nov. 6, 2020
Chantana Taranto, BSN, RN, CMSRN has been appointed to 6B assistant nurse manager. Taranto has been a registered nurse since 2001 and joined 6B in 2014. She started the clinical leader role in 2016 and obtained her CAP certification this year. She is currently in the process of applying to graduate school for her MSN in transformational leadership.
Oct. 23, 2020
Tanya George, MD, has been named medical director of utilization management. George completed her medical education at Maulana Azad Medical College, University of Delhi, India, in 2005. She did her Internal Medicine Residency at the Brooklyn Hospital Center, Cornell University, New York, in 2009. George joined Upstate University Hospital in July 2009 as an assistant professor of medicine. George has worked closely with the Utilization Management Department over the last year as the associate medical director for Utilization Management, Over the last year, she has worked on Utilization Management projects to help improve CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) compliance and improve the revenue cycle. She holds her Certification in Health Care Quality and Management (CHCQM) and is a Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS). George is also a Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP). George also serves on several committees. She is vice chair for both the Hospital Medicine Education Committee and the Patient Experience Committee. She has worked on several invaluable projects, order sets and pathways to help improve resident education, patient care and patient experience.
Oct. 16, 2020
Darcy DiBiase, MBA , has been appointed primary care liaison. Primary Care is one of Upstate's strategic focus areas and serves as the foundation to the three other pillars of Heart, Brain and Cancer Care. In this role, Dibiase will develop and initiate Primary Care faculty engagement strategies to enhance communication and relationships between faculty/alumni, local and regional physicians as well as Upstate Medical University and Upstate University Hospital. Dibiase joined Upstate in 2011 as assistant director of Marketing and University Communications. She holds a bachelor's degree in communications and a master of business administration degree in health services administration from SUNY Oswego.
Oct. 9, 2020
William (Bill) Shepard has been named ambulatory services contract administrator. This new position is designed to provide leadership and expertise to hospital contracts systems and processes. Shepard has held numerous positions at Upstate since joining the university in 2007, including been a medical records analyst in Health Information Management, office administrator for the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and contracts administrator in Contracts and Campus Purchasing. Shepard brings a wealth of knowledge on SUNY and Upstate contracting systems. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University at Albany and a juris doctorate from Albany Law School of Union University.
Sept. 18, 2020
Armando Martinez has been named assistant director of the Center for Civic Engagement (CCE). For the past two years, Martinez served as the coordinator of multicultural affairs and CSTEP advisor within the Division of Student Affairs. As assistant director, Martinez will combine his formal training in Public and Community Service and Cultural Foundations of Education coupled with his experience in partnership building and community conversations to advance the mission of the Center for Civic Engagement, which is to promote and support an institutional commitment to active citizenship and social responsibility. Within his role, Martinez will seek to develop sustainable, mutually-beneficial community-based learning experiences that will allow students, faculty and staff to participate in a more engaged university to improve the health of the communities served by Upstate.
Aug. 21, 2020
Stephanie Shattuck has been named associate administrator of support services. Shattuck brings with her to Upstate extensive experience in logistics, supply chain and contract management and strategic planning through multiple roles in the federal government, including the intelligence community. Shattuck’s work as a senior leader with oversight of daily operations in facilities, information technology, project management and finance provide a strong background for her new role at Upstate. Shattuck holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from LeMoyne College and a master's degree of international management from the American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird), which is now part of Arizona State University.
Aug. 14, 2020
Raisa Zhovklaya, BSN, RN, has been named as stroke program outreach coordinator. Zhovklaya brings to the team the Upstate Stroke Team a strong background in stroke and neurosciences. She has worked throughout the country as a travel nurse before her most recent employment in the neurointerventional radiology suite at Crouse Hospital.
Sharon Brangman, MD, chair of Geriatrics, participated in a national forum on the Impact of COVID-19 on the Elderly Aug. 12, sponsored by the Physicians for Human Rights.
Aug. 7, 2020
Kathryn Anderson, PHD, MD, assistant professor of medicine and microbiology and immunology, participated in a telephone town hall for constituents of U.S. Rep Brindisi Aug. 3. Anderson answered questions from callers about the pandemic
Debra Gamble has joined Advocates for Upstate as administrative coordinator. In this position, she reports to the Advocates’ Board of Directors and plays a critical role in the organization’s successful operation. She succeeds Jonathan Adler who retired in May. Gamble has experience in operations and programmatic financial management, research and contract funding oversight, program start-up, management and event coordination and marketing and public relations. She is experienced in database development, management and reporting and software systems. Gamble comes to Upstate most recently from Syracuse University after 10 years of service, she has held healthcare administrative positions in Houston, working at Vanguard Urologic Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and Rice University. Gamble holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from SUNY Oswego and an associate degree in medical office science from Jefferson Community College.
Alpha Omega Alpha senior inductees for 2021 announced
The College of Medicine is pleased to announce the results of the Alpha Omega Alpha (AΩA) senior year elections for the Class of 2021. They are:
Nathan Arboleda
Christopher Bartlow
Thomas Bedard
Justin Durland
Benjamin Fuller
Muhammad Jalal
Nina Juszczak
Dominic LaBella
Divakar Lal
Lisbeth Reyes-Fondeur
David Riccardi
Josh Sen
Rosalie Siciliano
Megan Taggart
Ryan Thibodeau
Erin Tonzi
AOA is the national medical student honor society, and election is based on scholarly achievement, leadership, professionalism, and service. The newly elected members have committed to contributing a significant amount of their time as academic tutors for first and second-year students, and to upholding academic integrity and professional behavior. The chapter sponsors a student clerkship liaison program, service/leadership programs, a visiting professorship, and participates in Student Research Day planning, among other activities and events.
July 31, 2020
Jill Hayward has been named manager of the pediatric trauma program. The appointment was effective July 15. Hayward holds a master's degree in public health from Upstate and a bachelor's degree in nursing from Niagara University. Her nursing experience includes adult and pediatric acute and ambulatory care and has held leadership roles in the U.S. Army, school nursing and most recently as a pediatric ambulatory float pool registered nurse. Hayward is an avid volunteer in her community and annually participates in mission trips to El Salvador. Her office is located in CWB 218-T.
Robert Corona, DO, MBA, chief executive officer of Upstate University Hospital, was one of five featured speakers at the conference Building Guest Confidence: Making Hospitality Safe, held July 20. The conference was sponsored by the Hotel School at Cornell University.
Shelly White, MS, CHAM, FACHE, associate administrator for patient access services, will be a featured speaker at the 2020 Contact Experience Conference Aug. 27 and 28. White will discuss how Upstate quickly adapted its new staff on-boarding process during the pandemic, among other issues. The conference, sponsored by Greystone.Net and Healthcare Call Center Times, is attended by leaders of call and contact centers, and customer service management.
July 3, 2020
Adrienne Hickey, who has served as day shift supervisor for the Upstate's Respiratory Therapy Department for the past five years, has been named associate director of the Upstate University Hospital Respiratory Therapy Department. Hickey earn a bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy from Upstate’s College of Health Professions in 2005. After graduating, Hickey spent ten years working at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Hickey is an experienced therapist who has worked with all patient populations and respiratory treatment modalities.
June 19, 2020
Kyle Choquette, MSN, RN, CNRN, SCRN, NE-BC has been named associate director of nursing of the Throughput Operations Center (TOC), effective June 25. In response to Upstate's capacity and throughput challenges, the TOC will centralize and manage patient flow operations, maximize bed resources, efficiently load balance between hospitals and focus on maintaining capacity for patients needing care from across the region. In this role, Choquette will report to the executive director of Nursing, and supervise the Throughput Operations Center, the throughput team and the bed managers.
Most recently, as a patient flow administrator, Choquette improved Discharge Hospitality Center operations, leading to increased use and improved patient throughput. During the COVID-19 crisis, Choquette led the implementation of the temporary unified bed control to ready Upstate for any potential patient surge.
Choquette also has served as a nurse manager on 9E and 9G. He also is the current clinical chair for Upstate's Organ Donor Council. Choquette led the development of the Honor Walk process to pay tribute to the donor patient and families during the donation process.
Choquette started his professional nursing career at Upstate 10 years ago and earned his MSN in nursing administration from SUNY Empire State College in 2019.
June 12, 2020
Michele Petticone, MS, RT, RRT-NPS, assistant professor of respiratory therapy in the College of Health Professions has been named 2020 Distinguished Alumna by Highline College, recognizing "her commitment to educating future respiratory care professionals during a time when the need is at an all-time high because of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was also recognized for her willingness to return to the frontlines of care, serving as a respiratory therapist in the hospital.
New Employees
Visit Welcome to Upstate for a list of new employees who joined Upstate Medical University in October.
In Memoriam
In Memoriam: A tribute to current Upstate employees, current volunteers, current students, and official retirees who have passed away.