Current Fellows
Curry Cates
Curry Cates grew up in Oxford, Alabama, and attended Auburn University. Curry had an opportunity to intern at University of South Alabama Health during his undergraduate education at Auburn. In this role, he was involved with authoring a Certificate of Need application for a Level I Trauma Center expansion and renovation at this organization. The experiences gained from this project helped ignite his passion for healthcare. Curry then moved into a Special Projects Coordinator role with a physician-owned primary care practice in his hometown. Curry managed varying projects for this practice, including the annual Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) recertification and the migration from on-premise servers to a cloud-based environment. After these experiences, Curry attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where he obtained his Master of Public Health and Master of Science in Healthcare Administration. While attending UAB, Curry served varying roles throughout the health system, most notably in the Center for Psychiatric Medicine. Curry also had the opportunity to spend his summer internship with University of North Carolina (UNC) Health, where he worked in the strategy department. In this department, Curry researched successful 24/7 virtual urgent care models and made recommendations on how UNC Health could successfully staff such a model with their own physician network. Through these collective experiences, his interest in healthcare administration, population health, and community outreach was born. Curry enjoys watching Auburn athletics, hunting, fishing, and spending time with loved ones in his free time.
Darby Davenport
Darby Davenport is originally from Charleston, South Carolina. She earned her bachelor’s degree at The University of Alabama where she was chosen as a member of the University Fellows Experience, a small cohort of academic scholars committed to servant leadership, and received degrees in Public Health, Spanish, and Social Entrepreneurship and Leadership. As a result of personal patient experiences, Darby was passionate about the healthcare field. After studying abroad in Ecuador and performing research in Cuba, Darby’s interests in global healthcare rights and patient advocacy blossomed. During college, Darby worked for BTC Inc., a Nashville-based Bitcoin conglomerate, where she helped produce a number of Bitcoin conferences and focused on advancing access and increasing knowledge about the cryptocurrency space by performing research on the intersections of Blockchain technology and Healthcare. Darby then pursued a dual Master’s in Health Administration and Health Informatics at The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). While working as a graduate assistant in the UAB Health System, Darby assisted the Chief of Surgery with Press Ganey research and worked in UAB’s COVID-19 vaccine clinics. During the summer of 2020, Darby interned at The University of Chicago Medicine in Patient Care Services where she utilized her Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and helped streamline UChicago’s blood transfusion process. She hopes to act as a “triple threat” in healthcare through her patient, administrative, and technical perspectives in order to enhance interoperability on both the patient and provider sides through her ability to speak multiple healthcare languages. During her free time, Darby enjoys cheering on the Crimson Tide, listening to Taylor Swift, learning about European monarchies, traveling, and playing with her dog, Skittles.
Benjamin Grothe
Ben Grothe was born and raised in Iowa and earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology from the University of Iowa. Ben developed a passion for supporting healthcare teams and systems as a volunteer in diverse communities. During his undergraduate studies, he managed student volunteers at a local academic medical center and led a group of peers in setting up free mobile clinics for low-income Peruvian families. Upon graduation, Ben applied business best practices and helped young adults gain a value-based college experience as a chapter leadership consultant for Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. Ben then merged his interests in healthcare and business by earning a Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of Minnesota. While in graduate school, Ben worked as a nurse staffer, helped teams build data dashboards and analyze operational efficiency at the Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute of Cleveland Clinic and consulted local healthcare organizations on starting up and expanding new service lines. In his free time, Ben enjoys running, spending time with family and cheering on the Hawkeyes!
Casey Lawrence
Casey Lawrence grew up in Fairfax, Virginia and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Virginia. Upon graduation, Casey worked as a labor and delivery nurse in Washington, D.C., honing her passion for policy issues, patient safety, quality and process improvement, and nurse retention. These interests led Casey to pursue a Master of Health Administration (MHA) at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health. While in graduate school, Casey continued to work full-time as a nurse. She completed a summer internship at Cleveland Clinic in the Pediatric Institute. Among other projects, she analyzed employee and physician engagement data, and collaborated with physicians and administrators to compile and publish data on pediatric outcome measures. In her free time, Casey enjoys eating at new restaurants, traveling, and reading.
Kayla Robinson
Kayla Robinson is from a suburb of Columbus, Ohio, and received her BS in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention from the University of Southern California and most recently earned her Master of Health Administration from The Ohio State University. During her undergraduate career, Kayla worked in a variety of healthcare sectors, including research in adolescent obesity at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and associated clinics, advocacy in LA County healthcare policy at the Children’s Data Network, and volunteering as a health educator to K-12 students throughout central Ohio and Los Angeles. In addition to doing a residency at the Clinic last summer, during graduate school Kayla worked at a local nursing home while also juggling providing consulting services to various health equity firms that serve health systems across the nation. Now conferred with an MHA, she is excited to be joining this year’s class of Administrative Fellows and further expand her knowledge across the many domains the enterprise has to offer. Outside of school and work, Kayla loves to find new restaurants, go to stand-up shows, travel, and spend time with friends and family over a meal. She is thrilled to learn more about healthcare, Cleveland Clinic, and the city of Cleveland this year!
Kyle Underwood
Kyle Underwood was born and raised in San Diego, California. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Public Health and minored in Business from the University of California, San Diego. During his undergraduate studies, Kyle worked in strategy, operations and human resources as an administrative intern for a local community health system in San Diego. As an undergraduate, Kyle also joined a health care startup called Patient Partner and supported its growth into a digital, patient-driven community and telehealth platform. Kyle went on to receive his Master of Health Administration from the University of Southern California. While in graduate school, Kyle completed an administrative residency at Providence Health, where he worked on value-based contracting, network development, and strategy for the enterprise. Kyle’s passion for health care stems from his patient experience as a child and his desire to bring the patient perspective to the forefront of health care decision making. Kyle frequently participates in patient advocacy opportunities, most recently advocating on Capitol Hill for rare diseases on behalf of the National MPS Society. During his free time, Kyle enjoys trying new food, traveling to exotic destinations and spending time with family and friends.
Rhianna Wardian
Rhianna is originally from Washington State and lived in six different cities across the Nation prior to her fellowship in Cleveland. Rhianna earned both her Doctor of Law and Master of Health Administration from The Ohio State University and her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from The University of South Florida. Prior to law school, Rhianna brings six years of combined professional experience in business management and healthcare. She opened and managed three of the largest corporate yoga studios in the Midwest and also worked for McKesson Corporation overseeing specialty drug distribution in their Plasma and Biologics Division. During school, she spent one academic summer as an associate at Squire Patton Boggs and her final academic summer interning at The Cleveland Clinic in Regional Operations. Her pursuits in health law and policy support her goal to better address patient advocacy and access to health care for all people. Rhianna volunteers for a nonprofit organization that provides empowerment programming and professional career development for girls K-12. She spends her spare time with her three amazing brothers and nephew. Outside work, Rhianna teaches yoga, emcees weddings, and travels the world in search of new cuisine and adventure.
Alumni Fellows
Fellowship Program through project involvement, mentorship, and social activities. Alumni are available as a resource for the current Fellows during the Fellowship Program. connected to the Fellowship Program through project involvement, mentorship, and social activities. For the current Fellows during the Fellowship Program.connected to the Fellowship Program through project involvement, mentorship, and social activities. Alumni are available as a resource for the current Fellows during the Fellowship Program.
“As a native of New York City, living in the Midwest never crossed my mind. But shortly after moving here, I fell for Cleveland’s charm. The city has something for everyone’s social preferences – you just have to find the right crew and you’re good to go! Over the last year, I have had the chance to check out some of Cleveland’s best restaurants and patios, see some of my favorite artists in concert, and watch Lebron’s last games as a Cleveland Cavalier. Most importantly, Cleveland is a place where I have made some lifelong friendships. I am truly thankful for the experiences that I have had thus far and look forward to making more memories!.”
– Michele Acheampong
“As someone who was born and raised in Michigan and attended the University of Michigan for graduate school, I was never supposed to like Ohio. I moved to Cleveland 5 years ago to serve as an Administrative Fellow for the organization and couldn’t see myself leaving until I had the opportunity to join our Cleveland Clinic London team and further our mission internationally. Having lived in Central London for a few months, I am enjoying it to the fullest yet missing all of the friendships, activities, scenery, and entertainment that Cleveland afforded me during my time there. Cleveland is an incredibly energetic and thriving city to start one’s career. There are countless restaurants, parks, breweries, sporting activities and night life. I look forward to one day relocating back to the city that has given me so much!”
– David Oliphant
The Administrative Fellowship has been a valued management development program within the Cleveland Clinic for over 30 years. Over the past five years, 100% of Administrative Fellows have been offered permanent positions post-fellowship. The list below includes Alumni from the last 10 years currently working at Cleveland Clinic.
| Name | University | Year of Fellowship |
Current Position at CCF |
Location | Department |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guo, Xinyue | Northwestern University | 2020/2021 | Program Manager II | CC Lou Ruvo | Neurological Institute |
| Haffner, Andrew | Saint Louis University | 2020/2021 | Program Manager | Regional Operations | Regional Operations |
| Kabambi, Joséphine (Josie) | Columbia University | 2020/2021 | Contract Manager | CC Abu Dhabi | Global Mobility |
| Kaleel, Robert | Cornell University | 2020/2021 | Assistant Administrator | Respiratory Institute | Respiratory Institute |
| Tipper, Bradley | University of Alabama | 2020/2021 | Program Manager II | CC Florida Hospital Weston | Executive Office |
| Okie, Whitney | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | 2019/2020 | Administrator | Florida | Hospital Medicine Institute & Clinical Operations |
| Anstine, Nicholas | Ohio State University | 2019/2020 | Administrative Director | Regional Operations | Regional Hospital Administration |
| Adu-Brimpong, Joel | University of Michigan | 2019/2020 | Program Manager | CC Lou Ruvo Center Admin | Neurological Institute |
| Johnsen, Elisabeth | Ohio State University | 2019/2020 | Program Manager | Chief of Staff | Chief of Staff Division |
| Clare, Brianna | Saint Louis University | 2018/2019 | Assistant Administrator | DPSi | DPSi |
| Hook, Andre | Cornell University | 2018/2019 | Project Manager | CC London | International Operations |
| Loeger, Julia | University of Michigan | 2018/2019 | Project Manager | Innovations | Innovations |
| Koickal, Shanna | Rush University | 2018/2019 | Project Manager | CC London | International Operations |
| Martins, Alexis | George Washington University | 2018/2019 | Project Manager | Regional Operations | Regional Hospital Administration |
| Acheampong, Michele | Yale University | 2017/2018 | Project Manager | CC Community Care | CC Community Care |
| Beinkampen, Sarah | The Ohio State University | 2017/2018 | Project Manager | Chief of Staff | Clinical Affairs |
| Colvard, Cachet | University of Michigan | 2017/2018 | Associate Administrator | Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi | Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Emergency Medicine |
| Houser, James | University of Alabama at Birmingham | 2017/2018 | Assistant Administrator | CC Community Care | CC Community Care |
| Migliore, Nicholas | University of Minnesota | 2017/2018 | Project Manager | Market & Network Services | Market & Network Services |
| Zerbini, Steven | Boston University | 2017/2018 | Assistant Administrator | Hospital Medicine | Medicine Institute |
| Beutler, William | University of Pittsburgh | 2016/2017 | Project Manager | International Operations | International Operations |
| Bogues, Renee | Cornell University | 2016/2017 | Project Manager | CC London | International Operations |
| Crisp, McKinley | Yale University | 2016/2017 | Project Manager | Chief of Staff | Clinical Affairs |
| Rader, Ashley | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | 2016/2017 | Administrator | Medical Operations | Operations |
| Wesolowski, Paige | George Washington University | 2016/2017 | Manager | Medical Operations | Operations |
| Allyn, Brian | George Washington University | 2015/2016 | Administrator | Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute | Department of General Surgery |
| Chan, Sing Yuen (Joey) | Yale University | 2015/2016 | Administrator | Nursing Institute | Nursing Administration |
| Patzke, Andrew | University of Iowa | 2014/2015 | Interim Manager | Cleveland Clinic Canada |
Sports Health Orthopedics & General Operations |
| Snowden, Joshua | The Ohio State University | 2014/2015 | Director | Global Patient Services | Operations |
| Stovicek, Deanna | Virginia Commonwealth University | 2014/2015 | Administrator | CC London | Critical Care Medicine |
| Yu, Vivian | University of Michigan | 2014/2015 | Administrator | CC Community Care | Primary Care & Internal Medicine |
| Oliphant, David | University of Michigan | 2013/2014 | Administrative Director | CC London | International Operations |
| Read, Katherine | Cornell University | 2013/2014 | Department Administrator | Emergency Services Institute |
Emergency Medicine |
| Zimmer, Ted | University of Michigan | 2013/2014 | Director | Market & Network Services | Market & Network Services |
| O’Rourke, Chris | University of Michigan | 2012/2013 | Institute Administrator | Emergency Services Institute | Emergency Services Medicine |
| Schuessler, Kathryn | University of Michigan | 2012/2013 | Department Administrator | Emergency Services Institute | Emergency Services Medicine |
| Zwischenberger, Andrea | George Washington University | 2011/2012 | Senior Director | Executive Administration | Executive Board Office |
| Smith, Nehemiah | University of Michigan | 2010/2011 | Institute Administrator | Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute | Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute |
| Laird, Travis | Penn State | 2007/2008 | Chief Business Operations Officer | CC London | International Operations |
| Cissell, Molly | The Ohio State University | 2006/2007 | Director | Regional Operations | Beachwood Family Health Center |
| Ibsen, Alison | Yale University | 2006/2007 | Senior Director, Cancer Programming | Taussig Cancer Institute | Taussig Cancer Administration |
| Vidmar, Erick | The Ohio State University | 2006/2007 | Administrative Director | Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health Nevada | Neurological Institute, Las Vegas |
| Abhyankar, Dhanashree | UNC- Chapel Hill | 2005/2006 | Senior Director | CC Community Care | CC Community Care |
| Kinnan (Snow), Meghan | St. Louis University | 2005/2006 | Executive Director | CC Community Care | CC Community Care |
Life in Cleveland
Once a haven for immigrants and a powerhouse of industry, Cleveland's cultural identity springs from its past and includes a vibrant mix of families, young professionals, entrepreneurs and college students – all with different ethnicities and backgrounds.
Historically, Cleveland has been roughly broken into two parts, the east and west, split by the Cuyahoga River. The West side is home to the Gordon Square Arts District and attractions like the popular Great Lakes Brewing Company, while the East side houses the trendy East Bank Flats waterfront district and Progressive Field, home to the Cleveland Indians baseball team.
In recent years, Cleveland has been enjoying a renaissance. Today, this metro area on the banks of Lake Erie is experiencing growth and revitalization. With continued development, opportunities abound for construction workers and electricians, as well as for professionals in the medical and IT sectors.
1 of 7
