Faculty

Adjunct Professor

Biography

Dr. Marissa Brash holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry from the University of San Francisco, a Master of Public Health Degree in Biostatistics from Loma Linda University, a Doctor of Public Health Degree in Epidemiology from Loma Linda University, and a Doctor of Education Degree in Mind, Brain, Teaching from Johns Hopkins University. She is also Certified in Public Health by the National Board of Public Health Examiners. Dr. Brash has a passion for teaching while also working on curriculum design, accreditation standards, program implementation, evaluation, and assessment. She is interested in integrating curriculum through interprofessional education efforts between the public health, nursing, health administration, business, mathematics, and social and behavioral health sectors of higher learning healthcare. Her research interests include epigenetic-based autoimmune public health prevention efforts through lifestyle interventions, and neuroeducation topics related to academic stress and anxiety in the STEM subjects. Additionally, she sits on the Medical Science Advisory Board for Global Genes, a non-profit serving the rare disease community.

Adjunct Professor

Biography

Garrett Brief has been licensed to practice law in the state of California for over 20 years with a focus on personal injury and bankruptcy law. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UC Santa Barbara and his Juris Doctor from Gonzaga University School of Law. Throughout his career he has held Vice President and Senior Associate positions. He has been recognized for his ability to manage large caseloads, while treating each client with professionalism. In addition to his experience as an attorney, he also has experience in product development, implementation and training, marketing, and management.

As a member of the Board of Directors for two organizations which rescue food and provide weekend meals to disadvantaged elementary school students, who receive subsidized breakfast and lunches during the school week, but go hungry on the weekends. He is committed to solving food insecurity throughout the greater Long Beach community.

His passion for teaching is based in his desire to help students learn and appreciate new concepts He strives to teach, listen and support each of his students. Professor Brief teaches the following courses in the Healthcare Management major at Concordia: Legal Aspects of Healthcare, Marketing and Strategic Planning for Healthcare Organizations, and Senior Seminar in Healthcare.

Adjunct Professor

Biography

Evelyn Credo, MHA, is a Senior Director of Learning and Development at Elevate Patient Financial Solutions. She has been working in the revenue cycle management industry for 14 years. As the director, she fosters a learning culture through strategic planning to meet the organization’s goals and objectives. Her team is responsible for developing talent and ensuring employees have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed and contribute to the organization's growth and success.

Evelyn began her career as a patient advocate working with uninsured and underinsured populations. Motivated by her passion for making a difference in the lives of underserved and vulnerable communities, she aspired to become a leader in the healthcare industry. Her goal was not only to excel professionally but also to maintain a balanced life that allowed her to dedicate her time and efforts to service, advocacy, and compassion. She is an Adjunct Professor who teaches undergraduate courses for the Healthcare Management program and is an Advisory Board Member for the MHA graduate program at Concordia University Irvine.

In her personal life, Evelyn finds joy in traveling to warm beaches. Additionally, she embraces the excitement of camping, movie nights, and socializing with friends while keeping up with the demands of raising her preschool and elementary-aged children.

Education

• B.S. Health Science – California State University Fullerton
• M.S. Healthcare Administration – Concordia University Irvine

Adjunct Professor

Biography

Keya Gupta is an Organizational Development Specialist at Palomar Health in San Diego, CA. She received her Bachelor's in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine, and a Master's in Healthcare Administration from Concordia University, Irvine.

During her MHA program, she completed a graduate internship at UCI Health in the Patient Experience department where she found her passion for patient and staff engagement. Her interests lie in the intersection of psychology, engagement, leadership, and how they relate to health outcomes. She is currently completing her second Master's degree in Organizational Leadership at Johns Hopkins University and hopes to pursue a doctorate degree soon after. Keya also resides as a board member for the Southern California chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).

Adjunct Professor

Biography

Briana Hammonds is currently a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and has experience in working in community mental health. Briana has experience working with a variety of populations that include: children, adolescents, families, young adults, and adults. She has previous academic experience as an instructor in the Townsend Institute’s Master of Arts in Counseling.

Briana’s interest in mental health was ignited during her educational experience at Sonoma State university. She has a passion for working with individuals who have survived trauma and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She enjoys working with adolescents and teens to assist and empower clients to make choices for change. Along with pursuing a career in academia as an adjunct professor Briana continues to work with her clients in Orange County at a Medi-cal contract agency.

Education

• B.A. Psychology, Sonoma State University
• M.S., CSU Fullerton

Adjunct Professor

Biography

Lauren Illescas is a seasoned Operations Executive with more than 14 years of experience in guiding small businesses from start-up to maturity. She excels in development and operationalization of executive vision and strategies, achieving business growth targets, and reducing costs through quality management systems and streamlined workflows. Her career highlights include leading change management during acquisitions, developing strategic visions and plans, and fostering client-oriented environments for market penetration. Lauren holds a Master's in Healthcare Administration and Bachelor’s in Business Administration & Leadership from Concordia University Irvine. She is an active member of professional organizations such as CHIEF, the American College of Healthcare Executives, and the Healthcare Financial Management Association. When she's not immersed in her professional pursuits, Lauren cherishes quality time with her husband and three young daughters.

Assistant Professor

Biography

Professor Kane received his Master's of Business Administration with a specialization in Healthcare Administration from Northcentral University. He also has a Master's of Education with a concentration in Organizational Leadership, a Master's in Information Technology with a concentration in computer security and assurance, and a Graduate Certificate in Human Resources. Professor Kane's experience in business, healthcare, and healthcare administration spans more than 20 years. During that time he has served as the president and CEO of a Joint Commission Certified multi-million dollar private national healthcare recruitment, human resources, and outsourcing firm for more than a decade. Professor Kane's healthcare experience includes home health, hospital staffing, physician recruitment & placement, healthcare operations and more.

Education

• MBA - Healthcare Administration
• Me.D - Organizational Leadership

Publications

• Kane, R. T., Shaw, M. E., Pang, S., Salley, W., & Snider, J. B. (2016, January). Relationships among faculty training, faculty degree, faculty longevity, and student satisfaction in online higher education. Journal of Online Distance Learning Administration, 18(4).
• O’Bryan, A., Kane, T., & Shaw, M. (2013, April 29). Establishing an online professional development community to promote faculty engagement and excellence. Faculty Focus.
• Shaw, M. E., Walters, K. J., Kane, R. T., & Long, D. M. (2012). Online Course Activities: A Survey of Assignment and Assessment Types. In Learning Management System Technologies and Software Solutions: Tools and Applications. IGI Global.
• Kane, R. (2012). Career Management. School to Work Consortium. Colorado State University.
• King, W. & Kane, R. (2012). Live Session Course Enhancements. IGI Global. Stevens Henager College.
• Shaw, M., & Kane, R. T. (2011, July). Online Teaching Opportunities and Strategies! The Missouri Distance Learning Association Annual Conference. Springfield, MO.
• Shaw, M., & Kane, R. T. (2011, April). Teaching Online and Loving It! The United States Distance Learning Association National Conference. St. Louis, MO.
• Kane, T. (2010). Removing Obstacles to Student Success. Stevens Henager College- Faculty Best Practices, Colorado Springs, CO.
• Kane, T (2010). Staffing gets a partner. San Antonio Medicine (SAM), 63 (9).
• Bradley, C., Talbott, B., Kane, R.T. (2010). Online Discussion Strategies: Build Critical Thinking and Online Community. Ozarks Technical Community College, Springfield, MO.
• Braun, N. & Kane, T (2010). The future of management. The Journal of Business Management and Entrepreneurship (JOBME), 1 (8).
• Walters, K., Shaw, M.E., Lessard, D., & Kane, R.T. (2010). Innovative Professional Practices, Synergy, and eCollaboration. The eLearning Institute 2010 Virtual Conference.
• Shaw, M. E., & Kane, R. T. (2010). Distance Learning Course Activities and Assessments. Missouri Distance Learning Association Conference, Springfield, MO.
• Shaw, M. E., & Kane, R. T. (2009). Distance Learning Course Activities. The Fifteenth Sloan-C International Conference on Online Learning, "The Power of Online Learning: Opportunities for Tomorrow.” Orlando, FL.
• Kane, R. T. (2008). Industry Roundtable. Staffing Industry Analyst Healthcare Staffing Summit, "Breaking the Ten Million Dollar Barrier”. San Francisco, CA.
• Kane, R. T. (2007). Expert Panel. Staffing Industry Analyst. Healthcare Staffing Summit, "Organizing & Operating for Growth”. Chicago, IL.

Adjunct Professor

Biography

Rodney S. Mardirosian, MPH is the Manager of Business Development for Adventist Health Physicians Network, where he is responsible for growing the organization's provider network in the Southern California Region. He facilitates the seamless integration of the affiliation between the hospital network and Adventist Health Physician Network (APHN). Prior to his role at Adventist, he oversaw operations for the division of Thoracic Surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Formally recognized for excellence in leadership and maintains an active membership in the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). He is on the board for the American Lung Association, Healthcare Executives of Southern California, The Campbell Center, and on the MHA Advisory Board for Concordia University Irvine.

Adjunct Professor

Biography

Cesar Rivas-Sanchez is a Strategy Consultant at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), where he leads strategic planning efforts for the Fetal and Neonatal Institute and the Children’s Orthopedic Center, as well as other departments to meet enterprise-wide goals and priorities. Prior to his current role, he completed an Administrative Residency with the Clinical Services department at CHLA and worked as a Research Coordinator with the USC Keck School of Medicine, where he was responsible for various industry-sponsored clinical trials, a telemedicine study, and a national registry.

Cesar holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Studies with a minor in Health Policy and a Master’s degree in Health Administration from the University of Southern California. He is currently a Board member for the local chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and an Associate Board member for the Inland Empire Future Leaders Program.

Adjunct Professor

Biography

Vivahni (Viva) Shastry is a Digital Transformation Manager at Optum where she oversees digital patient engagement products from strategy formation to product launch and future enhancements. Prior to her current role, Viva was with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) as a Data & Analytics Manager where she supported the creation of a data lake & built streamlined processes to access that data and use it to improve patient & provider outcomes. Viva has always been passionate about quality of care, specifically in the mental health space. After she obtained her Master’s degree in Health Administration from the University of Southern California, she worked as a Quality Coordinator in CHLA’s Developmental Disabilities department working with clinicians to decrease wait times, improve patient outcomes, and build a foundation with key quality metrics. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with a Business Minor, from the University of California San Diego. Viva is an active member and prior Board member for the local chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). In Viva’s spare time, she enjoys staying active with her Mini Australian Shepherd puppy, Cleopatra.

Program Director and Professor

Biography

Dr. Sinardi holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from St. Cloud State University and a Master's degree in Counseling from California State University, Long Beach. She became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in 2006. In 2011, Dr. Sinardi completed her Doctor of Education degree in Organizational Leadership at the University of La Verne.

Professional Experience

Dr. Catherine Sinardi is the Director of Healthcare Programs, overseeing the following: Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Management (traditional and online), Master of Healthcare Administration, and Master of Public Health. As an Associate Professor, she develops and teaches a variety of courses in the aforementioned programs. She currently serves on the board of directors for the Healthcare Executives of Southern California as the Chair of Academic Affairs. Previously, she was Regional Director of Clinical Services at Children’s Institute and Director of Quality Assurance and Program Evaluation at Counseling4Kids, both in the greater Los Angeles area. She also worked in private practice as a licensed counselor and held various administrative positions at ChildNet Youth and Family Services in Long Beach.

Education

• Ed.D. Organizational Leadership, University of La Verne
• MFT Counseling, California State University Long Beach

Publications

• Scheinfeld, E., Barney, K., Gangi, K., Nelson, E. & Sinardi, C. (2021). Filling the void: Grieving and healing during a socially isolating global pandemic. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships.
• Scheinfeld, E., Gangi, K., Nelson, E. & Sinardi, C. (2021). Please scream inside your heart: Compounded loss and coping during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health Communication. 

Manuscript Under Review

• • Scheinfeld, E., Barney, K., Gangi, K., Nelson, E. & Sinardi, C. (Under Review). Moving forward in compounded grief: Communicated resilience after COVID-19 related losses. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships.

Adjunct Professor

Biography

Kirsten Van Holt is currently a Talent Coordinator at MBK Senior Living and has experience in the Senior Care sector of healthcare and Human Resources. She received both her Undergraduate Degree and Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from Concordia University Irvine.

She enjoys helping others and is very excited to be an adjunct professor and give back to Concordia University Irvine.

Education

• B.A. HCM- Healthcare Management
• MHA- Healthcare Administration

Adjunct Professor

Biography

Jonathan Westall, FACHE is currently the Vice President of Ancillary Services at MLK Jr. Community Hospital in South Los Angeles. He previously held multiple positions at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena including Manager of Security, Director of Security, and finally Director of Support Services. Prior to working in the acute care setting, Jonathan oversaw Security, Emergency Response, and Parking operations for Sony PlayStation and its subsidiary groups across the United States. Jonathan spent 8 years working in various Federal, State, and local correctional facilities where he oversaw security operations for an incarcerated population.

Jonathan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice w/ a minor in Sociology from Upper Iowa University and a Master’s degree in Law Enforcement Administration from Grand Canyon University. He is also a graduate of ACHE’s Senior Executive Program. He is a volunteer leader with IAHSS and was the LA/OC Chapter Chair for 3 years, and now The International Board’s VP/Secretary. He also chaired The Hospital Association of Southern California’s Safety and Security Committee from 2018 to 2020 and remains an active member. He is currently The Vice-Chair of Sponsorship with HCE.

Jonathan is a native of Massachusetts and is a huge Boston sports fan. He enjoys hiking, working out, and true crime documentaries.

Adjunct Professor

Biography

After receiving her Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Arizona in 2013, Dr. Jennifer Zamzow completed a two-year post-doctoral fellowship in ethics and cognition in the Department of Philosophy and the Center for Ethics and Policy at Carnegie Mellon University. Dr. Zamzow has published work on diversity in ethical intuitions, affective forecasting in medical decision making, the ethics of theism, and how our use of moral rules, moral intuitions, and cost-benefit analysis affect the way we interpret moral requirements for ourselves and for others. She has also written about ethical issues for The Washington Post, Christianity Today, and Sojourners.

Education

• B.A., Azusa Pacific University, Philosophy and Psychology
• Ph.D., University of Arizona, Philosophy with a minor in Cognitive Science