Healthcare’s focus on resiliency has primarily been centered on frontline and clinical staff, but high levels of burnout among non-clinical staff pose significant risks to the overall system. The VonSull Framework offers a comprehensive, risk-mitigation strategy that addresses departmental scalability and standardization while focusing on non-clinical staff engagement to prevent burnout and reduce talent loss—key risks to healthcare operations. Healthcare professionals interested in leadership and improvement strategies aimed at optimizing efficiency and reducing operational risks, while enhancing staff satisfaction and resilience, will benefit from the Framework. Applied in an academic medical center department facing low staff retention, engagement, and satisfaction, a root cause analysis revealed that job scope confusion, non-scalable tools, and inconsistent processes were major contributors to these risks. For non-clinical departments to remain assets to a healthcare system in a constantly evolving environment, they must identify and deliver value efficiently, mitigate operational risks, and enhance employee satisfaction to promote long-term staff retention.
Michaela began her nursing career as an RN Case Manager at Stanford Children’s Health, and she quickly rose to lead Utilization Management within Stanford Health Care’s (SHC) Care Coordination Department. In 2019, she transitioned to lead the Activations and Operational Integration department within SHC’s Facilities Services and Planning Division, where she plays a critical role as a clinical liaison in Stanford’s largest non-clinical division. Her leadership in this role has been instrumental in supporting SHC’s growth and ensuring critical access to services for Stanford Medicine patients.
During the height of the pandemic, Michaela’s outstanding leadership earned her the SHC Patient Safety Star Award for her pivotal role in activating and operationalizing the first staff and provider COVID-19 vaccine clinics. She is also a proud graduate of the prestigious Stanford Leadership Development Program, where she was nominated among top administrators and providers within Stanford Medicine. Her exceptional leadership was further recognized with the Thomas A. Gonda Leadership Special Mention Award, an honor that highlights outstanding leaders throughout Stanford Medicine.
In addition to her clinical and leadership work, Michaela is a respected voice in healthcare, having been published in multiple journals and speaking at national conferences on diverse topics including Case Management, Utilization Management, clinical space activations, and process improvement. Her thought leadership extends beyond the walls of Stanford, influencing healthcare practices across the industry.
Michaela earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Arizona and later pursued her passion for healthcare by completing a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on Case Management at Samuel Merritt University.
Outside of work, Michaela enjoys being active and spending time with her husband and 3 children. Most mornings you can find her either swimming or trail running through Los Altos Hills.
Nermeen earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master’s in Health Care Administration from California State University, East Bay. She is also a graduate of the Kaiser Permanente Quality Leaders Fellowship Program and holds a Lean certification and is Six Sigma Green Belt.
A proud Bay Area native, Nermeen enjoys spending her free time outdoors with her husband and two children.
Beyond her professional engagements, Tiffany is actively pursuing a Doctorate in Health Care Administration at Oklahoma State University, reflecting her commitment to continuous growth and learning in the dynamic healthcare sector.
Maggie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Hayward and completed her Master’s in Health Care Innovation at Arizona State University in 2017. Outside of her professional commitments, she enjoys attending musical theater performances, traveling, and cherishing moments with her family.
Chrisi has a bachelor’s degree in Communications & German Studies from Santa Clara University. She enjoys spending her free time with her husband and two toddlers, baking, and traveling.
Please note: No refunds are given for cancellation or non-attendance. If you have registered for this event and are unable to attend, please contact SCAHRM at vp.org at least 24 hours prior to the event.
At the conclusion of this event, attendees will:
1. Assess staff satisfaction using objective tools to identify potential risks and implement targeted engagement strategies for mitigating those risks.
2. Identify how leadership can create an ecosystem that mitigates risks by fostering continuous improvement and staff engagement through strong governance, clear purpose, and lean management practices.
3. Leverage frontline staff to identify improvement opportunities that focus on reducing risks through enhanced teamwork, process standardization, workflow simplification, and staff engagement.
SCAHRM is approved as an MCLE Multiple Activity Provider by the California State Bar, MAP # 18946. This event will qualify for 1.0 MCLE credit hours. SCAHRM is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider # 10552. This event will qualify for 1.0 continuing education contact hours. ASHRM continuing education is pending approval.
Refund/cancellation policy: Refunds will not be issued for non-attendance. Registrants who are unable to attend may request the recording of the event for CE credit.