Sharon Melancon
Vice President/ Executive Director
Sharon Melancon is an experienced healthcare executive with over 25 years experience in operational excellence within the healthcare sector. Sharon has driving PACE organizations with a growth initiative, implementing cost-saving solutions, and ensuring regulatory compliance. She has held key roles such as Senior Vice President of Operations and Compliance and Regional Vice President of Operations. Sharon diverse background brings a unique perspective to her role, holding a MBA in Business Management from Baylor University, she embodies a deep- rooted belief in the PACE model and helping our Senior Communities thrive.
Dr. Sepideh Chegini, M.D.
Medical Director
Dr. Chegini is an experience healthcare professional with over 22 years of experience caring for seniors with complex needs. She has a solid educational background, including Internal Medicine training at George Washington University, a Medical Doctorate from the University of Rochester, and a Magna Cum Laude bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington. While developing a unique professional footprint including the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), Medicare Advantage, Special Needs Plans (cSNP, iSNP, and ieSNP), acute and post- acute clinical care delivery, she has significantly impacted the industry. She has served as Chief Medical Officer at a rapidly growing Medicare Advantage health plan and as a Senior Medical Officer and National Director at a multi-state healthcare organization.
Nicole Garza
Director of Quality, Compliance, and Strategic Project Management
Nicole Garza is an accomplished healthcare leader with expertise in project management, operations, compliance, and risk management. She has played pivotal roles in the growth of various healthcare organizations. Her background in managing healthcare operations and compliance is particularly valuable to PACE organizations. Nicole's experience in leading large-scale projects and enhancing operational processes equips her to address the unique challenges of PACE programs. Her strategic vision and hands-on approach ensure high-quality care for elderly participants and improve operational sustainability.
Sandy Bannister, MSHSA
Program Director
Sandy Bannister is an accomplished director with over 20 years of experience in healthcare administration, operations, quality improvement, project management, and strategic planning. She has held prominent positions within leading healthcare organizations and served as the Center Director at one of the largest PACE programs in the United States. Sandy holds a Master of Science degree in Health Services Administration and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration, both achieved with honors from California State University, San Bernardino. She has also been honored with the Unstoppable Leader Award from Kaiser Permanente.
As a lifelong resident of the High Desert, Sandy possesses a profound understanding of community needs, health disparities, and demographic challenges. Throughout her career, she has been a steadfast advocate for healthcare services for High Desert residents. She will leverage her extensive knowledge in healthcare administration and PACE experience to enhance center operations and deliver value to the senior population of the High Desert communities.
Chandale Sutton
Human Resources Director
Chandale Sutton brings over two decades of proven leadership in Human Resources and Operations to High Desert PACE. With a distinguished career spanning roles at prominent organizations such as Rite-Aid Corporation, Wal-Mart, and Lowe's Home Improvement, Chandale, also studied business administration and management at Fisk University. Over the course of his career, he has a proven track record of successfully implementing employee engagement initiatives, fostering a positive work culture, developing and executing strategic HR plans, and managing employee relations.
In addition to his extensive experience in retail leadership, Chandale has honed his expertise in Healthcare Human Resources over the past seven years. His ability to navigate complex Human Resources challenges across diverse industries positions him as a seasoned professional well-equipped to lead our Human Resources initiatives.
Chandale is also a certified professional with the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), demonstrating his commitment to ongoing professional development and expertise in the field.
Brandy Madrigal-Flynn, MHA
Director of Business Development, Enrollment & Network
Brandy Madrigal-Flynn is a committed healthcare advocate focused on the geriatric population in the Inland Empire. As a brand ambassador, she contributes to the development of healthcare programs that support the community and enhance marketing outreach for hospital foundations throughout Southern California. Known for her relationship-building skills, Brandy is passionate about serving older adults and has cultivated a robust network of healthcare professionals. She earned her master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of La Verne.
Courtney Brennaman
Director of Finance
Courtney Brennaman, MBA, MHA completed her undergraduate studies in Finance and Accounting at Old Dominion University and her studies in Business and Healthcare Administration at the University of Maryland Global Campus. During her graduate studies, she was a member of the Upsilon Phi Delta Honor Society of the Association of University Programs in Healthcare Administration (AUPHA). Courtney has over ten years of experience in healthcare finance and seven within PACE programs. Her areas of responsibility include general ledger accounting, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, budgeting/forecasting, CMS Financial Audit lead, Medicare Part D Administration, plan lead for Part D bid preparation/submission, oversight of both TPA and PBM, RAPS/EDS submission/rejects, and PDE submission/rejects. Courtney has completed two full and one partial CMS 1/3 Financial Audits. In her spare time, Courtney enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with her family.
Marlene Martinez-Simmons
Center Manager
Marlene Martinez-Simmons is an experienced healthcare professional with over nine years of dedicated service in the industry. As the Center Manager for High Desert PACE, she leads a team committed to providing high-quality care to seniors, with a particular focus on those experiencing the challenges of dementia. Prior to this role, Marlene spent three years as Center Manager at one of the largest PACE organizations in the country, where she successfully managed operations serving over 1,400 participants.
Marlene holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Redlands and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from California State University, San Bernardino. Her strong business acumen is complemented by a deep passion for senior care, driven by her personal experience as a caregiver to a family member suffering from dementia.
In 2019, Marlene was honored with the Culture Champion Award by Kindred Healthcare for her exceptional leadership, team collaboration, and outstanding performance. She remains a passionate advocate for seniors, specializing in working with individuals through various stages of dementia, ensuring they receive the compassionate and comprehensive care they deserve.
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