Meet Our 2021 Summer Interns

Wednesday Jul. 28, 2021

Learn more about our 2021 summer interns who are working in various departments throughout Broward Health, including administration, IT, compliance, risk management and marketing.

Name: Alexa Swirsky
School: University of Central Florida
Major: Health Sciences Pre-clinical
Graduation Date: 2022
My internship location and mentor: Broward Health Medical Center, Donna Small
Where I was born/raised: Plantation, Florida
The most influential person to me: My father
Why I’m interested in healthcare: From the age of 6, I knew that I wanted to help people. Since that time, I have had a variety of experiences and opportunities to be involved in patient care. From these experiences, I have developed a profound interest and desire to become a pediatric orthopedic surgeon. As a high-level athlete, I sustained many injuries, several of which resulted in surgery. From these life experiences, I believe that there is nothing more that I want out of life than to become a physician and help people, in particular kids. Through my past injuries and the recovery process, I will have the ability to relate to my patients and understand exactly what they are feeling and dealing with.
What I hope to learn during my Broward Health internship: By immersing myself fully in my internship, I hope to learn various aspects of healthcare both from the clinical and administrative sides. As a future physician, this will give me a more global perspective on the nuances the physicians and administrators have to deal with on a daily basis.
A fun fact about me: This is my second year as a summer intern!

Name: Sanai Burke
School: Florida Atlantic University
Major: Psychology
Graduation Date: December 2021
My internship location and mentor: Broward Health Corporate, Phyllis Harris
Where I was born/raised: Coral Springs, Florida
The most influential person to me: My mother, Tamieka Jackson
Why I’m interested in healthcare: Working in healthcare will give me the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those in the community while also doing something I am passionate about.
What I hope to learn during my Broward Health internship: I hope to learn the ins and outs of working in a professional setting and how to build professional relationships.
A fun fact about me: I am a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Name: Radhika J. Kachhadiya
School: Nova Southeastern University
Major: Masters of Public Health
Graduation Date: December 2021
My internship location and mentor: Broward Health International, Gabriella West and Cristina Cardona Rivas
Where I was born/raised: Surat, India
The most influential person to me: My parents
Why I’m interested in healthcare: I like to help communities that face more problems than we can think of. It gives me immense pleasure if I can take even one percent of the pain away.
What I hope to learn during my Broward Health internship: I hope to see diversity and learn to be sensitive to their needs when giving them health care.
A fun fact about me: I am afraid of iguanas. I do not walk on walkways because they keep running over the paths.

Name: Javon Alexander
School: Florida A&M University
Major: Biology
Graduation Date: December 2021
My internship location and mentor: Broward Health Medical Center's Emergency Department, Amy Anderson
Where I was born/raised: Opa-Locka, Florida
The most influential person to me: My mom
Why I’m interested in healthcare: I have a passion for helping kids and want to be able to pursue a career in pediatrics.
What I hope to learn during my Broward Health internship: Exposure to both the clinical and administrative sides of a hospital.
A fun fact about me: I like soccer.

Name: Alyssa Biggs
School: Nova Southeastern University
Major: Marketing with a Minor in Leadership and Digital Media Production
Graduation Date: December 2021
My internship location and mentor: Broward Health Coral Springs, Barbara Epes and Broward Health Medical Center, Jenny Mackie
Where I was born/raised: Pembroke Pines, Florida
The most influential person to me: My mom who has shown me the value of working hard and staying humble.
Why I’m interested in healthcare: Healthcare is such a diverse industry and has limitless career opportunities. There are so many moving parts within a hospital system, from the culinary team, physicians, and marketing team. They all work together to achieve the same goal of excellent care.
What I hope to learn during my Broward Health internship: I hope to get a better understanding of how marketing is tailored in a healthcare setting.
A fun fact about me: I have traveled to eight countries so far, and I hope to travel to many more!

Name: Raavi Singh
School: University of South Florida
Major: Master of Public Health (Health Policy and Programs) and Master of Healthcare Administration
Graduation Date: May 2022
My internship location and mentor: Broward Health Corporate Compliance, Lucia Pizano-Urbina
Where I was born/raised: Born in India; raised in Weston, Florida
The most influential person to me: Famous: Audrey Hepburn; Known: My Parent
Why I’m interested in healthcare: I want to be able to make a positive difference in someone’s life
What I hope to learn during my Broward Health internship: I hope to learn more about how a public hospital system functions and the key role that compliance plays not only in hospitals but in all healthcare organizations.
A fun fact about me: I am SCUBA certified, and I have danced since I was 4 years old.

Name: Emily Karas
School: University of Miami
Major: Masters of Health Administration
Graduation Date: December 2021
My internship location and mentor: Broward Health Coral Springs, Michael Leopold
Where I was born/raised: Boca Raton, Florida
The most influential person to me: Dr. John Maxwell. His leadership is something I follow closely as he speaks to purpose, passion, and growth.
Why I’m interested in healthcare: My passion has always been in healthcare, shifting from clinical to administrative after donating my kidney to my dad in October of 2019. I experienced the true fragmentation within our healthcare system from the patient perspective, and this gave me insight toward opportunities of improvement on the administrative side of healthcare. My goal is to work in pediatric transplants, holding an executive role.
What I hope to learn during my Broward Health internship: I hope to learn about the intricate details that go into running an efficient hospital providing quality care. I came to Broward Health looking to gain insight into administrative functions in healthcare.
A fun fact about me: I donated my kidney to my dad in October 2019, saving his life and finding my passion within our healthcare system in the transplant sector.

Name: Filipe Senhoreti
School: University of Central Florida
Major: Biology
Graduation Date: December 2021
My internship location and mentor: Broward Health Coral Springs, Maureen Martin
Where I was born/raised: Parkland, Florida
The most influential person to me: My mom has been the most influential person to me because she has always aspired to achieve her goals no matter what they may be. She taught me how important it is to help others and not to lose sight of the path for growth. Without her, I cannot say that I would be in the position I am now because she always got me to work harder when I needed to, and that has always stuck with me.
Why I’m interested in healthcare: I have always wanted to be a dentist until recently, so the thought of helping others has always resided very strongly within me. My family has also done their best to help others no matter how small or big the situation, and that has made me want to help others since I was young.
What I hope to learn during my Broward Health internship: During my internship, I want to grasp the basic understanding of how a hospital works and how it can stay afloat financially. I also want to learn what a hospital can do to offer care to those who are not financially able.
A fun fact about me: I was born at Broward Health Coral Springs!

Name: Nick Mordente
School: University of Florida
Major: Master of Health Administration (MHA)
Graduation Date: April 2022
My internship location and mentor: Broward Health Imperial Point, Randy Gross
Where I was born/raised: Pembroke Pines, Florida
The most influential person to me: My parents, my grandparents, and my brother. It would be impossible for me to pick only one. They have supported me in every aspect of my life, and I couldn’t imagine being where I am today without any of them.
Why I’m interested in healthcare: I am interested in healthcare because of the fulfilling nature helping people gives us all. While doing so, the ability to take a position of leadership to lead passionate people in this field is something I look forward to every day. Using the skills I’ve learned through school and in the workplace, I hope to only grow as a healthcare leader and continue to contribute to a cause bigger than myself.
What I hope to learn during my Broward Health internship: During my time, I hope to become more versed in all aspects of healthcare, from quality outcomes, operational processes, leadership skills, etc. that will enable me to contribute at a higher level during all my future endeavors. Through the senior leadership team and the staff within each department, I hope to learn and grow with as many individuals as possible in my time here.
A fun fact about me: Since 1998, my family has owned a vacation home in Key Largo, Florida. I was blessed to have this as a kid growing up in Florida, and it is where I spend a large amount of time on the weekends.

Name: Danielle Domino
School: Ave Maria University
Major: Healthcare Management
Graduation Date: Graduated in May 2021
My internship location and mentor: Broward Health Coral Springs, Maureen Martin
Where I was born/raised: Parkland, Florida
The most influential person to me: My grandpa because he taught me the value of a good work ethic. He is the hardest working person I know and has always inspired me to give my best in whatever I do. Also, he has challenged me to learn new things, and he is my biggest supporter - you will always see him videotaping my basketball games!
Why I’m interested in healthcare: I love that healthcare has numerous departments within itself that provide many different opportunities for one to learn. Also, it is awesome that healthcare allows you the opportunity to make a difference and help others on the non-clinical side, not just by being on the clinical side. After working in the healthcare industry during COVID, I have realized even more how important healthcare is, and it has definitely confirmed that a career in healthcare is for me.
What I hope to learn during my Broward Health internship: Since it is my second time doing the internship, I want to further my knowledge of healthcare even more from the last year. Last year, I received a good overview of the revenue cycle process, but this year I want to see firsthand the role finance plays in the hospital. I want to further understand and break down how the numbers tell the story of a hospital, while at the same time putting the care of the patients first. Overall, I hope that I gain new skills and real-world experience that will prepare me for a successful career in healthcare.
A fun fact about me: Everybody’s first name in my family starts with the letter “D” - my parents, Don and Denise; my brothers, Derek and Drew; and my dog, Dax.

Name: Sasha Bass
School: University of Miami
Major: Master of Health Administration
Graduation Date: December 2021
My internship location and mentor: Broward Health Medical Center, Heather Havericak
Where I was born/raised: Miami, Florida
The most influential person to me: My parents are the most influential people to me as they have shaped who I am today through their constant support and encouragement to follow my passion.
Why I’m interested in healthcare: I am interested in healthcare since I was exposed to the field at a young age due to family members on both sides working in clinical and administrative roles. My goal is to make positive change by making healthcare more affordable and accessible. I believe it is essential to emphasize patient-centered care with a focus on metrics and optimizing resources.
What I hope to learn during my Broward Health internship: I hope to learn about all of the aspects that affect hospital administration at the regional and corporate levels, as well as how to effectively lead a cohesive team.
A fun fact about me: I attended UCLA for my undergraduate degree!

Name: Madelyn France
School: University of South Carolina
Major: Public Health, pre-medical studies
Graduation Date: May 2022
My internship location and mentor: Population Health, Gavin Malcolm
Where I was born/raised: Kennesaw, Georgia
The most influential person to me: My mom. She is a great leader and role model.
Why I’m interested in healthcare: It’s the perfect combination of science, teamwork, and problem-solving. I am passionate about health and love empowering people with the information to live their healthiest lives. It can be challenging, but it's fulfilling.
What I hope to learn during my Broward Health internship: I’m enjoying learning about Broward Health’s designation as an Accountable Care Organization. I hope to continue learning about the operations side of healthcare as well as the day-to-day of physicians practicing in ambulatory care settings.
A fun fact about me: I really enjoy cooking for my friends and family!

Name: Taylor Reid
School: Florida Atlantic University
Major: Communication Studies with a minor in Anthropology
Graduation Date: December 2021
My internship location and mentor: Broward Health Imperial Point, Joy Oglesby and Broward Health North, Joseph Guastaferro and Janelle Richards
Where I was born/raised: I was born at Broward Health Coral Springs back in 2001 and was raised just a few minutes away in North Lauderdale and Coral Springs.
The most influential person to me: This question is hard to answer as many people have influenced my life throughout the years for various reasons. In most recent times of my life, especially during the height of the pandemic last year, I grew closer to a family friend. Her wisdom, faith, and tenacity served as great inspiration as I had to transition to doing school online, balancing home life, and growing deeper in my faith.
Why I’m interested in healthcare: This internship is actually my first time in healthcare. When I was younger, I had dreams of becoming a pediatrician. After taking a couple of chemistry classes in high school, I realized that probably wasn’t the best idea for me. I knew I always wanted to help people and marketing still allows me to do that in the healthcare setting as I promote health to the community. I would only think of doctors, nurses, and patients when I thought of a hospital. Now, I see there is so much more to healthcare.
What I hope to learn during my Broward Health internship: I hope to learn how communication happens in healthcare and how that affects the community. South Florida is a diverse area full of cultures from all over. I want to learn how to reach them all through the various marketing strategies, especially through community outreach events.
A fun fact about me: One fun fact about me is that I love Star Wars. I grew to love it more last year where shows and movies took me to a galaxy far, far away even though I was stuck in the house for months on end.

Name: Aleshia Thomas
School: Florida International University
Major: Masters in Health Services Administration
Graduation Date: December 2021
My internship location and mentor: Broward Health North, Eileen Daly and Broward Health Imperial Point, Marllury M. Altamirano
Where I was born/raised: Born in Long Island, New York, living in South Florida for close to nine years.
The most influential person to me: My parents have been my role models throughout my entire life because they truly represent strength, hard work, and resilience. They teach me every day by example. I value the ability to listen and care for others from seeing the impact my dad has made as a Nursing Supervisor in the lives of patients and their families. I value the ability to work hard and put others' needs before my own as my mom has shown me in both her personal and professional life.
Why I’m interested in healthcare: I have been interested in the healthcare field for as long as I could remember. I started volunteering in a hospital setting from the age of 15 and knew that it was a very rewarding field where I could help others and put a smile on their face when they needed it the most.
What I hope to learn during my Broward Health internship: I hope to learn how I can become a better advocate for my future patients by providing them a safe and comforting environment. The risk management department allows me to see how risk managers dig deep to figure out the root of the problem to prevent future occurrences that could potentially harm the safety of the patient. It provides me the space to learn how to collaborate with other healthcare professionals to create opportunities and an action plan to mitigate risks and reduce the occurrence of adverse events.
A fun fact about me: One of my dreams is to travel around the world and try local delicacies!

Name: Madison Whitmill
School: University of Miami
Major: Master of Health Administration
Graduation Date: December 2021
My internship location and mentor: Broward Health Corporate, Alan Goldsmith
Where I was born/raised: Tampa, Florida
The most influential person to me: My mom is the most influential person to me because she’s the strongest and most hardworking person I know. She has always taught me how to be independent and to never stop working toward my goals.
What I hope to learn during my Broward Health internship: I hope to gain a better understanding of the healthcare system and how I can make an impact on my community throughout my future career. I also hope to learn how the administrative departments collaborate to efficiently run a hospital as a business while focusing on providing the best patient care.
A fun fact about me: I currently go to the University of Miami, but will always be a Seminoles fan.

Name: Isabella Martin
School: University of Central Florida
Major: Health Services Administration
Graduation Date: May 2022
My internship location and mentor: Broward Health Medical Center, Kiera Page
Where I was born/raised: Parkland, Florida
The most influential person to me: My mother and father are the most influential people in my life because they have worked extremely hard to achieve their career goals. They have both guided and challenged me to reach my full potential. I would not be the person I am today without all their love and support!
Why I’m interested in healthcare: For as long as I can remember, I have been interested in the healthcare field. One of my classes as a freshman at UCF was called, “Introduction to Careers in Health Professions,” where different practicing professionals in the healthcare industry would come in to speak about their careers and answer all of our questions. I’ve since realized the countless opportunities and careers one can have in the healthcare industry. I believe everyone in this field is so driven and committed to wanting to provide quality care to patients.
What I hope to learn during my Broward Health internship: I hope to gain more knowledge on the many aspects of Human Resources and daily operations of Broward Health as a whole. I also hope to learn the skills that make a great leader, and apply my knowledge learned through this internship as I prepare to pursue my Master’s in Health Administration when I graduate.
A fun fact about me: I was planning on studying abroad in Florence, Italy, this summer as well as last summer, but haven’t been able to due to COVID-19. In my free time, I like to use apps on my phone to learn Italian in hopes of traveling to Italy once I graduate. Meglio tardi che mai – Better late than never!

Name: Kaden Sauder
School: University of South Florida
Major: Finance
Graduation Date: December 2021
My internship location and mentor: ICS, Jodi Halpine
Where I was born/raised: Lauderhill, Florida
The most influential person to me: My father is the most influential person in my life. He has taught me the meaning and importance of hard work. He has always been there to show me how to grow up to become a disciplined and respectful man.
Why I'm interested in healthcare: I want to be part of an organization that helps others and affects lives in a permanent way. I think that this is a unique opportunity where I can help on the finance side of the spectrum so that the clinical side can have their full attention on taking care of the patient.
What I hope to learn during my Broward Health internship: I hope to learn more about the healthcare industry and gain the necessary tools that the finance and accounting roles require for this corporation.
A fun fact about me: I live in a three-bedroom house with 10 of my friends from high school. We all decided to go to the same college and thought it would be fun and cheap to live together. It's a great time and there's never a dull moment.

Name: Brianna Webster
School: Florida Atlantic University
Major: Business Management
Graduation Date: April 2021
My internship location and mentor: Broward Health Imperial Point, Barbara Pickering
Where I was born/raised: Jamaica
The most influential person to me: My mom, because of her work ethic and tenacity.
Why I’m interested in healthcare: I have always wanted to explore Human Resources from the healthcare perspective to see how business ties in with this industry. Healthcare is an innovative industry and one that many of us are affiliated with one way or another.
What I hope to learn during my Broward Health internship: I hope to learn all I can about the different aspects of human resources and how the different processes tie in together for overall goals. I have had the opportunity to explore different recruitment techniques, observe the onboarding process and interact with different employees on a daily basis. To see how my different projects as an intern tie into an overall goal is rewarding and every day in HR is a great and different experience.
A fun fact about me: I am a proud first-generation student!

Name: Jelani Hamilton
School: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Major: Business Administration
Graduation Date: December 2021
My internship location and mentor: ICS, Jodi Halpine
Where I was born/raised: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The most influential person to me: Bernard Tyson, former CEO of Kaiser Permanente.
Why I’m interested in healthcare: I believe this industry is the difference-maker in changing the lives of many.
What I hope to learn during my Broward Health internship: I hope to learn about all the different aspects of the supply chain and how they are congruent with the success of a healthy organization.
A fun fact about me: My weekend hobbies include fishing and swimming.

Name: Demara Lynch
School: University of South Florida
Major: Health Sciences
Graduation Date: December 2021
My internship location and mentor: Broward Health Imperial Point, Chivone Hylton
Where I was born/raised: Born in Palm Beach, Florida, and raised in Margate, Florida
The most influential person to me: The most influential person to me is my mom because she has worked tirelessly to provide me with all the tools in life I need to succeed even when she, herself, didn't have access to those tools.
Why I’m interested in healthcare: From growing up around a family that practiced medicine to practically living in the hospital alongside my father, who was on the receiving end of patient care, I have always been passionate about healthcare. My zeal for the concept of providing top-of-the-line, quality care to communities and mitigating discrepancies within the profession has only grown stronger with higher education and experience. I look forward to having my chance to work in healthcare and leaving positive lasting impacts.
What I hope to learn during my Broward Health internship: I hope to learn the effects of hospital metrics on patient care and vice versa. Although my career end goal is primarily clinical, I love to learn about how all departments of healthcare collaborate to ensure the hospital's overall success.
A fun fact about me: A fun fact about me is that I know the entire play 'Hamilton' by heart.

Broward Health, providing service for more than 85 years, is a nationally recognized system in South Florida that offers world-class healthcare to all. The Broward Health system includes the statutory teaching hospital Broward Health Medical Center, Broward Health North, Broward Health Imperial Point, Broward Health Coral Springs, Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital, Broward Health Weston, Broward Health Community Health Services, Broward Health Physician Group, Broward Health Urgent Care, Broward Health International, and Broward Health Foundation. For more information, visit BrowardHealth.org.

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Meet Our 2021 Summer Interns

Meet Our 2021 Summer Interns