Center for Applied Health Research (CAHR)

Alan B. Stevens, PhD, FAPA, FGSA

Director

Alan B. Stevens, PhD, FAPA, FGSA, holds the endowed Vernon D. Holleman-Lewis M. Rampy Centennial Chair in Gerontology at Baylor Scott & White Health (BSWH) and is the Director of the Center for Applied Health Research (CAHR), a system-level research center within the Baylor Scott & White Research Institute. As Director of CAHR, he promotes collaborative health research exploring the impact of innovative care models on population health within healthcare and community settings. Currently, he leads two research programs embedded in CAHR.

The Aging and Dementia Care program is focused on the establishment, translation, and implementation of evidence-based models of care for older adults and their family caregivers. Research studies engage healthcare systems and community organizations in the development and implementation of care programs that support meaningful outcomes for persons living with dementia and their family caregivers. Signature programs include REACH-TX (an evidence-based translation of the REACH II intervention) and the online version of REACH-TX, GamePlan4Care.

The Precision Medicine program of CAHR is focused on building a broad, representative cohort of participants within the NIH All of Us Research Program, NIH’s premier precision medicine research initiative. Additionally, he has collaborated extensively with clinical and research scientists within BSWH on a variety of healthcare sciences research and quality improvement projects and has mentored numerous post-doctoral fellows. Dr. Stevens currently serves as a primary mentor on a NIH/VA funded Career Development Award (CDA) to a Baylor College of Medicine faculty member.

To further translate applied health research into practice, Dr. Stevens has contributed to health policy at the local, regional, and national level. He recently completed an appointment to serve as a Co-Chair on the RAISE Family Caregiving Advisory Council (one of 15 non-federal, voting members). The Council provided Congress recommendations on effective models of family caregiving and support to family caregivers, and improved coordination across federal government programs in the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers. Additionally, Dr. Stevens has had appointments to Texas-based advisory boards including the Texas Institute of Health Care Quality and Efficiency, Texas Health Improvement Network, and Texas Alzheimer’s Research and Care Consortium.

Valerie Danesh, PhD, RN, FCCM, FAAN

Dr. Valerie Danesh is a Research Scientist at Baylor Scott & White Health in Texas. As a health services researcher with a background in critical care nursing, her research contributes to linking nurse-led surveillance and interventions with patient outcomes to address quality and safety needs for hospitalized patients across the continuum, from pre-ICU care to ICU recovery. Currently, her research includes examinations of cognitive impairment and driving safety after critical illness and intervention development to test peer support interventions for ICU survivors.

Paul J. Godley, PharmD, FASHP

Dr. Godley is the Director of Clinical Pharmacy Services at Baylor Scott & White Health Memorial Hospital and Clinics, as well as Director for the Scott and White Health Plan’s Clinical Pharmacy Services from 1992-2016. He accepted his current position in 2016 as System Director for Specialty Pharmacy Clinical Services and continues to hold an appointment as Associate Professor with the University of Texas at Austin. Dr Godley has also served as the Program Director for the Baylor Scott and White Health Economics and Outcomes Research Fellowship Program for 20 years. His principal interest is in chronic disease management, health economics and outcomes research. He has co-authored over one-hundred and fifty research articles and abstracts.

Shekhar Ghamande, MD

Dr. Ghamande is a Pulmonologist at Baylor Scott & White Health and also the Critical Care/Pulmonary Program Director. He joined Baylor Scott & White in 2011 and has been the program director since 2013. He is currently professor of Medicine at Baylor college of Medicine and continues as Clinical Professor at Texas A & M University. His principal research interests include viral pneumonias, ARDS, sepsis, COPD exacerbations, COPD readmissions. He has co-authored 80 publications and is on the American College of chest physician network committees on non-pulmonary critical care as well as CHEST infections diseases. He has multiple presentations at annual meetings of the American College of chest physicians and has chaired several sessions.

Kenneth Youens, MD, MBA

Dr. Youens is a clinical informaticist and pathologist at Baylor Scott & White Health. He is the Program Director of the BSWH Clinical Informatics Fellowship, a subspecialty fellowship training program designed to prepare physicians for leadership roles in clinical informatics. Dr. Youens’s primary clinical and administrative role is as system medical director for laboratory informatics, in which capacity he works to develop, implement, and refine clinical information systems, particularly as they impact clinical workflows and business processes. Dr. Youens’s current research interests include the use of artificial intelligence tools to support provider expertise, and healthcare information system innovations designed to reduce burnout.

Karin Myers, PMP,

Manager, Research Shared Services

Jason Ettlinger,

Manager, Research Shared Services

As manager of research and research data support services at Baylor Scott and White Research Institute for twelve years, Jason has had the opportunity to support nearly a thousand unique studies. At the same time managing a full research center conducting NIH funded research, specialized in research data support, through EHR data extraction, the development of analytical data sets, and the use of REDCap for surveys and clinical data capture. Jason has worked on multi-site studies organized by the CDC to conduct vaccine effectiveness work in flu and covid and have maintained data-focused research network partnerships such as with PCORNet and the Healthcare Services Research Network (HCSRN). He has the privilege to mentor staff, particularly around Epic data extraction, and received training in Epic Clarity with eight years’ experience managing Epic data work. Jason also oversees the team maintaining REDCap system at Baylor Scott and White Health.

Nursamaa Abdoel,

Research Project Coordinator I

Nursamaa Abdoel is a Research Program Coordinator at Baylor Scott & White Health. She was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela. Nursamaa did basic scientific research in early T cell signaling mechanisms in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus for more than 15 years. She is currently the retention lead for the All of Us research program for BSWH, where she works closely with the principal investigator, project manager and team leaders to coordinate efforts, make recommendations and plan accordingly to accomplish project goals. She reviews reports, analyzes data, organizes, and prioritizes outreach efforts for the team to effectively meet expected standards, as well as assists with front facing communication to participants to engage and retain them throughout the scope of the research program. Nursamaa is bilingual (fluent in English and Spanish), has a Bachelor of Science in biology from Universidad Central de Venezuela and a PhD in Immunology from Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas.

Shirmia Artis Stephens,

Research Project Coordinator I

Shirmia Artis Stephens is a Research Project Coordinator with the All of Us research program at Baylor Scott & White Health. Shirmia has been with the program since 2018, and has been promoted to the quality assurance/biobank lead and super trainer. She oversees five different Central and North Texas sites. Shirmia comes from a background in laboratory and compliance with 20 years of experience. Shirmia graduated from Trident University International with a master’s degree in health Science, public health epidemiology. She is currently a PhD student at Walden University, obtaining her doctorate in public health epidemiology. She is a member of the Alpha Beta Kappa (ABK) honors society, Golden Key International Honour Society, and the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) Honors Society. Shirmia plans to continue working in research to become a principal investigator.

Stephen Sequiera,

Analytics Developer I

Stephen Sequeira is the IT Lead for the All of Us research program at Baylor Scott and White Health, under the auspices of the Center for Applied Health Research. His responsibilities include data collection, reporting, and IT support. He has a background in the healthcare insurance industry, having worked for a TriCare contractor and a benefits enrollment vendor. He has a Bachelor of Science degree and is Epic certified.

Karin Myers, PMP

Senior Research Project Manager

Karin Myers is a Senior Research Project Manager at Baylor Scott & White Health. Karin holds a BSBA in human resources with a minor in agricultural business from The Ohio State University, and an MBA from Franklin University. Karin obtained her Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification in 2020. Karin recently accepted the role of Managing the CAHR Clinical Research team and continues to successfully project manage the All of Us Research Program, which Karin worked with Dr. Stevens to re-establish. Before joining BSWH, Karin was a consultant with Infor Software, Inc. flying around the world to implement enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems at healthcare organizations. While working on the Cleveland Clinic implementation, she won Employee of the Quarter.

Jordan Reese, PMP, LSSB

Project Manager/Site Coordinator

Jordan Reese is a Senior Research Project Manager/Site Coordinator at Baylor Scott & White Health. He has a Bachelor of Science in operations research from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He previously served in the Army as a Captain leading field artillery teams/units. He works with the principal investigator and team members to plan, organize, implement, and monitor research project protocols. He conducts risk analysis and implements mitigation measures to ensure the day-to-day activities are streamlined/safe and that the research project yields the best possible experience for the patients and their loved ones.

Sitara Abraham, MPH, PMP

Project Manager

Sitara Abraham is a Project Manager at Baylor Scott & White Health. Sitara is a certified Project Management Professional with a breadth of experience and expertise in project management. She works with principal investigators to plan, organize, and implement research project protocols, coordinates and provides technical direction of work activities to ensure effective completion of projects, manages day-to-day activities including applications and reports to IRB, and monitors progress towards goals and implementation of project tasks. Her research interests include program design, implementation and best practices in program evaluation of rigorous, collaborative and theory-driven evaluations. She has a Bachelor of Science in biology from Texas A&M University and a Master of Public Health in community health policy and management from the University of Texas School of Public Health.

Jennifer Thorud, MPH

Research Associate

Jennifer is a Research Associate at Baylor Scott & White Health. She has a background in both public health and applied health research including project management; data management and interpretation; manuscript and grant development; program evaluation; and overseeing public health surveillance and infectious disease outbreak response. She completed her graduate training at the University of Iowa, earning a Master of Public Health in epidemiology.

Donna Parker

LBSW-Health & Community Interventionist

Donna is a licensed baccalaureate social worker and has completed a Bachelor of Science in social and human services. She has over 25 years of experience in social services with 20 years in developing and managing social services, adult, and children’s programs. She is a Health and Community Interventionist at Baylor Scott & White.

Donna has a unique background in program management, program development and project management. Her experience in social services has given her the unique ability to communicate and transfer job knowledge and skills to all levels within an organization. She has experience working with both adults and children in multiple delivery and service settings. Most recently, Donna has worked with adults with dementia in the Veterans-directed program and community settings. Her background as a social worker has given her exposure in a variety of settings and she is utilizing this experience to work closely with a variety of staff at different levels and working with the community, assisting with recruitment and retention within the research projects

Joselyn Cravens

Research Enrollment Analyst

Joselyn Cravens is a Research Enrollment Analyst currently serving as a Clinical Research Coordinator for several studies at Baylor Scott & White Health including the TREx PTSD Study, ECMO Study, Drive-PICS Study, and a Vaccine Effectiveness Study. In her role, Joselyn supports participant enrollment, data collection, and study coordination to advance evidence-based practices in healthcare and improve patient outcomes. She is passionate about clinical research, patient advocacy, and contributing to projects that promote health and recovery. Joselyn is currently pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing with plans to bridge to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), aligning her academic goals with her commitment to a career in healthcare and research excellence.

Irene Andrews

Irene is a retired Killeen ISD Special Education teacher, member of the Texas Retired Teachers Association, a lifetime member of the NEA and a former organizer with Texas State Teachers Association. In 2013, she married her wife Joan Hinshaw. They have been together 40 years. They cared for Joan's elder parents in their Nolanville home for eight years, before both parents passed away at age 93. This experience motivated Irene to become an advocate for family caregivers such as Joan and herself, who need support and often don't know where to turn for help. Irene Andrews is a former Texas Silver-Haired Legislator, having served two terms (four years) as the chair of the subcommittee on Retirement and Aging. The TSHL works in conjunction with Texas Area Agencies on Aging(AAA) to advocate for seniors in Texas. She is a current member of the Central Texas AAA Advisory Committee. Irene is a bee keeper and Joan is a master gardener. Together, they stay active by participating in a weekly chair yoga class taught by their granddaughter. The benefits of staying flexible and strong enable them to work their organic vegetable garden and harvest raw honey. They continue to volunteer with, and support the work of, Habitat For Humanity and Families in Crisis Women's Shelter. Irene and Joan also helped their city of Nolanville establish a Stable Housing Committee that both of them serve on, with a special focus on supporting the elderly in staying housed in their homes. Irene has been a member of the Local Patient & Stakeholder Committee for the Dementia-Care Study at Baylor Scott & White Health since 2019

Anne Gillespie Lueck, PhD, CCC-SLP

Anne Lueck grew up in Temple, Texas, daughter of a Scott and White Physician. She was the founder and Chief of the Section of Speech-Language Pathology and director of the Children’s Specialty Care Coordination Program at Scott and White Medical Center in Temple for 36 years. Dr. Lueck has had sixty years experience assessing and treating speech, communication, and learning disabilities in children and voice disorders, aphasia, and dementia in adults. She was one of the principal founders of the Children’s Special Needs Network and currently serves on the Board of Directors of two other organizations serving special needs - the TAMRA Learning Academy and the Central Texas Children’s Center. Dr. Lueck said, “Of all of my life experiences, the most challenging was the five years that my husband and I struggled to maintain our quality of life after he was diagnosed with frontotemporal degeneration, a disease with which I had had no experience during my professional career. Our quest for help and support led us to participate in research at the University of California San Francisco and seek education and support through the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration. We had 60 years of an amazing marriage. During the last five years, I watched this incredibly kind, bright and creative person slowly fade away as the disease progressed.”Dr. Lueck understands the challenges that family caregivers face and the importance of connecting families impacted by dementia to the care, services, and support that they need. She is personally aware of significant gaps in the healthcare system in “caring for the caregiver” whether they be caring for adults or children. Dr. Lueck has been a member of the Local Patient & Stakeholder Committee for the Dementia-Care Study at Baylor Scott & White Health since 2019.

Sybila E Godoy

Sybila Godoy is the supervisor for clinical research at BSWRI. She has a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration at Brigham Young University-Idaho, an Associates of Arts in Psychology, and a national certification as a medical interpreter-Spanish. Her background as a medical interpreter gave her exposure to a variety of settings, patients, and experiences that she is utilizing here. She helps with the coordination of the project between participants, research assistants, interventionists, and sponsor. Through her work in DCARE she developed a deep connection with participants that enabled her to understand the concept of caregiving and its constraints. Sybila Godoy has been involved for years in women’s organizations and volunteering with minorities hoping to improve healthcare experience for these groups. Caregiving advocacy is very important to her because of the impact her work had on the people she touched during DCARE as well as her personal experience with it as she faced her own challenges in caring for the health of a loved one. She has been involved in critical care, emergency care, palliative care, hospice and end of life through her work as a medical interpreter for over 18 years and that only solidified her deep empathy for patients and caregivers as they navigate a convoluted system that induces so much stress for patients and caregivers alike.

Stephanie O’Banion

Stephanie O'Banion has been the President/CEO of the United Way of Central Texas since 2015. Prior to this she spent over 20 years working in Chambers of Commerce with a focus on community and economic development. Stephanie became involved in the Aging and Care Advisory Committee after her dad passed away in 2022 with Alzheimer’s. Stephanie hopes to use her family’s experience in a way that would help others facing the challenges associated with caregiving. Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Texas A&M University. She also attended the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor where she recently received her Non-Profit Administrator Certification. She and her husband Guy have been married for 30 years and have 2 four-legged children named Barney and Andy.

Kelli Stokes

Kelli Stokes was born in Philadelphia, PA, grew up in South Jersey, was educated in Newark, DE, and has worked in South Jersey; Philadelphia, PA; Minneapolis, MN; Nashville, TN; Peoria, IL and Seguin, TX; and retired and lives in Killeen, TX. Kelli Stokes was born in Philadelphia, PA, grew up in South Jersey, was educated in Newark, DE, and has worked in South Jersey; Philadelphia, PA; Minneapolis, MN; Nashville, TN; Peoria, IL and Seguin, TX; and retired and lives in Killeen, TX. Kelli is the caregiver for her husband Bill. She is also an active volunteer in several community organizations as well as with her church, Killeen Seventh Day Adventist Church. Her personal mission is to serve others with a loving and kind heart. Kelli and her husband Bill have been married 31 years, and have been blessed with a loving family. They have three loving daughters and seven grandchildren. Kelli and Bill moved to Killeen to be active in their grandchildren’s lives.