Visana is where women's health finds a home

Visana was started from watching our loved ones experience the physical, mental, social, and financial impacts of living with gynecological conditions, feeling dismissed, and struggling to get care.

Our Clinical Values

We believe women's healthcare should prioritize listening and empowering patients.

Patient-Centric Approach

We prioritize your needs and empower you to drive your care plan.

Committed to Excellence

We partner with leading experts to provide exceptional healthcare services.

Empowering Women's Health

We believe in empowering women to take control of their health and well-being.

Headshot of Dr. Levy

Dr. Barbara Levy leads with expertise and empathy

Visana’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Barbara Levy is a champion for advancing women's health and well-being throughout her illustrious career. With a rich background that includes private practice and leadership roles in women's and children's services, Dr. Levy has consistently advocated for excellence in healthcare delivery.

Dr. Levy has been a force in shaping the landscape of women's healthcare globally. Her clinical approach emphasizes comprehensive, evidence-based care that is tailored to meet the diverse needs of women.

“The job of a healthcare professional is to give you the information you need to help you make the best choice for yourself.”

Dr. Barbara Levy

FACOG, FACS
Chief Medical Officer

We are champions of inclusive women’s healthcare

Read more about Visana’s commitment to health equity and our approach to gendered language.

Two Women Sitting on White Wooden Bench

Our world-class medical team

Our experienced clinical team consists of women's health specialists in obstetrics, gynecology, midwifery, primary care, internal medicine, cardiology, psychology, psychiatry, and dermatology.

Dr. Barbara Levy
Chief Medical Officer
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Dr. Barbara Levy

Chief Medical Officer

M.D, FACOG, FACS

Barbara Levy, M.D., FACOG, FACS, is a lifelong advocate for advancing the quality of women’s health.   Dr. Levy was in private practice and served as a Medical Director for Women’s and Children’s Services for the Franciscan Health System. She was elected as the first female president of AAGL in 1994-1995. 

In 2012 Dr. Levy joined the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) as the first full-time woman physician leader. She built a quality, safety and informatics team dedicated to supporting improvement in health care for women. 

Her research interests span from outcomes research in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery to optimizing care for women with chronic pelvic pain.  Her clinical work focused on evidence-based, equitable, comprehensive care for women throughout their life course.

Dr. Levy graduated magna cum laude from Princeton University. She obtained her medical degree from the University of California, San Diego, followed by an internship and residency at the Oregon Health Sciences University.  She currently holds clinical professorships in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences and UCSD Health.

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Dr. Chardonnay Vance
Family & Women's Health Physician
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Dr. Chardonnay Vance

Family & Women's Health Physician

M.D.

Dr. Chardonnay Vance is a board-certified Family Medicine Physician.  She started her career working as a lay midwife, then worked as a research scientist, and now a Primary Care Physician.  She began her medical practice in a small town and shifted into telemedicine over the last few years.

When the opportunity to be a part of designing and building the next generation of primary care on a national scale through telehealth presented itself, she was excited to play a role in it.  Her mission is to always put the patient first and foremost in every encounter and honor the sacred doctor-patient relationship.  

In her time away from caring for patients and building better medical tools, she enjoys spending time with her family and neighbors, exploring the outdoors, and breeding a flock of chickens that is laying a rainbow of different-colored and delicious eggs.

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Katrina Rollins
Nurse Practitioner
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Katrina Rollins

Nurse Practitioner

ARNP, CNM, MPH

Katrina is a Certified Nurse Midwife and Nurse Practitioner dedicated to decreasing disparities in Women's Health. She received a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialty in Midwifery/Women's Health from Emory University. Additionally, she studied public health to better understand the causes, as well as solutions for the frightening inequalities present in health care. Katrina is an advocate for providing education and respect to women so that they feel empowered to take charge of their health and make informed decisions.

As a Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) warrior herself, she has a special interest in helping other women manage their symptoms with a holistic approach that creates true, sustainable results. She understands the value of cultural practices when making health decisions and has worked with women all over the world, including South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, India, and Haiti.

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Chelsea Leupold
Senior Health Coach
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Chelsea Leupold

Senior Health Coach

MA, NBC-HW

Chelsea is a board-certified health coach through NBC-HW. She previously worked at Noom as a health coach and health coach manager. Prior to that, she worked as a nurse and has always been passionate about wellness and lifestyle medicine.

Chelsea earned her Master’s degree in Health and Wellness Coaching from Maryland University of Integrative Medicine. She is also a certified yoga instructor.

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Debra Barnes
Nurse Practitioner
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Debra Barnes

Nurse Practitioner

MSN, WHCNP, FNP-BC

Debra is a dual-certified Women’s Healthcare Nurse Practitioner (WHCNP) andFamily Nurse Practitioner (FNP). Debra completed her WHCNP for UCLA-HarborMedical Center and later her Family Nurse Practitioner at the University of Phoenix.Debra has over 26 years of experience as a Nurse Practitioner with a primaryfocus on women’s health. Debra has experience in many areas of primarygynecological disorders and specialty concerns, including infertility, endometriosis,peri & post-menopausal care, overactive bladder syndrome, and PolycysticOvary syndrome (PCOS).

As an educational advocate in the community, Debra has worked as an AmericanCancer Association Breast Health Advocate and Instructor, an American CancerSociety Health Disparity ambassador, and worked with the Center for Disease Controland Prevention’s national Well-Woman Program to offer free pap smears andmammograms to uninsured and underinsured women. Debra is an infertility warriorand now a peri-postmenopausal warrior. She has weathered those challenges andseeks to educate others in this area.

Debra believes proactive health care will help women live longer with minimalhealth challenges. She believes proactive treatment and preventive health canhelp improve health outcomes for women.

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Tasha Thomas
Nurse Practitioner
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Tasha Thomas

Nurse Practitioner

CNM

Tasha Thomas is a passionate Certified Nurse Midwife whose journey into women's health began in her childhood. With over 8 years in the field, she skillfully supports her patients' healthcare needs with empathy and understanding, drawing from a foundation of evidence-based practice. Her expertise extends to preconception, postpartum, and gynecological care, reflecting her dedication to comprehensive healthcare for women.

Having worked in various settings, from inpatient facilities to out-of-hospital environments, Tasha brings a wealth of experience to every interaction. Her goal? To dismantle the taboo surrounding women's health and empower her patients to take charge of their well-being. A graduate of Frontier Nursing University, Tasha considers herself a supportive, patient-focused midwife who is eager to disrupt the status quo. Despite the challenges of being part of an Active Duty military family, juggling deployments, trainings, and relocations, Tasha remains dedicated to her profession.

Alongside her commitments to healthcare, she is also a devoted mother raising two boys. Through her work at Visana Health, Tasha is breaking down barriers and shaping the future of women's healthcare, one patient at a time.

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Kristin Schwartz
Nurse Practitioner
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Kristin Schwartz

Nurse Practitioner

CNM

Kristin has a contagious passion for serving women and creating optimal health outcomes through a personalized and holistic care approach. Her experience includes 3 years in Oncology nursing and over 7 years as a Certified Nurse Midwife. Kristin enhanced her knowledge and expertise with a master’s degree in Women’s Health from Georgetown University.

What sets Kristin apart is her emphasis on building relationships with her patients based ontrust, compassion, and education. This approach not only fosters better patient outcomes but also empowers women to take charge of their health.

Her experience spans various settings, from birth centers to hospital environments, where she has provided comprehensive care in maternity and gynecologic health. This breadth of experience equips her to address a wide range of conditions, from polycystic ovarian syndrome to pelvic floor dysfunction, with expertise and empathy.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Kristin's dedication to her family, her involvement in her church community, and her love for road trips and quality time with her pets showcase her well-rounded nature and her ability to balance her personal and professional life effectively.

Joining Visana represents a new chapter in Kristin's career, where she can continue her mission of patient-centered care alongside a like-minded team. Her enthusiasm for treating the whole person underscores her commitment to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare to her patients.

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Libby Newsome
Nurse Practitioner
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Libby Newsome

Nurse Practitioner

WHNP

Libby Newsome is a dedicated Certified Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) and Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach with a passion for empowering women across their lifespan has more than 30 years of experience caring for women. Originally hailing from Chapel Hill, Libby now proudly calls Greensboro, NC, her home.

With a robust background in healthcare and wellness, Libby's journey began as a professional fitness and lifestyle coach, where she designed tailored programs focusing on individuals struggling with weight management. Her commitment extended beyond the gym walls through community outreach, where she passionately spoke on health, wellness, and longevity.

Driven by her belief in holistic care, Libby spearheaded a groundbreaking prenatal fitness program at a local hospital and one of Greensboro's largest fitness centers. Inspired by her father, a prominent physician and oncology specialist in Chapel Hill, she learned the invaluable lesson that there's more to a patient than their diagnosis.

Libby's professional ethos centers around making women feel heard and understood, addressing the unique health challenges they face throughout their lives. Whether guiding expectant mothers through prenatal care or supporting women in navigating complex health issues, she strives to provide compassionate and comprehensive care.

Beyond her healthcare endeavors, Libby finds joy in her passions for interior design and cooking, often enjoying both alongside friends.

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Heather Jacobs
Certified Midwife and Nurse Practitioner
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Heather Jacobs

Certified Midwife and Nurse Practitioner

RN, CNM, WHNP

Heather got her start in reproductive healthcare as an activist and full spectrum doula. She attended the University of California San Francisco to become a Certified Nurse Midwife and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and she has since cared for patients within major healthcare systems throughout the West Coast. Whether she is catching babies or counseling patients in the clinic, Heather is passionate about providing empowering, individualized, evidence-based care to her patients. Her areas of expertise include pregnancy and postpartum care, preconception and infertility care, sexual health and contraception, and trauma-informed gynecologic care. As a queer woman with a nonbinary partner, Heather is particularly passionate about providing inclusive care to LGBTQ+ and gender expansive patients. Heather believes her role as a midwife is to listen to, trust, and advocate for her patients. When she is not working, you can find Heather curled up with some tea and a book, or spending time outdoors with her spouse, daughter, and dog.

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Obum Calais
Nurse Practitioner
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Obum Calais

Nurse Practitioner

Obum is a Nurse practitioner who champions women’s wellness and social determinants of health.  She received her Master’s degree with a specialty in Family Medicine from Angelo State University.

She enjoys using motivational interviewing to promote healthy habits and help facilitate the provider patient relationship.  She ascribes to the treatment of the whole patient and evidence-based women’s health care.  

With patient centered care, she is able to individualize a plan of care and adapt to social influences that impact health and care access.

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Charneice Harris
Nurse Practitioner
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Charneice Harris

Nurse Practitioner

Charneice Harris is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, with a professional background spanning various clinical settings. She earned her Master's of Science in Nursing from George Washington University.

Throughout her career, Charneice has amassed valuable experience working in women's health, retail health, urgent care, and telemedicine. This diverse experience has not only enriched her skills but has also provided her with a comprehensive understanding of patient needs across different healthcare environments.

Charneice's passion lies particularly in functional and women's health. She is deeply committed to optimizing well-being and improving patient outcomes, using a personalized approach that considers the unique needs and circumstances of each patient. Her approach is grounded in the belief that health is not merely the absence of disease but a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.

Charneice is driven by her commitment to empowering patients through education and collaboration. She believes that by providing patients with knowledge and understanding about their health, they can take an active role in their care and make informed decisions that contribute to their overall wellness. She is dedicated to helping her patients not just live, but thrive, supporting them every step of the way on their journey to optimal health.

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Caroline Long
Nurse Practitioner
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Caroline Long

Nurse Practitioner

Caroline is a Board Certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner with a passion for providing high quality, inclusive care to her patients. She received a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialty in Women’s Health from Vanderbilt University. Her interest in women’s health stems from a strong desire to help individuals overcome systemic barriers to reproductive and sexual health services. She specializes in all things women’s health, but has specific experience managing complex gynecologic conditions including endometriosis, pelvic pain, uterine fibroids, and abnormal uterine bleeding.

She strives to provide women with comprehensive, patient-centered, supportive care allowing her patients to be in control of their health and wellness.


When not seeing patients, she enjoys spending time with her husband and golden retriever, Todd, as well as baking and traveling.

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Nicole Shin
Nurse practitioner
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Nicole Shin

Nurse practitioner

Nicole Shin is a seasoned women's health nurse practitioner with over 10 years of experience, having graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a focus on empowering women to take control of their health and well-being.

She has a deep commitment to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to her patients. Throughout her career, Nicole has built a reputation for her dedication to excellence to quality and her unwavering commitment to the well-being of those under her care.

Nicole's areas of expertise include sexual reproductive health, thyroid management, family planning, and menopause management. She is known for her ability to establish strong, trusting relationships with her patients, ensuring they feel heard, respected, and supported throughout their health journeys.

Nicole is passionate about patient education and advocacy. She believes in equipping patients with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions about their health, empowering them to lead healthier, happier lives.

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Kentoria Roberson-White
Nurse Practitioner
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Kentoria Roberson-White

Nurse Practitioner

Kentoria Roberson-White, FNP, is a dedicated healthcare professional with a strong passion for women's health and reproductive wellness. As a mother and wife, Kentoria understands the importance of comprehensive healthcare for women and is committed to making a positive impact in their lives.

Kentoria earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas Tech University before furthering her education at the University of Texas at Houston, where she obtained her Master's degree. Throughout her academic journey, Kentoria demonstrated a deep dedication to her field and a commitment to advancing women's healthcare.

With a focus on empowering women to take control of their health, Kentoria brings empathy, expertise, and a patient-centered approach to her practice. She believes in building trusting relationships with her patients.

Kentoria is passionate about helping women navigate the various stages of their lives, from adolescence through menopause and beyond. She is dedicated to staying updated on the latest advancements in healthcare and is committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based care to her patients.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Kentoria enjoys spending time with her family, advocating for women's health issues, and engaging in community outreach initiatives

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Sasha Francis
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
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Sasha Francis

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

MHA, MSN, WHNP-BC

Sasha is a dedicated and pragmatic board-certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and healthcare leader. She has over a decade of experience in providing high-quality care across complex health systems. Sasha is proficient in telehealth services, advanced gynecological procedures, and quality improvement studies. Her professional interests focus on optimizing reproductive and sexual health. Sasha’s care philosophy centers on building patient relationships through compassion, empathy, and education, with a strong emphasis on cultural competence and representation.

Sasha holds a master’s degree in nursing from the University of South Alabama and a master’s in healthcare administration from the University of New Haven, blending advanced clinical expertise with strategic administrative skills.

Always an advocate for patients, Sasha has collaborated with her local organizations to offer free pap smears and breast exams to uninsured and underinsured individuals. She has expanded access to birth control and family planning services and empowered women through quality improvement studies on sexual health counseling.

Her dedication to clinical excellence is evident in her commitment to staying current with industry trends and advancements. Additionally, she is devoted to providing trauma-informed care, and is thrilled to partner with you in this endeavor. 

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Judy Moriarty
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
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Judy Moriarty

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

CNM, WHNP

With over 30 years of dedicated experience in women's health, Judy is a compassionate advocate and expert caregiver. Specializing in preventative gynecology, contraception, sexual health, genital dermatology, menopause, PCOS, breast health and cancer, endometriosis, bleeding disorders, PMS, postpartum depression, and urinary stress incontinence, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her practice.  She is recognized for her empathetic approach and proficiency in educating and supporting women throughout all stages of life.

Judy has an undergraduate degree from Duke University, followed by nursing and master's degrees from Yale University, where she honed her clinical skills and deepened her passion for women's health.

Beyond her clinical practice, Judy is committed to education and advocacy, her mission is to empower women to take charge of their health and well-being, equipping them with the knowledge and support they need to make informed decisions.

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Christie Jurena
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
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Christie Jurena

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

MS, WHNP-BC

With over 15 years of experience in advanced nursing, Christie is a dedicated Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in peri-operative care, outpatient gynecology, family planning, menopause management, hormone replacement therapy, STI screening and treatment, and trauma informed care. Her career spans across various roles, demonstrating leadership and expertise in both clinical practice and management.

She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Boston College and a Master of Public Health with a focus on Maternal Child Health from Boston University. She used her foundational public health skills to create a strong pillar in her clinical practice as a Nurse Practitioner.

Passionate about education and mentorship, Christie enjoys teaching patients about their health, lifestyles, and the importance of what we put in our bodies.

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Shardai Gossett
Doctor of Nursing Practice
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Shardai Gossett

Doctor of Nursing Practice

DNP, APRN-CNM

With a comprehensive background in women's health, crisis management, and functional medicine, Shardai is dedicated to advancing patient care and enhancing patients' confidence, self-esteem, and overall wellness. Her diverse experience includes roles as a Certified Nurse Midwife, Postpartum and Labor & Delivery Registered Nurse, Trauma Registered Nurse, and Crisis Travel Nurse during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.  She is dedicated to evidence-based practice and ensures to deliver the most up-to-date and effective care to patients remotely. 

As a woman of color, drawing from her own experiences with uterine fibroids and infertility, as well as utilizing the exceptional resources at Visana, she aims to create an inclusive environment where individuals feel empowered to seek help and advocate for their well-being. Shardai is dedicated to dismantling the barriers to mental health support and ensuring that every individual, regardless of background, receives the care and support they deserve.

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Want to join our mission-driven team?

Find your next role shaping the future of women's healthcare with us.

Backed by world-class healthcare investors

Executive Leadership Team

Shelly Lanning
President
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Shelly Lanning

President

Shelly has over 20 years of healthcare operating and venture capital experience where she focused on digital health, medical devices and healthcare services.

Shelly holds a MBA from the Wharton School and a BA from the University of Minnesota.  She is a Kauffman Fellow, Class VI.

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Joe Connolly
Founder & CEO
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Joe Connolly

Founder & CEO

Joe's mom suffered for decades from endometriosis. Previously, he worked at Boston Scientific, creating new medical devices & digital apps.

Joe holds a Masters in Biomedical Engineering from Duke.

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Dr. Barbara Levy
Chief Medical Officer
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Dr. Barbara Levy

Chief Medical Officer

Barbara Levy, M.D., FACOG, FACS, is a lifelong advocate for advancing the quality of women’s health.   Dr. Levy was in private practice and served as a Medical Director for Women’s and Children’s Services for the Franciscan Health System. She was elected as the first female president of AAGL in 1994-1995. 

In 2012 Dr. Levy joined the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) as the first full-time woman physician leader. She built a quality, safety and informatics team dedicated to supporting improvement in health care for women. 

Her research interests span from outcomes research in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery to optimizing care for women with chronic pelvic pain.  Her clinical work focused on evidence-based, equitable, comprehensive care for women throughout their life course.

Dr. Levy graduated magna cum laude from Princeton University. She obtained her medical degree from the University of California, San Diego, followed by an internship and residency at the Oregon Health Sciences University.  She currently holds clinical professorships in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences and UCSD Health.

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Scib Ebel
Chief Technology Officer
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Scib Ebel

Chief Technology Officer

Scib previously served as the CTO/CISO at Nexben, Icario (formerly Revel Health), and has held leadership positions at Optum and Cigna. His experience developing teams and directing technology strategies within the healthcare industry make him an invaluable addition to the Visana team.

Outside of his work at Visana, Scib enjoys spending time with his two boys and staying active. He has a passion for baseball and for the past six years he’s served on the Prior Lake youth travel baseball board and also coaches his sons’ teams.

Scib has his MBA and MS in Software Engineering from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota.

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Carla Eckhardt Taracena
Vice President of Clinical Operations
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Carla Eckhardt Taracena

Vice President of Clinical Operations

Carla L. Eckhardt Taracena, MSc, is a seasoned senior manager with over 30 years of dynamic leadership experience in non-profit, academic, and for-profit healthcare organizations including serving as Chief Operating Officer in a prominent US healthcare system to leading as Country Director for international NGOs. She is recognized for her proficiency in managing executive teams and large multi-site clinical staff, achieving measurable results, and driving positive outcomes. Notably, under her leadership, clinical programs experienced a consistent annual increase in service volume by 10-20%, including the successful establishment of new service lines and innovative business models to generate revenue.

Carla's generalist skills span all organizational functions, including finance, marketing, human resources, clinical protocol development, independent research, and new business development. An accomplished people leader, Carla has successfully developed high-performing teams and instituted creative leadership training initiatives. Her ability to articulate strategic visions and align work efforts with business and social impact goals has been a consistent theme throughout her distinguished career.

Given the evolving landscape of healthcare, Carla recognizes the pivotal role of telemedicine in today's trends. Recently appointed as Vice President of Clinical Operations at Visana Health, a cutting-edge telemedicine startup, Carla is at the forefront of steering the company's focus on providing comprehensive women's health care. In a world where the importance of accessible and patient-centric healthcare is paramount, telemedicine emerges as a transformative force.

At Visana Health, the mission is to address the unique needs of women whose chronic conditions may have gone undiagnosed or treated poorly. This disruptive approach in the medical field sets Visana Health apart—they prioritize listening to women over solely relying on test results. This new role perfectly aligns with Carla's career mission of serving women and empowering them to take control of their health journey.

Having earned an MSc in global management from the Robert Kennedy College business school in Zurich and a BA from Yale University, Carla's educational background equips her with a comprehensive understanding of global dynamics that inform her domestic health care delivery leadership.

With a commitment to women's reproductive health, Carla has been dedicated to ensuring women worldwide have access to safe, high-quality care. She has co-authored publicationssuch as "Implementation of the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health Program to Reduce Maternal Mortality in Malawi" in Obstetrics & Gynecology (March 2019), & "Obstetrics and Gynecology in Global Health: Lessons Learned for advancing public health to achieve universal health care"; in the American College of Surgeons (May 2018), and an editorial titled "Beyond Education and Training, Making Change Stick" in Contraception (May 2009).

Carla currently residing in Palo Alto with her children and beloved mutt Olive. Looking ahead, she is eager to continue her journey of guiding organizations to reach larger audiences, fostering innovation, and contributing to the positive transformation addressing women’s access to high quality health care.

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