Elizabeth Burrows and her team of expert healthcare consultants share a passion for rural healthcare and health equity for all. Sparked by her battle with Crohn’s Disease and witnessing poverty abroad and in her hometown, Elizabeth Burrows dedicates her life to ensuring health equity across all patient populations.
Meet Elizabeth, our trailblazing Owner, whose academic path was marked by excellence, graduating at the top of her class from DePauw University. Her academic pursuits didn’t stop there; she ventured abroad to Oxford University, immersing herself in Political Science and Communications, then achieved her Doctor of Jurisprudence from Indiana University Maurer School of Law. This foundation laid the groundwork for her significant impact on public health.
Driven by a personal battle with Crohn’s Disease and witnessing poverty’s effects both internationally and in her community, Elizabeth developed a profound commitment to health equity and rural healthcare. Her dedication led her to the Indiana State Department of Health, where, as Director of the State Office of Rural Health, she more than tripled the federal funding for critical access hospitals.
Returning to her roots in Cayuga, she became the founding CEO of Valley Professionals Community Health Center, guiding its growth by over 1000% in eight years. Elizabeth’s ambition extended further in 2014 when she founded Burrows Consulting. Her leadership has since secured over $300 million in grant funding and over $400 million in enhanced Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements for health entities across more than 40 states and U.S. territories, maintaining a profitability of over 70%.
Beyond her business achievements, Elizabeth has served as CEO of an FQHC Look Alike and Executive Director of Purdue University’s FQHC, demonstrating her broad expertise and dedication to healthcare improvement.
Elizabeth’s journey is not just about professional milestones; it’s a reflection of her unwavering dedication to making healthcare accessible to all, fueled by a personal commitment to health equity. Her story from a determined student to a healthcare leader is a powerful narrative of passion driving purposeful change.
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Cara Gambill, our Senior Consultant, whose educational journey stands as confirmation of her solid dedication and excellence in the sphere of health services management.
After swiftly completing the accelerated Health Services Management program at Indiana University School of Medicine, Cara continued to advance. She went on to gain a Master’s degree in Health Administration, earning Upsilon Phi Delta honors for her outstanding academic performance.
Cara’s professional trajectory took shape at the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, where she delved into Occupational Employment Statistics, setting the stage for her impactful career in healthcare. Her passion for rural health led her back to Dugger, Indiana, where she made significant strides at Greene County Health, Inc. (GCH). Her leadership in achieving Federally Qualified Health Center Look-alike status and implementing a robust 340B program underscored her strategic acumen and dedication to healthcare excellence. Throughout her tenure at GCH, Cara navigated multiple roles, including Project Manager, Interim CEO, and Director of Strategic Planning and Development, successfully securing over $430,000 in grant funding.
Cara’s expertise is not just limited to operational roles; she is a certified Lean Six Sigma professional and serves as a HRSA grant reviewer. Her contributions include a plethora of successful on-site visits, authoring HRSA-approved needs assessments, and crafting strategic plans that have propelled healthcare entities towards success.
Beyond her professional commitments, Cara treasures time spent reading, engaging in outdoor activities, and making memories with her husband and their children, Aedan, Nolan, and Elora. Cara’s narrative is one of relentless pursuit of excellence, a deep commitment to improving healthcare systems, and a personal mission to contribute meaningfully to the communities she serves.
Shelby Hull’s journey in public health is a compelling narrative of dedication and strategic acumen. Her academic voyage began at Indiana University Fairbanks School of Public Health, where she not only earned her Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Management but also exemplified her commitment to healthcare. Shelby’s university tenure was marked by her influential role with the Indiana Hospital Association, where she spearheaded the Small Rural Hospital Improvement Project (SHIP) through HRSA and the Indiana Department of Health, enhancing the operational and financial health of over 30 rural and critical access hospitals across Indiana.
Her career took a dynamic turn when she and her husband ventured to Michigan, and Shelby transitioned into corporate healthcare. Working closely with the CEO of one of Michigan’s largest health systems, she managed pivotal projects that spanned clinical and non-clinical areas across an eight-hospital system, showcasing her versatility and leadership in healthcare management.
Today, as a Senior Associate at Burrows Consulting, Shelby brings a wealth of experience in both rural and urban healthcare settings. Her expertise in HRSA grant applications, including Look-Alike and Service Area Competition, along with her support for private and state grants, makes her a pivotal asset to our team. Shelby’s commitment to healthcare improvement is evident in her strategic planning and execution, ensuring our clients receive the highest level of consultancy services.
On a personal note, Shelby enjoys exploring new horizons with her husband, Bailey, and their new puppy, Phoebe. Their move to Dallas has opened up opportunities for outdoor adventures, food adventures, and immersing themselves in the vibrant local culture. Shelby’s journey reflects a passion for healthcare innovation and a deep commitment to enhancing patient care across diverse communities.
Jonathan “Jon” North’s educational journey culminated at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, where he emerged with a robust foundation in business principles. Beyond academia, Jon is a licensed health, life, and accident insurance agent, showcasing a versatile skill set that bridges various aspects of healthcare and business.
Joining our team in March 2022 as an Associate Consultant, Jon brought his invaluable experience from an FQHC Look-Alike’s administration team. His pivotal role in their Initial Designation process exemplifies his commitment and expertise in enhancing healthcare access. At Burrows Consulting, Jon channels his passion into expanding quality care through federal and state programs for our clients. His focus areas include assisting 340B Covered Entities with registration, recertification, Third-Party Administrator integration, and ensuring compliance, further solidifying our mission to improve healthcare delivery.
Jon’s personal life is as fulfilling as his professional one. He enjoys spending quality time with his partner, Abbey, and their dog, Bull, exploring life’s simple pleasures. Jon’s interests span traveling, reading, music, and delving into the nuances of capital markets, reflecting a well-rounded personality that values continuous learning and personal growth.
Jon’s contribution to Burrows Consulting and our clients is invaluable, embodying our core values of excellence, commitment, and innovation in healthcare consulting.
Meet Rachel Riggs, our esteemed Senior Quality Consultant at Burrows Consulting, whose profound expertise in healthcare spans over two decades. Rachel embarked on her illustrious career with a foundational role as a Medical Assistant, rapidly advancing to specialize in quality improvement within the ambulatory healthcare system. Her academic journey at Western Governors University culminated in an MBA in Healthcare Management, further solidifying her prowess in the field. Rachel’s commitment to excellence is evidenced by her certifications as a Lean Practitioner and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, testaments to her dedication and skill in streamlining healthcare processes for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
Rachel’s tenure at the largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Indiana is marked by her transformative leadership, where she significantly enhanced health outcomes, reduced costs, and elevated patient and staff satisfaction. Notably, under her guidance, the FQHC received the HRSA Health Center Quality Leader Bronze award, ranking the organization among the top 30% in the country for clinical measures. Her innovative approach to compensation programs and best practices across various ambulatory service lines has consistently led to annual improvements in performance metrics and the highest HRSA Quality Improvement awards statewide. Rachel’s meticulous adherence to regulatory standards also ensured flawless HRSA site visits.
In 2024, Rachel transitioned to Burrows Consulting, bringing her wealth of knowledge in quality improvement, FQHC regulations, managed care programs, and clinical best practices to a wider audience. Her goal is to empower other organizations and leaders to excel in providing high-quality care, especially to vulnerable communities across the U.S.
Outside the professional realm, Rachel enjoys nature, painting, walks with her fiancee’, Michael and Aussidor, Cayde. She is a mother of a 20 year old, Ehthan and also far too many plants. She hopes to continue to provide her support and expertise to organizations to continue to positively impact the most vulnerable communities throughout the US. Through her comprehensive career and personal endeavors, Rachel embodies the essence of leadership, innovation, and compassion, making her a vital part of the Burrows Consulting team and a positive force in the healthcare community.
Presenting Jeannie Cisney, our MSN/Ed, RN, CCRN, who has extensive knowledge in providing excellence in patient care. She obtained her baccalaureate degree of nursing in 2000 and her master’s degree of nursing in 2009. The entirety of her inpatient bedside career was spent working at a Level I Trauma Center in a Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) where she was also the unit educator since 2008.
With a robust educational background, Jeannie earned her Bachelor of Nursing in 2000, followed by a Master of Nursing in 2009, marking her as a leader in her field. Her career has been deeply rooted in the high-stakes environment of a Level I Trauma Center’s Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU), where she not only provided critical care but also took on the vital role of unit educator since 2008.
Jeannie’s mastery in nursing extends beyond patient care to shaping healthcare practices at their core. She has been instrumental in revising nursing policies and procedures, ensuring they are grounded in the latest evidence-based practices. Her keen eye for improvement has led her to refine physician order sets, delve into occurrence reports, and spearhead performance improvement projects, always with the goal of enhancing patient outcomes. Her leadership capabilities were further recognized through her involvement as a member and chair of various hospital committees.
Beyond her direct care and leadership roles, Jeannie has significantly contributed to the education of the next generation of nurses. Serving as an adjunct clinical faculty member for several years, she imparted her knowledge and passion for nursing to students in two distinct baccalaureate nursing programs. Her dedication to education underscores her belief in the power of knowledge to elevate patient care standards.
At Burrows Consulting, Jeannie leverages her extensive clinical and educational experience to inspire and guide our team, ensuring that the highest standards of patient care are not only met but exceeded. Her journey from a dedicated bedside nurse to a pivotal figure in nursing education and policy development reflects her unwavering commitment to healthcare excellence and her desire to make a lasting impact on both patients and professionals within the healthcare sector.
Meet Melissa Jones, our Rural Health Clinic Senior Associate, whose depth of experience spans over two decades in the healthcare field, with nearly 12 of those years deeply rooted in the Critical Access Hospital setting alongside Provider Based Rural Health Clinics and a Community Health Center supported by grants. Melissa’s life as a proud military spouse has not only shaped her worldview but has also instilled a profound commitment to a holistic approach to healthcare, a principle greatly valued within the Veterans Affairs Health System.
Her expertise is certified by AHIMA as a Healthcare Technology Specialist – Practice Workflow & Information Management Redesign Specialist (CHTS PW), and her knowledge base is further broadened by her recent completion of the Certified Rural Health Professional (CRHCP) course. This comprehensive education and her passion for healthcare efficacy position Melissa as a pivotal figure in aiding healthcare entities to navigate the complexities of resource optimization and reimbursement enhancement.
Melissa excels in driving operational improvements through clinic compliance walkthroughs, workflow design optimizations, and the seamless incorporation of behavioral health. Her strategic initiatives extend to chronic care management, transitional care management, medication-assisted therapies, and the establishment of preventative care protocols and quality pay-for-performance metrics. Her multifaceted approach and unwavering dedication to healthcare improvement underscore her value to our team and to the broader healthcare community, ensuring elevated standards of patient care and operational excellence in clinics nationwide.
Deborah Fransen, our insightful Community Development Associate, launched her academic voyage at Rockford University, earning her English degree summa cum laude and securing her place in the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa society. Her university years were marked by notable achievements, including tutoring peers, excelling in the Honors Program, receiving the Phi Beta Kappa scholarship, and making history by winning the Grimes Prize in both fiction and non-fiction.
Post-graduation, Deborah’s prowess in grant development led her alma mater to entrust her with establishing its inaugural grant program, through which she successfully secured millions in funding, boasting a remarkable success rate of over 90%. Her career trajectory then took her through pivotal roles in donor relations at the Northern Illinois Community Foundation, managing a significant donor portfolio as a Senior Gift Officer at the Northern Illinois University Foundation, and shaping communications strategies within the academic sector.
Transitioning to consultancy, Deborah applied her vast expertise across various sectors, including arts, healthcare, and social services, fostering a longstanding collaboration with the Frana Group. Now a vital part of Burrows Consulting, post-merger with the Frana Group, she is eager to drive forward the company’s success.
Deborah’s focus at Burrows Consulting includes conducting needs assessments for Look-Alike and Federally Qualified Health Centers, alongside her passion project of grant writing for her local animal shelter. Settled in Kentucky with her husband and their feisty vizsla, Sofia, Deborah relishes time spent with her family, exploring the great outdoors through gardening and kayaking, indulging in her love for reading and oil painting, and nurturing her grandchildren.
Kate Sheppard shines as our Clinical Referral Analyst, RN, BSN, charting a course of excellence from her academic roots at Milligan University in Johnson City, Tennessee. Graduating summa cum laude, Kate’s journey in nursing was punctuated by her parallel role as a pharmacy technician, where she gained invaluable skills in pharmaceutical care, deepening her understanding of patient-centered medication management.
Her Indiana upbringing, in a tight-knit farming community, imbued Kate with a profound appreciation for rural healthcare and a commitment to serving underserved populations. This background propelled her into a commendable career in emergency nursing, where her passion and expertise come to the forefront.
Returning to Indiana, Kate’s life is filled with professional accomplishments and personal happiness. Whether it’s traveling, shopping, or enjoying time with family and friends, she embodies the spirit of dedication and compassion that is central to our team, making her an invaluable asset in our mission to improve healthcare delivery.
Cassie Stewart, our proactive Executive Coordinator at Burrows Consulting, embarked on her educational journey at Indiana State University, securing a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Public Relations. Her tenure with us since 2021 has been marked by her exceptional skills in spearheading grant submissions, orchestrating events, and bolstering client communications, with a keen focus on marketing and public relations strategies.
Driven by a lifelong passion inspired by her parents’ commitment to aiding underserved populations, Cassie’s work is deeply influenced by her desire to make a tangible difference in her community. This dedication is mirrored in her efforts to advocate for health care initiatives and community well-being.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Cassie indulges in the joys of experiencing live music and relishing the great outdoors alongside her husband, Cale, and their daughter, Eleanor. Her vibrant approach to life and work infuses our team with a sense of purpose and commitment to our community’s health and prosperity.
Lesley Wilson brings a wealth of experience and a heart for community to the Burrows Consulting team. With over two decades of expertise as an office manager across the heartlands of Indiana and Illinois, her journey is a testament to her dedication and adaptability, grounded in her applied science education. Lesley’s professional path took a family-focused detour, during which she honed her skills as a paralegal in western Indiana, further diversifying her impressive skill set.
In 2023, Lesley brought her talents to Burrows Consulting as an Executive Assistant, quickly becoming an indispensable part of our client relations efforts. Her commitment to excellence and her ability to anticipate the needs of those we serve make her a vital asset to our team.
Outside the office, Lesley’s life is rich with adventure and connection. She cherishes moments spent traversing new landscapes with her husband, exploring culinary delights, and embracing the great outdoors. Family is the cornerstone of Lesley’s world, with her eight grandchildren providing endless joy and opportunities for bonding. Her spirit of service extends beyond her family, as she actively volunteers in various capacities at her church, embodying the values of care and community that drive her both professionally and personally.
Ashley is a graduate of Indiana University, earning her Master’s in Kinesiology. She has 10+ years in the healthcare field from working with clients in a fitness facility setting to spending time in the orthotic and prosthetic industry – seeing patients and crafting prosthetics.
Her passion for proper healthcare was set on fire after her daughter was born with some health challenges that lead her to having 5 brain surgeries and achilles lengthening surgery. Having to navigate that season with access to the best healthcare is something that Ashley did not take for granted and she wants to be a part of the solution that expands healthcare to as many as possible.
When she is not working, Ashley enjoys coaching softball with her husband and spending time with their daughters, Remington and Ramsey.
Joyce has her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and her career has focused in the areas of project management and consulting in multiple areas within the healthcare industry.
This experience includes serving as Indiana’s State Office Rural Health Manager serving 45 rural hospitals.
Her position oversaw the Small Hospital Improvement (SHIP), and Medicare Flexibility (Flex) grants; creating a wide variety of quality improvement training programs. In addition, she served as the liaison to the rural communities providing resources and opportunities for grant funding and to support the need for including but not limited to behavioral health, access to food, transportation and housing. During her five-year tenure, Joyce was able to locate over $8 million dollars to rural service providers including securing a $1 million Rural Community Opioid Program (RCORP) for a rural community’s community paramedicine program.
Joyce has been recognized nationally by the National Office State Office Rural Health as the 2022 National Rural Health Advocate.
She resides with her husband and their third child, a beagle, Molly, in Plainfield, Indiana and is the mother of two-grown sons, Ricky and Robbie, who also reside in the Indianapolis area. In her free time, she has an obsession with creating fairy gardens and has her Master Gardener’s Certificate from Purdue University.
Kandyse is a cum laude graduate of Washington State University where she earned her Bachelor’s degree with a major in English Literature and Rhetoric. During her time with Washington State University she found her love for narrative non-fiction and was published in the University’s LandEscapes journal. Kandyse then went on to join a global grant writers collective and obtain a certification in grant writing. She thrives on transforming ideas into impactful narratives.
Living with a Type 1 Diabetic, she is commited towards making a positive impact in the healthcare sector and believes that affordable healthcare is a basic human right for all. She joined Burrows Consulting in 2024 as a Grant Coordinator.
Pacific Northwest raised, Kandyse recently moved from Tacoma, WA to Nampa, ID where, in her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family. Her hobbies include reading, baking, and hiking.
Omar’s academic and professional journey is deeply rooted in his commitment to public health and community service. He holds a Master of Public Health from the Indiana University Fairbanks School of Public Health, with a dual concentration in Health Policy & Management and Social & Behavioral Services. This specialized education has equipped Omar with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of health policy and the skills to manage and implement effective community health programs.
Before his tenure at Burrows Consulting, Omar dedicated his efforts to improving health outcomes within Indiana’s largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). He initially worked with housing insecure individuals, addressing critical social determinants of health, and later transitioned to improving health outcomes for primary care patients. His roles have honed his ability to develop and execute health initiatives that significantly impact individual and community well-being.
Outside of his professional life, Omar enjoys delving into a good book, exploring new culinary experiences, and spending quality time with his wife and their beloved pets. His personal and professional lives are both driven by a passion for enriching the lives around him, whether through health advocacy or sharing moments with loved ones.
Kate Pond’s career is a testament to her unwavering commitment to environmental health and community advocacy. Her academic journey began with a BA in English Linguistics and International Relations, laying the groundwork for her passion for effective communication and global perspectives. Currently, she is enriching her expertise by pursuing a Master of Public Affairs at IUI, focusing on policies that foster sustainable community development. This blend of language skills and policy understanding enables Kate to address complex health and environmental challenges creatively and effectively.
Kate’s professional path took shape in 2016 when she embarked on her career as a Writer/Editor at a dynamic start-up. It was here that she honed her skills in AP style editing and developed a deep-seated love for environmental storytelling. Over the years, she has freelanced with various websites, specializing in topics such as environmental health, emissions reduction, and minimizing plastic waste. Her significant stint as an intern with the Global Research and Advocacy Group in Dakar, Senegal, further shaped her ability to develop community advocacy strategies, notably exploring the health impacts of Female Genital Cutting. Following this, Kate’s role as a Communications Specialist and Grant Writer allowed her to merge her linguistic prowess with her drive to support health initiatives, now continuing her impactful work at Burrows Consulting.
Outside of her professional life, Kate is actively involved in volunteer work, having supported Exodus Refugee Immigration and currently contributing to the Refugee Support Network in Bloomington. At home, she is passionate about reducing her family’s environmental footprint, experimenting with plastic-free product alternatives, and diving into the world of homemade kombucha, sourdough, and even solid dish soap—a testament to her commitment to sustainability in both her personal and professional life. Kate Pond’s journey is one of continuous learning, advocacy, and a profound dedication to enhancing public health and environmental practices, ensuring that her work meaningfully contributes to the welfare of communities and the planet.
Cali Rockwell, an alumnus of IUPUI’s IU Kelley School of Business, brings a sharp acumen in marketing to her role at Burrows Consulting. With an entrepreneurial background, Cali has previously owned and operated the Union Station Cafe in her hometown of Dugger, IN, blending community spirit with business savvy. Her experience also extends to logistics, having worked as a logistician for a contractor company at Crane Naval Base, where she honed her organizational and strategic skills.
At Burrows Consulting, Cali is pivotal in enhancing brand visibility and engaging with diverse audiences across various platforms. She manages all social media accounts and spearheads public relations efforts, creating compelling content and managing digital campaigns. Additionally, she fosters relationships with media to ensure consistent and positive messaging about our brand. Aside from her primary marketing roles, Cali also handles specialized tasks, including navigating Change in Scope (CIS) requests through the Electronic Handbooks (EHB), demonstrating her versatility and commitment to meeting client needs across different aspects of our operations.
Residing in Indianapolis with her husband Kaleb and their two spirited huskies, Hercules and Odysseus, Cali enjoys adventurous hikes, often noting that they are “overconfident and undertrained,” for the effort. Dedicated to her community, she actively volunteers at her local church, which hosts a free clinic every Saturday—a testament to her commitment to service.
A lover of travel and family gatherings, Cali embodies the values of continuous learning and personal growth, make her an asset to both Burrows Consulting and the communities we serve.
Suzan brings a rich tapestry of experience to her role as Senior Financial Consultant at Burrows Consulting. With a foundational Bachelor of Science from Purdue University and a Master of Science from Indiana Wesleyan, her career has spanned retail, small business ownership, and non-profit management. This diverse background equips her with a unique perspective on financial health and operational efficiency, which she now applies to help Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) navigate their financial challenges.
Madison is an alumna of the University of Bristol, where she earned her MSc in Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Public Health, and the University of Kentucky, graduating with a BS in Kinesiology and Health Promotion. While working as a freelance writer and content manager since March 2020, Madison honed her skills in writing and researching a broad spectrum of health-related topics, specializing in evidence-based content creation for clients. Besides writing, Madison has experience in health education and coordinating grant-funded public health projects at the Purchase District Health Department in Paducah, KY. In 2024, seeking to apply her technical writing skills to noble causes, she received grant writing training and certification through Learn Grant Writing.
Madison is eager to bring a background in public health, grant research, and writing to Burrows Consulting as a Grants Coordinator. Her expertise includes working with grant databases and critical thinking to secure funding for projects aimed at facilitating healthier environments. Encouraged by growing up in western Kentucky, she is determined to serve communities by advancing health equity and improving high-quality healthcare access in rural areas.
Currently residing in Mayfield, Kentucky, Madison and her husband are avid travelers having been to 30+ countries. She loves cooking from scratch and creating recipes, integrating her passion for health and well-being into everyday life.
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