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Connect With a Vet
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Connect With a Vet at CommonSpirit Health

The CommonSpirit Health Military and Veteran Pathways (MVP) Program creates opportunities for veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses to build meaningful careers in health care.

Through our Connect With a Vet program, members of the military community can speak directly with CommonSpirit Health veterans and military spouses. This one-on-one connection provides personal insights into our culture, work environment, and what a “day in the life” looks like across our organization.

Interested in connecting with one of our team members?
Explore the list below to get started.

Clinical

Candace Garko 

Director Family Birth Center
Yavapai, AZ
Nursing
Active U.S. Air Force Reservist (Colonel)

I have served for the last 15 years as a Traditional Reservist while also working full-time with CommonSpirit Health. I've learned to balance the two work-related passions that I have. I'd love to chat with anyone contemplating that journey.

I’m Candace, the Nursing Director at the Family Birth Center (FBC) for Yavapai Regional Medical Center. I’ve worked in nursing leadership for the CommonSpirit Health family for the past 19 years.

I joined the US Air Force Reserve in 2011 as a nurse. I remain an active member of the Reserve and am currently the Squadron Commander for the 944th Aeromedical Staging Squadron (ASTS) at Luke AFB, AZ. The ASTS is the ground component of Aeromedical Evacuation. My mission is to prepare ready medics capable of providing the best healthcare wherever they are needed around the world.

Connect with me

Becca Smith

Clinical Informatics Nurse
Chandler, AZ
Nursing
U.S. Army veteran (Specialist)

Transitioning from military to civilian life can be a significant adjustment, and missing the camaraderie is completely normal. This transition is an opportunity to build new connections.

I’m Rebecca (Becca), a US Army veteran. I initially pursued accounting but found my true calling in nursing through a dare. I’m now a Clinical Informatics Nurse at Dignity Health Arizona Facilities, where I optimize healthcare through EHR enhancements and user education. My clinical career flourished at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, where I gained a deep understanding of workflows and patient needs in various roles including Patient Experience Coach, Orthopedic Coordinator, and Charge Nurse. I’m passionate about mentoring nurses and improving patient care. In my free time, I enjoy outdoor activities like camping, fishing, hiking, and kayaking.

Connect with me

Osvaldo Tanon

Manager, Clinical Pastoral Education Program and PRN Chaplains
Phoenix, Arizona
Mission
Active U.S. Army Reservist (Lieutenant Colonel)

CommonSpirit is a mission-driven organization that treats individuals with dignity and respect, and a strong support of military and veteran communities, making it an excellent workplace for those actively serving or transitioning to civilian life.

I’m Osvaldo, the manager of the ACPE accredited Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program and PRN chaplains at St. Joseph’s Hospital & Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ. With extensive experience as a CPE educator and chaplain, I offer a rich multicultural perspective and a collaborative leadership style. My 20+ years as a Lieutenant Colonel chaplain in the U.S. Army Reserve hones my organizational, managerial, and team-building skills. I hold a BA in Theology from Antillean University, an M.Div from Andrews University, and completed my CPE training at Eisenhower Army Medical Center, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, and HealthCare Chaplaincy, Inc.

CommonSpirit values military personnel and veterans and their families.

Connect with me

Serenity Cunningham

Registered Nurse
Henderson, NV
Emergency Medical Services
U.S. Army veteran (Corporal) and military spouse

Veteran-friendly company that recruits, supports, and values military exp. Offering mentorship, career growth, flexible schedule, and benefits tailored to veterans' needs, fostering respect, purpose, and a strong sense of community in the workplace.

I’m Serenity, and my resourcefulness is powered by caffeine, wit, and a strong will. As a former combat medic and current ER night shift nurse, I’m a professional distributor of tough love and duct tape solutions. I’m known for defeating Darwin daily, performing CPR, like cardio, and fearlessly speaking my mind (in that order). I believe in honesty and black coffee

I’m a collector of moral patches, plague masks, and good stories. I have survived combat, the night shift and meetings that should have been emails. I document everything in triplicate, and I’m honest to a fault.

Connect with me

Lizzi Neylon

Research Coordinator
Phoenix, AZ
Clinical Research
U.S. Marine Corps veteran (Sergeant)

The shift from military to civilian isn't just a change of address; it's a recalibration of your entire world. You are stepping from one profoundly defined culture into another, and this transition demands strategic focus and unwavering confidence.

I'm Lizzi, the TARGET ALS Repository Coordinator at Barrow's Neurological Institute, relentlessly pursuing new therapies and cures for ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). With 15 years in medical research and multiple degrees, my Marine Corps-forged work ethic is my driving force. It isn't just about fulfilling duties; it's about exceeding them, ensuring my contributions to ALS research are elevated, impactful, and uncompromisingly dedicated to finding solutions. This unwavering commitment defines my every endeavor.

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Helen Butler

Surgery Specialist
Carmichael, CA
Surgery
U.S. Navy veteran (Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class)

All we learned in the military such as routine, structure and attention to detail are very much present and adapted into the day to day here at CommonSpirit. You will come in ahead of the game with skill sets you've adopted and mastered while serving!

I’m Helen, and I began my medical career 30 years ago in the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman. I took advantage of the training opportunities offered and took those skills to L&D/NICU/PICU. I finished my career running the drug testing program for my command of over 4,000 sailors. I went on to work as a civilian in the first L&D in Longmont, CO, before settling here at Mercy San Juan hospital in Carmichael, CA. I've been here 15 years now and currently serve as the Surgery Specialist, tackling all things surgery, surgeons, and staff-related, and trouble shooting anything that comes my way. My true passion is efficiency, streamlining, process improvement, and saving money whenever possible while improving outcomes for the patients.

#GoNAVY

Connect with me

Non-Clinical

Sarah Doherty

Market Director, Oregon - Clinical Informatics
Pendleton, OR
Health Information
U.S. Army veteran (Staff Sergeant)

Your military service has prepared you (maybe more than you know) for working in healthcare. The skills you already have (integrity, leadership, adaptability, etc) will be useful here at CommonSpirit.

I’m Sarah, a Market Director in Clinical Informatics, overseeing the technological integration and data management for our hospitals and clinics in Oregon. My team is instrumental in optimizing patient care through advanced information systems.

I previously worked as a bedside nurse in the Emergency Department, and was my hospital's Trauma Nurse Coordinator.

I served in the US Army from 2003-2013, working as an Air Traffic Controller (15Q) I was stationed mostly out of Fort Drum, NY and Fort Rucker, AL, but also deployed to Iraq.

I have a bachelor of nursing degree from Grand Canyon University. In my off time, I enjoy quilting, building Lego sets, and spending time with my husband and cat, Betty.

Connect with me

Kyle Munroe

Director of Financial Planning
Sylvania, OH
Finance
U.S. Navy Veteran (Petty Officer 3rd Class)

I’m Kyle, the Director of Financial Planning for CHI Living Communities covering twelve communities across seven states. I provide insights into financial performance and annual budgets for operational leadership.

I served as an Interior Communication Electrician for four years in the United States Navy stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, aboard the USS Chosin (CG-65). After I transitioned from the Navy, I used the G.I.Bill and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from Indiana University. I hold a license as a Certified Public Accountant. My career includes time with Ernst & Young LLP as an auditor, and with Libbey, a leading glass manufacturer, as an external financial reporting accountant.

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Kaylea Morrill

Human Resources Coordinator
Woodland, CA
Human Resources
Military family member

I’m Kaylea, a Human Resources Coordinator in Northern California. I have worked in the healthcare industry for 20 years doing a wide variety of things and am currently in school for my Bachelors of Business Administration, HR focused. While I myself have not served in the armed forces, I am proud to be a granddaughter and niece. They are my reason to help support this program today.

They motivate me to want to help veterans find employment.

Connect with me

Nicole Hartley

Region Director, Compensation (Remote)
Long Beach, MS
Human Resources
Military Spouse

Our organization truly values its employees and the communities that we serve, and places a great emphasis on recruiting and supporting active, transitioning, and retired military service members and their spouses.

I’m Nicole, and I am the Region Director of Compensation for our Mountain Region, which spans Colorado, Kansas, and Utah. My fully remote team is responsible for the ongoing development, standardization, and administration of various compensation programs.

I have been a military spouse for over twenty years, and in addition to serving on the CSH Military Advisory Board, I also volunteer at our local Armed Forces Retirement Home. My family and I live on the Gulf Coast, in Long Beach, MS.

Connect with me

Information Technology

Bradley Pristelski

Region Chief Information Officer (Remote)
Phoenix, AZ
Information Technology
Air Force veteran (Captain)

Showcase your best you. The behavioral skills, knowledge, and expertise you have transfer across organizations, agnostic of industry. Share your ability to problem solve, drive high performance, and achieve exceptional outcomes.

I'm Bradley, the Chief Information Officer for CommonSpirit Health’s Central Region, and I have been dedicated to the organization for nearly twenty years. Before joining CommonSpirit, I served 12 years as an active duty Air Force contingency combat operations officer supporting Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom across three continents. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies from the US Air Force Academy, a Master of Arts in Philosophy from Holy Apostles College & Seminary, and an Executive Master of Business Administration from Arizona State University. Additionally, I serve as an Adjunct Professor at Arizona State University’s College of Health Solutions.

Choose a purpose to align your core values to something bigger than yourself.

Connect with me

Marco Medina

Systems Manager, IT Portfolio Management and Governance (Remote)
Fontana, CA
Information Technology
U.S. Army Veteran and current U.S. Air Force Reservist
Recently transitioned from the military

Relentlessly apply to positions you believe you are qualified for. We all bring a unique and welcomed perspective from our time in service.

I’m Marco, a System Manager of IT Portfolio Management and Governance at CommonSpirit Health. I lead strategic initiatives to enhance technology alignment, portfolio performance, and operational excellence. As a U.S. Army veteran and current Air Force Reservist, I apply leadership and discipline to advancing health equity and system efficiency. I hold an MS in Healthcare Delivery from Arizona State University and I’m pursuing a DrPH at Claremont Graduate University. I am a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and CrossFit coach, and I’m passionate about resilience and sustainable habits.

Connect with me

Cathy To

Senior Cyber Analyst (Remote)
Reno, NV
Information Technology
U.S. Army veteran (Colonel)
Recently transitioned from the military

There is a fulfilling life after the military. CommonSpirit Health is a wonderful organization with values that are in line with military values. There are many leaders and staff within CommonSpirit who are supportive of veterans and current military personnel.

I’m Cathy, a Senior Cyber Analyst in Cyber Resilience. I joined the National IT Team after a 24-year career as an Army Nurse Corps officer, initially through the Hiring Our Heroes Fellowship Program. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Master's degrees in Health Sciences and Clinical Informatics, plus I’m board-certified in Nursing Informatics. I have been recognized as an Army Informatics Nurse (9A Proficiency Designator). My diverse career spanned inpatient/ambulatory care, Combat Medic instruction, and Staff Officer roles in Army Medicine Regions and the Defense Health Agency Headquarters. My final military position was Nursing Director for Medical Surgical Services at Tripler Army Medical Center.

Connect with me

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