CURANA - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Operations
- Vice President of Clinical Operations
Allyson DeLaune currently serves as Vice President of Clinical Operations for Curana Health, where she is responsible for both management and growth of the southern division. Allyson also works to integrate value-based care into new and existing practices.
Allyson received her Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education at Louisiana State University Shreveport, and then went on to receive her Associate of Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Master of Science in Nursing from Northwestern State University, where she became a certified nurse practitioner (NP).
Allyson started her career as a NP in a large long term care facility in Shreveport, Louisiana, where she later became the Director of Nursing. This helped her understand both provider and facility operations. Allyson joined Curana Heath (then legacy Provider Health Services) in 2011, where she enjoys the ability to coach providers on how to maximize and manage their practices efficiently while also maintaining a work/life balance.
In her spare time, Allyson enjoys spending time with her husband of 30 years, her children, her grandson, her dog, and her six chickens. Allyson lives on 20 acres in east Texas where she enjoys the outdoors and the pottery studio on their property, where she can be found at the potter's wheel during her off hours.
Experience
Vice President of Clinical Operations, Provider Health Services
Regional Nurse Practitioner, Provider Health Services
Job Titles:
- President of AllyAlign Health
Anne Rote, President AllyAlign Health, is an accomplished healthcare leader with over 25 years of experience in the development, management, and operation of government sponsored health plans, integrated delivery systems, and medical groups. In her current role, Anne is responsible for the strategic direction and operational performance of AllyAlign Health's Medicare Advantage portfolio.
Her extensive background includes serving as President of Molina Healthcare of Texas where she was responsible for the operational and financial performance of Molina's Medicaid, Medicare, and Marketplace products. Prior to working at Molina, she held positions at United Healthcare and CVS/Aetna, where she also focused on government programs.
Anne received her Bachelor of Science from Rice University, majoring in Economics, Political Science, and Policy Studies. She completed her Master of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University.
A third generation Texan, Anne makes her home in Dallas where she enjoys visiting with family and friends, gardening, and volunteering with the North Texas Food Bank and Austin Street Shelter, where she demonstrates her passion for serving the underserved.
Experience
President, Molina Healthcare of Texas
Vice President of Integrated Care, Optum
Chief Executive Officer, Aetna Better Care of Texas
Vice President, Medicaid Long Term, Evercare
Head of Medicaid Services, Aetna
Brian is the Chief People Officer for Curana Health. In this role, he directs all aspects of human resources, including talent acquisition and development, employee relations, associate engagement, culture change, benefits, compensation, and payroll, with key areas of expertise in operations, sales, marketing, communications, and negotiations.
Brian is a highly accomplished, results-driven C-suite executive with more than 25 years of success in the healthcare, fintech, and hospitality industries. He is well versed in organic acquisition, growth, turnarounds, cost efficiencies, change management, organizational development, beta testing (new business growth mode), and product development.
Brian holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management from Pepperdine University, The George L. Graziadio School of Business and Management. He attained a Certificate on Global Enterprise Management from the University of Oxford, Kellogg College, as well as a Certificate on European Union Business from the University of Antwerp.
Prior to joining the Curana Health team, Brian worked for U.S. HealthWorks, the nation's largest privately held provider of occupational healthcare services. He led all aspects of human resources-with a strong focus on cultural change, strategy, and employee engagement-and was a member of their executive team. Brain also worked as the HR director for Reid Plastics, Inc., where he was responsible for overseeing all aspects of their human resource services.
Brian lives in Franklin, Tennessee. In his free time, Brian loves traveling and is a certified scuba diver.
Experience
Chief Human Resources Officer, PhyNet Dermatology
Chief Human Resources Officer, U.S. HealthWorks
Chris Dawe - Chief Strategy Officer
As Chief Strategy Officer, Chris and his team are responsible for the overall corporate strategy and growth for Curana Health, including both organic and merger/acquisition channels. Chris also oversees Curana Health's marketing team and health policy efforts.
Before joining Curana, Chris served in several leadership roles at Evolent Health including co-founder and Chief Growth Officer for Evolent Care Partners, the company's primary care risk business. Prior to his time at Evolent, Chris spent 10 years working in health policy in Washington, DC, including at the Senate Finance Committee, the Office of Health Reform in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Economic Council at the White House.
Chris is a graduate of Bowdoin College and lives in Washington D.C. with his wife and two daughters.
Experience
Chief Growth Officer, Evolent Care Partners
Policy Advisor for Healthcare, The White House, National Economic Counsel, Executive Office of the President
Director of Delivery System Reform, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Board Member, National Coalition on Healthcare
Board Member, Health Transformation Task Force
Darryl Landahl is the Chief Legal Officer for Curana Health and oversees all legal services provided to the company and its operating divisions, including Curana Health Medical Group and AllyAlign Health. Darryl has dedicated his entire legal career to healthcare, bringing more than 20 years of legal experience to Curana Health. He has represented health care providers and health plans as both in-house and outside counsel, with a deep focus on value-based care delivery and reimbursement.
Darryl applies his diverse knowledge and background to Curana Health's medical group and health plan platforms, and he helps guide the company's efforts to transition the care provided to senior facility residents from a fee for service model to value-based care.
Darryl is a "Double Devil," having obtained his B.S. Justice Studies from Arizona State University and his law degree from the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State. He is married to Katie, and they share three amazing children that inspire him every day.
Experience
Shareholder, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck
Vice President, Associate General Counsel, DaVita Medical Group
Vice President, Executive Counsel, Health Net
Job Titles:
- Chief Development Officer
Dennis Simoneaux is a 35-year veteran of the healthcare industry. He is the former President and Chief Operating Officer of Provider Health Services (PHS), the first of the legacy medical groups to form Curana Health. Dennis joined Curana Health (as legacy PHS) in 2012 as the Corporate Director of Business Development and served in the role of President from 2014 to 2022. In the eight years under Dennis' leadership, legacy PHS saw excellent business outcomes, revenue, and growth.
Prior to joining PHS, Dennis was an Executive Director for the LHC Group and held various marketing and leadership positions with GSK over a 21-year career. Dennis has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Louisiana State University and has also completed post-graduate studies in management at The University of New Orleans and law at Louisiana State University Law School.
Dennis has two grown, married children, and he is anxiously awaiting grandchildren. He enjoys beaches in the morning and evening and riding his touring motorcycle in the mountains.
Experience
President and Chief Operating Officer, Provider Health Services
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Operations
Dr. Amy Young started her healthcare career in 1996 as an emergency medical technician. She quickly progressed from paramedicine to nursing. Dr. Young received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Medical University of South Carolina. After obtaining her Master of Science in Nursing and practicing as a family medicine nurse practitioner, she went back to finish her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at the Medical University of South Carolina.
She came to legacy Elite Patient Care (EPC) after a career in private practice. Amy started at EPC as a facility-based provider in South Carolina. She has grown with the company, from Director of Clinical Operations to her current position as Curana Health's Vice President of Operations. She is passionate about valued based medicine, developing relationships with clients and colleagues, and providing services to seniors throughout the continuum of care.
Dr. Young enjoys spending time with her husband, five children, and her grandchild. When she has free time, Dr. Young is often in the barn with her horses where she competes in dressage. In the next three years, she hopes to have a United States Dressage Federation bronze medal. She is also an active member of Rotary International and is passionate about service over self.
Experience
Vice President Operations - East, Elite Patient Care
Family Nurse Practitioner, Elite Patient Care
Job Titles:
- Corporate Medical Director, Western Division
Originally from the greater Detroit area, Dr. Brian Cooper, DO, began his journey into the medical field by earning his Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology from the University of Michigan. He then went on to receive his medical degree with the highest honors from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2009. His doctorate studies concluded by completing his residency in internal medicine at Banner Good Samaritan Hospital and the VA systems in Phoenix, Arizona, prior to moving to Austin, Texas.
Since 2009, he has practiced as a hospitalist and nocturnist in multiple hospital systems, as well as post-acute facilities, including long term acute care hospitals (LTACHs), rehabs, and skilled nursing facilities. He has served as either the Local/Regional Medical Director or Local/Regional Program Director in every setting for the legacy organization Elite Patient Care (EPC), leading the launch of multiple new markets.
Dr. Tina Shenouda works as Curana Health's Chief Clinical Officer. Dr. Shenouda is responsible for clinical governance, risk population management, and implementation of our value-based care clinical model. Her drive for superior care was ignited by her physician parents at an early age. Her passion for improving clinical outcomes and the patient experience led her to join the Curana Health family in February of 2021.
Dr. Shenouda studied at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas for her undergraduate degree. She then moved to Dublin, Ireland to study at University College Dublin, where she received her Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, and Bachelor of Obstetrics degrees. Dr. Shenouda also attended her mother's alma mater, Trinity College Dublin, where she earned her Master of Business Administration degree. She completed her residency in family medicine and a two-year fellowship in HIV/AIDS with the Infectious Disease department at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, Texas.
In her spare time, Dr. Shenouda is an avid aviator having acquired her multi engine pilot rating. As a former collegiate golfer, Dr. Shenouda enjoys all sports and travelling, especially to Europe to spend time with her family.
Experience
Chief Medical Officer, ChenMed
Chief Medical Officer, Care Delivery Organization, Humana, Inc.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Clinical Leadership Team
- President, Curana Health Medical Group
Job Titles:
- Corporate Medical Director, Eastern Division
Dr. Vlastimil Smetka works as Curana Health's Corporate Medical Director for the eastern division. Dr. Smetka graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Physical Chemistry, then went on to medical school at the University of Sint Eustatius in the Netherland Antilles. He then completed a PGY1 residency year at AnMed and a rural family medicine residency at Seneca Lakes in South Carolina.
Previously, Dr. Smetka worked for Apogee Physicians as a program director for a hospitalist program and for Sound Physicians as the RMD for value-based care. His current role at Curana Health includes overseeing medical providers in the eastern division, which includes performance, quality metrics, and value-based programs.
Dr. Smetka enjoys back country skiing and cooking for his partner and three dogs. He is also a licensed skydiver and pilot, and he likes sailing in his free time. Dr. Smetka appreciates the quiet time he finds while mowing his yard.
Dr. Vlastimil Smetka works as Curana Health's Corporate Medical Director for the eastern division. Dr. Smetka graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Physical Chemistry, then went on to medical school at the University of Sint Eustatius in the Netherland Antilles. He then completed a PGY1 residency year at AnMed and a rural family medicine residency at Seneca Lakes in South Carolina.
Previously, Dr. Smetka worked for Apogee Physicians as a program director for a hospitalist program and for Sound Physicians as the RMD for value-based care. His current role at Curana Health includes overseeing medical providers in the eastern division, which includes performance, quality metrics, and value-based programs.
Dr. Smetka enjoys back country skiing and cooking for his partner and three dogs. He is also a licensed skydiver and pilot, and he likes sailing in his free time. Dr. Smetka appreciates the quiet time he finds while mowing his yard.
Experience
Regional Medical Director, Sound Physicians
Assistant Medical Director, Amedisys
Program Director, Apogee Physicians
Jeff O'Berry is Chief Growth Officer for Curana Health. He is responsible for development and execution of the growth strategy for Curana's wholly owned Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans operating under the AllyAlign Health business unit. In his role, Jeff focuses on deploying strategies that fuel membership growth through relationships with senior housing providers, senior care focused clinician groups, and other strategic engagements.
Jeff brings 30 years of healthcare business experience that spans acute, ambulatory, behavioral, human services, post-acute, and senior living care venues. Segments served include providers, payers, and employers in both public/private industry as well as government. For the past 20 years Jeff has led efforts to grow businesses that enable health systems, providers, and health insurers to maximize their clinical and financial performance under health care reform, performance-based contracting, and population health focused models.
Previously, Jeff was Vice President for Netsmart Technologies, a privately held supplier of healthcare information technology and business services to behavioral health, human services, and post-acute care provider organizations. He led a nationwide team focused on business development and sales for areas that included home health, hospice, senior living, and skilled nursing. Prior to that, Jeff led the national accounts group for the Human Services division of the company.
Prior to Netsmart Jeff spent six years at Optum, a global health services and technology provider that is wholly owned by UnitedHealth Group (NYSE-UNH). As Senior Vice President, he led the Managed Value & Risk Analytics business that enabled health systems, providers, and health insurers to maximize their financial and clinical performance under health care reform, performance-based contracting, and population health focused models. Prior to that, Jeff held leadership roles with Optum Analytics, Optum's Accountable Care Solutions Group, and with OptumHealth.
Jeff came to Optum from Cerner Corporation (NASDAQ-CERN) where he spent 11 years focused on new business start-ups and growth in emerging areas of focus including critical care, executable clinical content, computerized provider order entry, medical device interoperability, medical device manufacturing, performance improvement, and federal government business expansion.
Jeff is a graduate of Loyola University (MD) Sellinger School of Business and Management. He resides in McLean, Virginia with his wife Louise and their four fantastic children.
Experience
Vice President, Netsmart
Senior Vice President, Optum
Vice President, Cerner Corporation
Julianne is the Chief Financial Officer for Curana Health. In this position, she is responsible for overseeing and managing finance and accounting for both the Curana Health Medical Group and AllyAlign Health.
Julianne received her Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Accounting from the College of the Holy Cross. She then went on to her graduate studies where she obtained her Master of Business Administration from the University of Nevada, Reno.
Julianne started her career at Grant Thornton working in a variety of businesses. In 2012, she transitioned into the healthcare industry in a role at Dignity Health, where she served as the Director of Finance and Controller for the entities in northern Nevada. Dignity Health sold the northern Nevada entities to Universal Health Services, who was building out a number of population health capabilities by aligning health systems, physician groups, health plans and ACOs. Julianne served as the Director of Finance Controller, Vice President of Finance, and then Chief Financial Officer for the population health entities. In 2018, Julianne accepted an opportunity to serve as the Chief Financial Officer of AllyAlign Health. Today, she is the Chief Financial Officer for Curana Health, which consists of both AllyAlign Health and the Curana Health Med Group.
Julianne lives in San Francisco with her husband and their two dogs. When she is not working, Julianne enjoys spending time outdoors, especially in the mountains, where she likes to bike, hike, run, rock climb, and ski.
Experience
Chief Financial Officer, Prominence Health Plan
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Operations
Kelly Hamilton is a board-certified family nurse practitioner (FNP) accredited through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Austin and her Master of Science in Nursing from Texas State University, where she graduated with the highest honors.
Kelly has over nine years of experience in trauma and emergency medicine as a registered nurse, working both at Seton Medical Center Austin and Seton Medical Center Williamson from 2005 to 2015. In these positions, Kelly was a charge nurse in a Level 2 trauma center. In 2015, Kelly received her FNP and started with the legacy organization Elite Patient Care (EPC), where she quickly moved into a leadership position.
At Curana Health, Kelly oversees clinical operations of the western division. She is passionate about the geriatric community and has worked with this population since becoming a nurse practitioner. Kelly is an active member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, Texas Nurse Practitioners, and Austin Advanced Practice Nurses.
Born and raised on the Texas Gulf Coast, Kelly enjoys spending time with her husband and three beautiful daughters.
Experience
Vice President of Clinical Operations - Elite Patient Care
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the Administrative Leadership Team
Mark is passionate about Curana Health's mission to improve the health, happiness, and dignity of senior living residents, and he is honored to be able to work with and learn from all the talented and mission driven Curana Health associates that are working to make this mission happen every day. Mark believes the fundamental role of the executive team is to ensure all Curana Health associates around the country are set up for success. He spends his days focused on ensuring Curana Health associates have the tools, resources, support, data, and direction they need to provide great service to senior living residents.
Mark has significant experience in senior leadership roles for healthcare organizations focused on value-based-care. Prior to helping to create Curana Health, Mark was Market President at Intermountain Healthcare covering the Nevada region. He previously held senior leadership roles at DaVita HealthCare Partners, ChenMed, and Bain & Company. Mark has a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Engineering from Northwestern University (Kellogg School of Management and McCormick School of Engineering) and Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame. Mark lives in Houston with his wife and three kids.
Job Titles:
- Executive Vice President of Operations
Michael serves as the Executive Vice President of Operations at Curana Health. As such, Michael works to oversee and lead operations for the Curana Health Medical Group. He is responsible for developing and executing key performance indicators (KPIs) for Curana Health's value-based care programs, medical provider services, and unique care delivery model. Michael leads the operations team, reaching over 20 states.
Michael received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Austin in 2010. He then worked as a registered nurse (RN), in the ICU, until he went back to continue his education at the University of Texas at Austin, where he received his Master of Science in Nursing and became a certified family nurse practitioner (FNP).
Michael joined legacy company Elite Patient Care (EPC) as a nurse practitioner in a long-term care facility. At EPC, he was promoted to Director of Clinical Operations and Vice President of Operation within the span of three years. In 2020, Michael received his Master of Business Administration (Executive MBA) from the University of Texas at Austin and became the Executive Vice President of Operations, which is the position he still works in today.
Michael lives in Austin, Texas, and he is happily married with two beautiful children. In his spare time, he enjoys running, reading, and spending time outdoors.
Experience
Executive Vice President of Operations, Elite Patient Care
Family Nurse Practitioner, Elite Patient Care
Sarah graduated from Butler University as a physician's assistant in 1999, and she worked in occupational medicine and urgent care for a year prior to moving from Indiana to Michigan.
In 2000, Sarah began working for a house-call medical group and cared for patients in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, independent living, and private home settings for over five years. She then began to transition into the Quality and Compliance department for the company. Compliance is where she truly found her passion.
Sarah has been certified in coding, auditing, and health care compliance. After many roles with her previous employer, she served as the Chief Compliance Officer for more than nine years.
Sarah joined the Curana Health family when she joined the legacy Elite Patient Care (EPC) group in January 2020, and she has been enjoying further developing the compliance program at Curana Health ever since!
When Sarah is not working, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, cooking, reading, walking, and playing with her dog.
Experience
Chief Compliance Officer, Visiting Physicians Association
Quality Assurance Director, US Medical Management
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Operations