Meet Our Institute’s Team
We are dedicated to creating high-quality palliative care education courses and fostering meaningful learning experiences across all disciplines. Meet our highly qualified team and join us in making an impact!
Jessica Empeño, MSW
Executive Director
Jessica Empeño is the Executive Director of the CSU Shiley Haynes Institute for Palliative Care, where she leads efforts to expand access to compassionate, whole-person care that supports patients and families across the continuum of serious illness. Jessica brings more than 25 years of experience as a medical social worker and leader in hospice, palliative care, dementia, education and community programs. Jessica holds a Master of Social Work degree from San Diego State University, along with graduate certificates in Population Health Management from the UC San Francisco, and Health Law and Policy from the University of Arizona. She is also credentialed as an Advanced Palliative Hospice Social Worker (APHSW-C).
Mckenzie Blake, MA
Associate Director of Educational Programs
Mckenzie has a Masters degree in Psychological Sciences, focusing on statistics, research methods, and teaching. Her program of research focuses on close relationships and college adjustment outcomes in first-year undergraduate students. At the Institute, Mckenzie oversees all aspects of planning, developing, launching, and evaluating the Institute’s online courses, educational tools and resources, and in-person educational events.
Carolyn Yonda, MS
eLearning Developer, Website & Digital Media Manager
Carolyn has her Masters degree in Literacy Education from the University at Buffalo. She moved to San Diego in 2022. Her institute role focuses on instructional design, front-end web development/maintenance, graphic design, and media marketing. Carolyn was a former 3rd grade teacher and Literacy Specialist for six years with her professional certification in both NYS & CA. Carolyn’s hobbies include: graphic design, cooking, hiking, and skating. Carolyn founded Buffalo Blading Babes, a skate organization of >700 community members in 2021.
Sarah Guadarrama, MA
Grant Writer & Curriculum Specialist
Sarah has a Masters degree in Psychological Science, where research, statistics, academic writing, and teaching were emphasized. Sarah’s program of research focused on Autism, family, and the community. For her Masters thesis, she examined co-regulation among Hispanic and non-Hispanic mothers of children with Autism. At the Institute, Sarah assists in writing proposals for external sponsors of curriculum development and multicampus partner activities. She also provides support with curriculum development and revisions, and assists in the planning of the National Symposium.
Cynthia Runge
Business Operations
Cynthia joined the Institute in April of 2023 and is a CA native. She has been in an office administration role for the past 30 years. Cynthia enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and cat, Ringo. She enjoys walking, yoga, and partaking in a dining experience at least a couple times a week – yum!
