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!
Department: Learning and Development
Sharon Hamill, PhD
Executive Director
Sharon Hamill earned a Ph.D. in Social Ecology from UC Irvine. She has been a Professor of Psychological Sciences/Child Adolescent Development at CSUSM for 28 years. She was the first Faculty Director for the campus partner office of the Institute and served a 5-year term. Her research focuses on promoting quality of life through palliative care to decrease suffering in patients and their caregiving families. She is a past recipient of the Harry E Brakebill Distinguished Professor Award for excellence in teaching, research service and of the CSU Faculty Innovation and Leadership Award. Dr. Hamill served as a former WASC Commissioner.
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
Instructional Designer, LMS Administrator
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 front-end development and instructional design. 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 >600 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!
Nathalia Ortiz
Graphic Designer, Communications
Nathalia has her Associate’s degree in Studio Arts and in Fine & Performing Arts, she is now on track to getting her Bachelor’s in Digital Media Art Design. Currently, Nathalia is the Graphic Design & Communications intern at the Institute. She focuses on creativity that shines through in various designs such as logos, posters, photos, flyers, videos, and social media graphics. Nathalia is also a social media manager at the Institute.
Department: Sales
Brandon McDonald, MBA
Business Development Manager
Brandon has a Masters Degree in Business Administration with a focus on Organizational Management. He is a healthcare industry executive with more than 10 years of experience as a manager at the national level. Brandon’s role at the Institute covers everything from Business Development to assistance with marketing, driving sales strategy, and team development. Brandon currently works in collaboration with US healthcare organizations as they address clinical, economic, and operational challenges.
Jonathan Chootipanya
Relationship Manager
Jonathan has his bachelor’s degree in business administration from CSUSM. As the Relationship Manager at the Institute, he is at the forefront of guiding key aspects of the business, including cultivating relationships, identifying opportunities to drive growth, and customer success. Prior to SHIPC, Jonathan has years of experience as an account executive within the technology, medical device, and apparel industry.
Department: Marketing
Kimberly Williamson
Web and Digital Marketing Specialist
Kimberly is an experienced website and marketing professional who handles all aspects of marketing for the CSU Shiley Haynes Institute for Palliative Care, including advertising, website management, search engine optimization, CRM management, social media, and more. She has worked with the Institute since 2020. Kimberly holds a B.S. degree in business.
Department: Course Delivery
Frances Almario, MA
Registrar
Frances has a Masters Degree in Organizational Management and joined the Institute in August 2015. With over 17 years of higher education experience, she oversees all aspects of student registrations, as well as successful implementation and launch of all of our educational programs. As a senior administrator, her role involves ensuring academic integrity by collaborating with faculty, staff, and administrators to streamline administrative processes, advancing educational initiatives, and enhance the overall educational experience to optimize student success and promote lifelong learning.
Lee Ann Gaskill
Program Coordinator
Lee Ann has a BA degree in Business Administration from Northern Arizona University with an AA degree in Organization Management. Living in North County San Diego for 9 years, she joined CSU/Shiley Haynes Institute in 2021. Lee Ann brings 20 years of administrative leadership and support experience to the Institute, including a background in case management where she worked to ensure children with Autism and other Developmental Disabilities received the medical and social support they needed. Lee’s hobbies include walking, hiking, traveling and enjoys nature. In her spare time, she enjoys searching for natural/homeopathic remedies for various autoimmune diseases and other chronic health conditions.
