Meet Our Administrative Fellows
Cincinnati Children’s Administrative Fellowship is a one-year project-based experience that is offered to recent master’s level-or-above degree graduates and current students. This is an opportunity to develop and understand the administration and operations of one of the top pediatric and academic medical centers. During their year at Cincinnati Children’s, fellows lead and participate in real-time strategic projects across the organization while also building relationships with team members and leaders throughout Cincinnati Children's. The fellowship experience consists of but is not limited to: • Project work • Observational learning experiences • Professional development • Diversity and inclusion Throughout the administrative fellowship, we strive to help develop and mold the healthcare leaders of tomorrow.
Meet this year’s administrative fellows!
Madison Klope
Where did you grow up? I grew up in Alton, IL, about 30 minutes from St. Louis, MO.
What sparked your interest and passion for a career in healthcare administration? I started college in the business school at the University of Missouri and eventually chose the accounting program. During my internship in the last year of the program, I realized that accounting would not be a fulfilling career for me. I needed more mission and meaning in my work every day, so I decided to pursue a career in healthcare to merge my background in business and passion for serving others. I was drawn to pediatrics because I knew the importance of caring for the family as a whole. During my senior year of high school, my 15-year-old brother was killed in a car accident and, though at the time I had not considered a career in healthcare, it would ultimately be one of the main reasons I chose pediatrics. During graduate school at St. Louis University, I had the opportunity to volunteer at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital and work at St. Louis Children’s, which further solidified my interest in pediatrics.
What is your favorite thing about working at Cincinnati Children’s? I love how Cincinnati Children’s “walks the talk.” The hospital’s mission, vision and values are an integral part of the culture and operations every day. I have been in many meetings in which the patient and family experience is a central part of the conversation and decision-making. In addition to saying that we want to be “the best at getting better,” leaders equip teams with the tools and support to affect change when they see opportunities for improvement. The hospital also lives out its commitment to the health and well-being of all children by facilitating the sharing of data and best practices between pediatric hospitals through Solutions for Patient Safety and other learning networks.
What do you hope to accomplish in your time as an administrative fellow? I hope to learn as much as I can about pediatric healthcare, to meaningfully contribute to teams that I work with, and find my niche in the hospital. The fellowship is such a unique opportunity to be involved in projects from many different areas of the hospital, so I plan to take advantage of the learning opportunities as much as possible.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, what has been your favorite past-time? Exploring the parks and trails around the area with my co-fellows (socially distanced of course) has been a pretty consistent part of my COVID experience since moving to Cincinnati. It’s been a great way to take advantage of sunny Saturdays and get a break from my usual routine.
What is your secret superpower? Gluten-free baking has become a bit of a superpower, especially with the extra free time I’ve had during the pandemic! I found out in college that I am gluten intolerant, so I’ve learned a lot and tested lots of different recipes.
Ernest Molina
Where did you grow up? I grew up on a small, hay production ranch in rural South Texas, along the international border. Typical Texas stereotype where I raised commercial cattle and market sheep/goats for competitive livestock shows.
What sparked your interest and passion for a career in healthcare administration? My interest in healthcare started at a very young age. I spent much of my childhood with my grandparents, and I would accompany them to their doctor’s appointments in San Antonio. During these visits, I got to see and truly experience clinicians and other health professionals come together to provide the best possible care to the people I have so much love for. It was no surprise that I later focused on pediatric medicine because delivery of care takes the entire family into consideration. I wanted to dedicate my career to improving the accessibility and experience for these families during such a vulnerable time.
What is your favorite thing about working at Cincinnati Children’s? The culture and employees at Cincinnati Children’s are unmatched. Coming from a close-knit Hispanic family, I knew I needed to be somewhere with a similar culture. I found this family-centered culture at Cincinnati Children’s. Working here and being surrounded by such a working collaborative atmosphere is an element I was searching for in my fellowship.
What do you hope to accomplish in your time as an administrative fellow? I plan to complete this fellowship year with broader knowledge of the healthcare landscape because this industry is incredibly complex and there are numerous aspects of it to learn. I hope my time at Cincinnati Children’s helps fill in those gaps that formal education was not able to teach. I long to create meaningful, strong relationships with the people I engage with in and out of project work, and I wish to continue building upon my passion for pediatric medicine.
While growing professionally, I also want to grow personally. This is my first time leaving Texas for a significant period, so I hope to better understand the ins and outs of adulthood and become more accustomed to the Midwestern culture as well.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, what has been your favorite past-time? Like many others, I have found myself at times watching interesting programs on Netflix. Comedy content has been the most enjoyable! But I also have taken the time to explore the different neighborhoods within the city and go on weekly hikes with some of my co-fellows. I love to eat, so diving into the Cincinnati food scene is a blessing. Taste of Belgium is currently my favorite.
What is your secret superpower? I miss the Tex-Mex cuisine back home, so I would love to have the power to make those food dishes appear when I crave them.
Branddye Paggett
Where did you grow up? I grew up in Los Angeles, which is where all my family still lives.
What sparked your interest and passion for a career in healthcare administration? I began feeling unfilled in my previous career and knew I wanted to obtain a graduate degree. More importantly, my niece passed away from brain cancer at the age of 10, and in knowing firsthand how difficult that journey is for a child and their family, I wanted to be in a position to help.
I chose to go into healthcare because I wanted to connect my business background with my desire to improve the lives of others. Healthcare administration has allowed me to bridge the gap between business and healthcare and allowed me to fulfill my desire to give back and pay it forward to families like mine.
What is your favorite thing about working at Cincinnati Children’s? I love that everything is so new and exciting! The little moments are my favorite. From learning about the services that Child Life or Pastoral Care provide to working on one of the many CCB-related projects, I have enjoyed getting to know the organization. Also, the culture of Cincinnati Children’s is great! Working with such smart, talented, and innovative people has been an inspiration to me. I saw early on the passion everyone here has for helping to make the lives of our patients better; it is truly an honor to be a part of that.
What do you hope to accomplish in your time as an administrative fellow? During my time here, I hope to figure out what I want to do long term. Having made a career change, I want to determine how I can transfer my skills from working as a commercial property insurance broker to my new life in healthcare. I want to figure out how I can make best the impact in a space that I am passionate about, while continuing to grow and learn.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, what has been your favorite past-time? I have not picked up any hobbies or started any new activities. However, since moving to the Cincinnati metro area, I have enjoyed exploring the city with my husband and co-fellows.
What is your secret superpower? I had to think long and hard, but I’d say my secret superpower is my quick reflexes! If I drop something, I’m usually pretty swift with the mid-air catch.
Kenton Reason
Where did you grow up? I am originally from Germantown, Ohio.
What sparked your interest and passion for a career in healthcare administration? I knew I wanted to enter the healthcare field at a young age. When I was 5, I was in a serious accident and had to spend three weeks in the PICU at Cincinnati Children’s. During my time here as a patient and through years of recovery, I got to see all the different aspects of healthcare and the complexities related to access. I knew from this point that creating solutions for healthcare organizations was something I wanted to be a part of.
What is your favorite thing about working at Cincinnati Children’s? Everything about Cincinnati Children’s is collaborative. Whether it is the patients and families, my co-workers or the culture itself, collaboration is key.
While I am in the healthcare industry, I am surely not an expert on all things clinical. Whenever I have a question, my clinical co-workers are always willing to go out of their way to help me understand. This collaborative aspect has been so key in my success and integration during my short time at Cincinnati Children’s.
What do you hope to accomplish in your time as an administrative fellow? I hope to gain a better understanding of the main initiatives, strategies and culture here and how I can use my focus and talents to fit the needs of Cincinnati Children’s.
I also want to make a lasting impact. Directly relating to my fellowship, I want to create a sustainable solution in some aspect of the hospital. I want to be able to look back at my time here and know that I made a difference in the lives of our patients, families, and employees.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, what has been your favorite past-time? During quarantine, I was lucky enough to become a dog dad. My new puppy has really helped me get through the COVID-19 blues. When I have a stressful day, it is the best to come home to her and go on an adventure.
What is your secret superpower? My secret superpower would have to be my connection with animals. I feel as though I can almost talk to them!
Chloe Stegeman
Where did you grow up? I grew up in the Metro Atlanta area.
What sparked your interest and passion for a career in healthcare administration? My interest in healthcare administration begins with my interest in healthcare. During a very formative chapter in my life, a close family member had a major healthcare event, and the experience was a first foray into the complex healthcare system. While in many ways it was an extremely hard and stressful situation, I still reflect on the immense support our family received from clinicians and staff and the inspirational work of the team to guide my family member along the journey of health and healing. Ultimately, it sparked an insatiable curiosity in healthcare and a life-long pursuit to consider ways I can help serve patients and families in a similar capacity.
What is your favorite thing about working at Cincinnati Children’s? While I would like to say everything about Cincinnati Children’s is my favorite, I have to say, the people here truly make the place. I am continually inspired by each person’s passion for their work and driving forward the mission of Cincinnati Children’s, no matter the role. It’s been a great honor to work with so many wonderful people and teams here at Cincinnati Children’s over the past few months, and I look forward to the opportunity to connect with even more people who make the medical center a special place over the coming months of the fellowship.
What do you hope to accomplish in your time as an administrative fellow? During my fellowship, I hope to give back as much as I get from this incredible learning experience. While the fellowship year is a wonderful opportunity to grow in knowledge of the hospital and pediatric care environment, my hope is that I am able to leave a positive impact via my project work during my time as a fellow at Cincinnati Children’s.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, what has been your favorite past-time? I have loved touring the parks of Cincinnati. In COVID-19 times especially, I have grown a deeper appreciation for time spent outdoors, and I love a good walk and/or hike. Alms Park and the Wasson Way trail are a couple of my favorite spots.
What is your secret superpower? My hidden talent is hula hooping! I’ve been known to participate in spur-of-the-moment competitions over the years and consider myself an unofficial hula-hooping champ.