GME Professionals Day
Happy GME Professionals Day!
Join us in recognizing our incredible Graduate Medical Education Program Specialists who work tirelessly each day to support our resident and fellow training programs. Their dedication and expertise are vital to our success. Help us show appreciation for these outstanding professionals!
St. Vincent Family Medicine
Tonja Abeyta, BSHA, is the Manager of Graduate Medical Education for the CHRISTUS St. Vincent/UNM Santa Fe Family Medicine Residency Program in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She is passionate about supporting residents, faculty, and healthcare teams in creating meaningful educational experiences that prepare physicians to serve their communities.
In addition to her work in graduate medical education, Tonja has served for nine years on the Board of Directors for St. Elizabeth Shelter & Supportive Housing, supporting efforts to assist individuals experiencing homelessness and strengthen the local community.
Outside of work, Tonja enjoys spending time with her two grown children, her amazing life partner, and her sweet two-year-old Pomeranian. She values service, connection, and making a positive impact in the lives of others.
Good Shepherd Internal Medicine Residency
Aryn Burnett has served as Executive Administrative Assistant for Graduate Medical Education since March 2024. A true Longview native, she was born at Good Shepherd and earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from LeTourneau University right here in town.
Before transitioning into healthcare, Aryn spent five years in the mortgage industry. After taking a year away from work to stay home with her daughter, she sought a role that aligned with her passion for supporting others. In her position with Graduate Medical Education, Aryn values building strong relationships with residents and colleagues, contributing to a supportive learning environment, and keeping operations running smoothly behind the scenes. She finds the work both inspiring and deeply rewarding.
Outside of work, Aryn loves spending time with her husband, Beau, and their energetic 2.5-year-old daughter, Baylor, who keeps them on the go. Whether it’s family outings, playtime adventures, or simply enjoying being together, they make the most of every moment. Aryn also enjoys tackling DIY projects—ranging from home décor makeovers to “Pinterest experiments” that occasionally turn out just as planned.
Spohn Family Medicine Residency
Spohn Geriatric Medicine Fellowship
Spohn OB/Women’s Health Fellowship
Santa Rosa Family Medicine Residency
Maricella Cardoza is a Graduate Medical Education Program Specialist II at CHRISTUS Health in San Antonio, Texas, with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. Born and raised in San Antonio and shaped by the values of a proud Air Force family. In this role, I work closely with faculty and leadership to ensure program compliance, smooth operations, and a strong educational experience for our residents. My background includes experience in healthcare operations and program management, with a passion for supporting the next generation of Family Medicine Physicians. Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends, cheering on my boys at the baseball field, and proudly supporting and attending a Dallas Cowboys game.
Spohn Emergency Medicine Residency
System Academics
As Program Manager for Academics, Leyla Embree helps support, oversee, and strengthen physician residency and fellowship training programs across CHRISTUS Health. She has been with CHRISTUS for seven years and brings more than 23 years of experience in medical education, spanning undergraduate, graduate, and continuing medical education settings. Working closely with the DIO and Director of Academics, Leyla ensures compliance with ACGME standards, manages CMS cost reporting for GME reimbursement, and provides strategic guidance to GME programs system-wide.
Good Shepherd Internal Medicine Residency
St. Michael Emergency Medicine Fellowship
A proud native of Longview, Texas, Cindy Harrison has dedicated her career to shaping the future of medical education in her beloved East Texas. After earning her BA in Communication from UT Arlington, Cindy began her journey at Good Shepherd in 2005, initially contributing to the marketing department.
Her passion for medical education truly blossomed in 2011. As the Internal Medicine residency program at Good Shepherd began recruiting its inaugural class, Cindy played a pivotal role alongside Dr. John McDonald in establishing undergraduate medical education, welcoming the first class of medical students from TCOM.
With the Internal Medicine program flourishing at its full complement of 54 residents, Cindy embraced a new challenge at UT Health Science Center. For seven years in Tyler, she was instrumental in launching a general psychiatry residency program and two additional psychiatry programs: a rural psychiatry program and a child/adolescent fellowship.
In 2022, Cindy's journey brought her back home to what is now CHRISTUS Good Shepherd. She's thrilled to be "back home" in Longview, contributing to the Internal Medicine program, and working alongside Dr. McDonald, Dr. Egbe, and particularly her co-specialist, Dr. Lacie Shank. After 11 years in the DFW metroplex, Cindy cherishes the opportunity to recruit students to train in the Longview area and the surrounding communities she's always called home.
Outside of her impactful career, Cindy shares her life with her husband, Scott Harrison, whom she married in 2010. She's a proud stepmom to Hayden Grace Harrison, 21, and a devoted dog-mom to her three four-legged babies: Etta James, Phoebe, and Sammy. When she's not shaping medical careers, Cindy enjoys binging a good series on her favorite streaming platforms. She and Scott also share a love for antiquing, though they admit their home is quickly running out of space for their cherished finds!
Isabel Jurado Herrera
St. Vincent Family Medicine
Isabel Jurado Herrera is a GME Program Specialist I at CHRISTUS St. Vincent in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she has supported the UNM-Santa Fe Family Medicine Residency Program for the past three years. She works closely with residents and faculty to coordinate program operations and support medical education. Outside of work, she enjoys reading and listening to music.
Santa Rosa Family Medicine Residency
Santa Rosa Sports Medicine Fellowship
Tammy Hysten is a dedicated healthcare professional with 30 years of experience, including 14 years specializing in Graduate Medical Education (GME) in both Family and Sports Medicine. As a senior lead GME Program Specialist, she’s known not only for her GME expertise and attention to detail, but also for being the heart of the program – often seen with a camera in hand, capturing both milestone events and the everyday moments that matter. Tammy’s work is guided by compassion, creativity, and a deep commitment to excellence. She is deeply passionate about her work and holds her faculty, fellows, and residents in the highest regard – considering them an extension of her professional family. Her unwavering dedication plays a vital role in fostering both the academic and professional success of residents and fellows. A natural storyteller and creative spirit, Tammy also writes poetry, enjoys crafting, and treasures time with her family – especially her beloved grandson.
Spohn Emergency Medicine Residency
Having dedicated 35 years of my career to the CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Health System, I can confidently say that joining the GME-Emergency Medicine Residency Program in August 2010 was a profoundly rewarding decision. It's truly inspiring to be a part of a program that is so deeply committed to providing exceptional training. Our residents are the future of emergency medicine, and it is a privilege to contribute to their development as they prepare to care for our community and beyond.
CHRISTUS Children’s / CHRISTUS Santa Rosa
I have been with Graduate Medical Education (GME) since 2021, supporting the onboarding and processing of 400+ residents and fellows from Baylor College of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, SAUSHEC (Military), and the University of the Incarnate Word within the Santa Rosa region. Prior to joining GME, I spent nine years in Health Informatics as a Physician Education Coordinator, where I helped implement the electronic health record (EHR) system across the region for more than 2,000 physicians. I also contributed to three published articles related to electronic health record systems. My background in physician education, technology implementation, and healthcare operations has been invaluable in supporting my work within the GME office.
Spohn Family Medicine Residency
Spohn Geriatric Medicine Fellowship
Spohn OB/Women’s Health Fellowship
Committed to serving the Coastal Bend Community with providing an Exceptional Educational Experience. I have enjoyed 38 remarkable years with the CHRISTUS Spohn Family Medicine Residency Program. Serving the Primary Care Clinic with 29-year as a paramedic, and with a certification in Graduate Medical Education (C-TAGME), Embodying Dignity, Integrity, Excellence, Compassion, and Stewardship, providing unwavering support to the Community and the Program's Faculty, Fellows, Residents, and Staff alike.
Spohn Emergency Medicine Residency
Lynn Newman is an experienced GME Program Specialist II at CHRISTUS Health, where she has been serving since April 2012. She holds the designation of Certified Administrative Professional and plays a pivotal role in resident research and medical student clerkships.
In addition to her academic and administrative expertise, Lynn is a Texas Notary, further demonstrating her commitment to professional service and integrity. Her multifaceted role supports the advancement of graduate medical education and ensures the smooth operation of the emergency medicine residency program.
CHRISTUS Children’s / CHRISTUS Santa Rosa
Jill Petter is the Regional Director of Medical Education for CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health System and CHRISTUS Children's in San Antonio, Texas she has been there for 3 ½ years. She leads graduate and continuing medical education initiatives, oversees accreditation, HRSA Grants and program operations, and collaborates with physicians, outside residency programs and executive leaders to advance healthcare education. Jill is committed to developing future healthcare professionals and supporting excellence in patient care through innovative medical education programs.
System Academics
Jennifer Reemtsma, MEd, serves as Director of Academics and Assistant Designated Institutional Official at CHRISTUS Health. Since joining CHRISTUS in 2020, she has provided leadership and support for residency and fellowship programs across the health system. Jennifer brings 19 years of experience in medical education, having worked within several major health systems and across a variety of academic training environments. Prior to transitioning into medical education, she served as both a teacher and assistant principal, experiences that continue to shape her collaborative and learner-focused approach to academic leadership. She is also the co-author of The Residency Program Director’s Handbook, published by HcPro in 2015 and updated in 2019, a widely used resource for graduate medical education leaders and program administrators.
System Academics
Gretchen serves as the Program Manager for Undergraduate Medical Education in the Office of Academics. She joined the CHRISTUS Health Academics team in January 2021. During the last 5 years, her primary task has been to support the needs of undergraduate students throughout the system. She does, however, also support the GME program with designated administrative tasks.
Prior to joining CHRISTUS Health, Gretchen worked with Texas A&M University and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso. Gretchen has worked in non-profit organizations for over 15 years, and cherishes the opportunity to support the needs of future healthcare professionals as it provides a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment. “I have seen the impact these young professionals have on all aspects of life in any given community. I am very proud to have played a small part to help them achieve their goals.”
Good Shepherd Internal Medicine Residency
St. Michael Emergency Medicine Fellowship
Dr. Lacie Shank operates on the principle that "you can only eat an elephant one piece at a time" – a philosophy she applies masterfully to medical education. As a Program Specialist at CHRISTUS Health Good Shepherd since 2015, she's been instrumental in designing comprehensive programs and fostering professional development for medical trainees. With a passion for gamification, Dr. Shank has even introduced innovative methods like "medical escape rooms" to enhance trainee engagement. When she's not expertly navigating curriculum coordination or optimizing program resources, Lacie enjoys a vibrant life with her husband, Timothy, and their Frenchie, Birdie. She's also a proud mom to Cameron Harvey, currently serving in the Marines. Beyond her love for festive holidays (think all things Halloween and Christmas!) and adventures in her camper and on the boat, Lacie maintains a surprisingly diverse collection of taxidermy – just another "piece" of her fascinating life.
Southern New Mexico Family Medicine
Lisa Taylor Skutnik is the Director of Academics for CHRISTUS Southern New Mexico. She oversees the CHRISTUS Southern New Mexico Family Medicine Residency Program as well as serving as the director of the Cancer Center and the Diabetes Education and Nutrition departments.
She is a licensed physical therapist with two master's degrees. She transitioned to a clinical leadership role in health care early in her career, now with 36 years of leadership experience. She is passionate about continuing the development of graduate medical education opportunities within CHRISTUS.
St. Patrick Podiatric Medicine and Surgical Residency
Sabrina Stoute has been the Program Coordinator for the Southwest Louisiana Podiatric Medicine & Surgical Residency with CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital in Lake Charles, LA, since 2019. What she finds fulfilling as the coordinator is watching them grow throughout their training and being a part of their development to being an attending physician.
Outside of work, Sabrina is married with three children, 2 dogs, 1 outside cat, and 6 sheep (country life). She LOVES traveling to new places, going to concerts, getting lost in a phenomenal book, bingeing a good TV series, working out and jogging.
Southern New Mexico Podiatric Lower Extremity Surgery and Research Fellowship
Jaye-Tee Taylor is the Supervisor of Practice Operations for CHRISTUS Southern New Mexico Bone & Joint, overseeing medical assistant teams across the Alamogordo, Las Cruces, and Ruidoso locations. With more than a decade of experience in orthopedic healthcare, clinical documentation, research, and practice operations, Jaye-Tee is dedicated to supporting quality patient care, operational excellence, and professional development within healthcare teams.
Jaye-Tee began a career with New Mexico Bone & Joint in September 2015 as a Medical Assistant, working closely with J. Joseph Anderson, DPM, FACFAS, for ten years. In this role, Jaye-Tee documented patient visits, coordinated patient care, and developed extensive expertise in orthopedic clinical operations and patient management.
In January 2019, Jaye-Tee became the Research Coordinator for the American Foundation of Lower Extremity Surgery and Research (AFLESR). In this position, responsibilities included collecting, managing, and analyzing clinical data to support publication in medical journals and professional forums. Jaye-Tee also played an active role in the American Foundation of Lower Extremity Surgery and Research Fellowship Program, helping to guide and educate fellows on proper clinical documentation, ICD-10 coding, and authorization processes. Over the course of ten years, Jaye-Tee helped support and oversee multiple fellowship classes, contributing to the successful training and graduation of numerous foot and ankle surgery fellows. Through this work, Jaye-Tee developed a strong passion for education, mentorship, and advancing standards of clinical excellence.
Additionally, Jaye-Tee serves as a Research Coordinator for the FDA study of the Vilex H3 Hintermann Total Ankle Replacement. This ongoing study focuses on gathering and monitoring clinical outcomes, and Jaye-Tee continues to contribute valuable data and research support.
Following the acquisition of New Mexico Bone & Joint by CHRISTUS Health in April 2025, Jaye-Tee continued serving the organization and was promoted to Supervisor Practice Operations in September 2025. In this leadership role, Jaye-Tee oversees medical assistant operations across three clinic locations, fostering teamwork, staff development, operational efficiency, and high standards of patient care.
Jaye-Tee has a strong interest in healthcare leadership, process improvement, employee development, clinical research, and advancing orthopedic patient care through operational excellence, education, and evidence-based medicine.