This February, we proudly spotlight the stories of our Black employees, recognizing their unique journeys and contributions to our diverse community.

Susan Royal

Q: What is your position and what made you decide to take this role with Southcoast Health? What does your work entail?

A: I am a Practice Manager in Internal Medicine at SPG located at 1030 President Ave, the FTH Medical Specialty Office. I grew up in Taunton, MA and always wanted to help others. I began here as a Recreational Therapist working with developmentally disabled children and adults. It was so rewarding to watch my clients overcome milestones that others take for granted. My mother always taught my siblings and I to treat others the way we would want to be treated, even though we may not get the same in return. She said we would be better people because of it, and she was right.

Q: What experiences have helped you shape your views as it relates to growing up African American?

A: Growing up as a person of color, I always felt I had to prove myself by going the extra mile, doing more than my peers, and doing over and beyond. I would work hard and longer just to go beyond what may have been my expectation, especially because I am a person of color. My work ethic has paid off. I started at Southcoast about a year ago. I came from a 22-year career in Pediatrics in Rhode Island. There, I worked my way from Medical Assistant to Lead to Assistant Manager and then Manager. I now have taken a different turn in life and wanted to work in Internal Medicine with adults.

Q: Was there a turning point moment that helped clarify your career goals?

A: My mother, who lived with me, slowly became ill to the point of having to make the decision of hospice. She was the kindest and gentlest person I have ever known. She always took care of her parents, siblings and her children. She has inspired me to change direction and to be the person that I have become. I currently run a practice of 31 employees. I really enjoy working with aging adults. I want to give the care that I would give my mom. I want to continue what I do for as long as I can. Thank you for the opportunity to tell my story.

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Danielle Medina

Q: What is your position and what made you decide to take this role with Southcoast Health? What does your work entail?

A: I am Executive Director of payer strategy and contracting. I’ve been with Southcoast since January of 2023. I decided to take this role with Southcoast Health because the community it serves is my home. I grew up in Wareham and Tobey Hospital was where I received most of my healthcare. Working at Southcoast gives me an opportunity to make an impact on our community through my work. My team’s work entails supporting executive leadership in payer negotiation strategy development, payer negotiations, contract analysis and maintaining relationships with contracted payers.

Q: Was there a turning point moment that helped clarify your career goals?

A: I’ve always known that I wanted to work in healthcare but found my passion on the administrative side.

Q: What is the significance of Black History Month for you?

A: It is critically important for us to learn about our ancestors and their contributions to history. As a black woman, raising two black children, black history is something I focus on year-round, not just during the month of February.

Q: What experiences have helped you shape your views as it relates to growing up African American?

A: I grew up in a very diverse community and I’m grateful for that experience. After graduating high school, I went on to attend a predominantly white college, which was a bit of a culture shock for me. I am equally as grateful for that experience. It helped me to understand the importance of including diverse perspectives in all facets of life.

Q: As a person of color, what do you hope to see in the future as it relates to racial justice?

A: In recent years there has been a great deal of focus on racial injustice. I hope to see continued work and resources allocated to tackle racial prejudice, discrimination, and systems that disproportionately harm some while favoring others.

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Shanielle Anderson-Stewart

Q: What is your position and what made you decide to take this role with Southcoast Health?

A: I am a labor and delivery nurse with Southcoast Health since July 2022. This is a position that I have always dreamed of working. Ever since I knew I wanted to be a nurse, and even all through nursing school, I knew I wanted to be a part of this miracle of life. I was so excited to accept a position on the family center unit fresh out of nursing school.

Q: What does your work entail?

A: As a labor and delivery nurse, my job is to monitor the baby’s heart rate while mom is laboring and also measure contractions. I work together with the family and the doctor to support mom’s needs. When the time has come, I assist with delivery and then assess mom every 15 minutes for 2 hours or until stable enough to transfer to the postpartum unit.

Q: Was there a turning point moment that helped clarify your career goals?

A: I was born and raised in Jamaica, so as a first-generation college student, all I wanted to do was make my family proud. I always knew I wanted to help people and make a difference in someone’s life, so I knew becoming a nurse was the best path for me.

Q: What is the significance of Black History Month for you?

A: Black History Month is a time dedicated to celebrating my history and my heritage. My ancestors worked HARD; blood, sweat, and tears were shed – literally. My blackness should be celebrated every day. A month is simply not enough.

Q: What experiences have helped you shape your views as it relates to growing up African American?

A: Growing up African American has looked different for me based on where I’ve lived. When I was living in Jamaica, everyone was either black or a person of color. Our motto there is “out of many, one people,” so even if there was someone there who was Caucasian or of a different race, they were never singled out or felt as if they didn’t belong. I didn’t experience or see racism until living in America. At times, being black in America feels like a crime within itself. The injustices that I have witnessed in this country are absolutely absurd, and I can’t believe we are still living like this in 2024.

Q: As a person of color, what do you hope to see in the future as it relates to racial justice?

A: In the future, I hope we can really come together as one. At the end of the day, we are all just human.

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Kerri Barboza

Q: What is your position and what made you decide to take this role with Southcoast Health?

A: Coordinator Business Operations for St. Luke’s Hospital Family Centered Unit. It was time for career change, I have always wanted to work in the medical field.

Q: What does your work entail?

A: I provide administrative and secretarial support to St. Luke’s Hospital Family Centered Unit, Pediatrics, and the Special Care Nursery.

Q: What is the significance of Black History Month for you?

A: To celebrate and honor the legacy of these leaders that have lead the way for future generations to follow.

Q: As a person of color, what do you hope to see in the future as it relates to racial justice?

A: To one day have a woman of color be president and for people of color to be treated equal.

For more information on how Southcoast Health is celebrating Black History Month, visit Celebrating Black History Month | Southcoast Health.