Patient and Family Advisory Council

Sarah El Zailah

Hometown:

Swansea, MA

Professional Background:

Mortgage Processor at Bristol County Savings Bank

Interests include spending time with my family, travelling, yoga, and enjoying time at the beach!

Volunteer Work:

YMCA in Bridgeport, CT, Habitat for Humanity in RI, Alumni Office at Fairfield University and a Teacher at Junior Achievement of Rhode Island, which prepares our youth on financial literacy

Why they joined PFAC:

Over the past few years, i have spent a lot of time consulting several doctors to determine my many medical health conditions. I have learned how crucial it is to always be an advocate for yourself if you are unsure of your diagnosis and the importance of a second opinion to make informed decisions on your health. I feel my experiences can help to enhance the quality of care provided to other patients who rely on Southcoast Health.

Tenure on Council:

Member since 2022

Karlene Ross

Hometown:

Somerset

Professional Background:

Elementary Principal

Personal Interests/Community Affiliations:

I love baking, hiking, kayaking, and going on vacation with my family.

Why they joined PFAC:

Since my retirement, I have looked for ways to give back to the community. My experiences with SHG have always been positive, so I wanted to share my insights as an educator and advocate to help improve the care provided to patients and families who use Southcoast’s services.

Tenure on Council:

2025

Janet Gillis

Hometown:

Acushnet, MA

Professional Background:

I began my professional career as a physical therapist working at Tufts Medical Center treating pediatric and adult patients, with focus on orthopedics and rheumatology. I continued my career working in private practice and homecare.  When I joined Southcoast in 1987, I began work at Tobey as Rehab Director. I later assumed the position of Women’s Health Rehab Coordinator and we established a new practice location in Dartmouth.  These services provide care for women with urinary and bowel issues, pelvic pain, pre-natal and postpartum musculoskeletal issues, as well as lymphedema and post-op breast cancer.  The program evolved and expanded to include treatment of men’s pelvic health.  At the time of my retirement in Dec 2024, the program has grown with a staff of eight physical therapists providing these specialized services.

Personal Interests/Community Affiliations:

I love gardening, knitting, taking care of my dog Turner, spending time with my family and friends.

Why they joined PFAC:

After working for Southcoast Health for 38 years, I felt a strong commitment to participate and contribute to Southcoast Health and the community.

Tenure on Council:

2025

Kathleen Campanirio

Hometown:

Taunton, MA

Professional background:

RN, BSN, and MBA in management with 25 years’ experience in many specialties;
30-year Vice President at a healthcare information systems company, consulting, installing, training and selling software systems; Former healthcare coordinator at Headstart; Trained and supported 100 clinical staffers for VNA on medical record software; General Manager of for-profit subsidiary, HSI, of the VNA of Providence

Personal Interests/Community Affiliations:

AARP driver’s ed trainer in MA and FL; Provides Medicare D education for seniors and works with Medicare Affiliates (BFAC) to educate seniors on Medicare services, patient empowerment and partnership; Enjoys traveling, computers, and supporting special needs adults; AAUW scholarship chair and Secretary

Why they joined PFAC:

My experiences caring for my husband, Leo, with his terminal illness and my special needs son, my retirement and my background in healthcare and process management.

Tenure on Council:

Since 2010 (Founding member)

Melanie Cordeiro

Hometown:

Fall River, MA

Professional background:

Marketing Director for The Cordeiro Group – Insurance, Real Estate & Philanthropy

Personal Interests/Community Affiliations:

Commissioner, Licensing Board City of Fall River
Member, Southcoast Health’s President’s Council
Member, Rotary Club of Greater Fall River
Board Member, Southcoast Insurance Agents Association

Why they joined PFAC:

To assist in the improvement of the quality of care for patients and families who use Southcoast Health’s hospitals and services.

Tenure on Council:

Since 2021

Den DeMainis, Jr.

Hometown:

New Bedford, MA

Professional Background:

Director of Day Support Services at Lifestream, Inc.

Personal Interests/Community Affiliations:

I bring with me a background in advocacy and community service, having earned the rank of Eagle Scout and serving as Chairperson for the Commission for Citizens with Disabilities. I’m also an active member of the Community Health & Wellness Committee, the Disability Accommodations Committee, and Southcoast More Pride.

Outside of my work and advocacy, I find joy in traveling, reading, cooking, and spending time with the people who mean the most to me.

Why they joined PFAC:

“I joined PFAC because of the experiences my husband and I went through in the health system—some deeply challenging, others profoundly eye-opening. Those moments stayed with me. They made me realize how vital compassion, communication, and true partnership are in care. Being part of PFAC is my way of honoring that journey and trying, in whatever way I can, to make things better for someone else walking a similar path.”

Tenure on Council:

2016

Pam Ellis

Hometown:

Mattapoisett, MA

Professional background:

Non-profit office management; Software product management; Informal educator

Personal Interests/Community Affiliations:

Leadership Southcoast Alumni Committee member; Enjoys water activities and biking.

Why they joined PFAC:

My passion for quality of care, recognizing improvement opportunities based on my own health and family experience.

Tenure on Council:

Since 2015

Mary Louise Francis

Hometown:

Dartmouth, MA

Professional background:

Retired Educator

Personal Interests/Community Affiliations:

Mary Lou is the president of the Bristol County Retired Teachers Association. She remains dedicated to educators after a career as a teacher, counselor, and administrator in the New Bedford Public Schools. She also taught a course on brain-based teaching and learning at Fitchburg State College and served on the Acushnet School Committee.

Why they joined PFAC:

Mary Lou attended an information session that saved her life. She discussed how she owes her life to the notice of the information session, and to the doctors at Charlton Memorial. Read her story here.

Tenure on Council:

Since 2022

Danyelle LeBlanc

Hometown:

New Bedford, MA

Professional background:

Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Community Mental Health

Personal Interests/Community Affiliations:

Enjoys being active and coaching youth sports

Why they joined PFAC:

As a clinician I have seen how physical health and mental health go hand in hand and I would like to bridge any gaps in access to healthcare to those who need it and be an advocate for those who often have a difficult time advocating for themselves or accessing healthcare due to their limitations.

Tenure on Council:

Since 2024

Renee Ledbetter

Hometown:

New Bedford, MA

Professional Background:

Director of the New Bedford Shannon Program (NBS) / President of the New Bedford NAACP Branch

Personal Interests/Community Affiliations:

She is a proud mother of five children and one granddaughter, interested improving the lives, health and welfare of at-risk youth

Why they joined PFAC:

Renee Ledbetter is a New Bedford resident. Her career has encompassed a variety of roles. She has served as Director of the New Bedford Shannon Program (NBS) since August 2019. As director, she is responsible for managing prevention and intervention initiatives and programming, serving as a key point of contact with community partners and developing fluid and effective strategies focused on youth at risk of gang violence. Renee currently serves as the President of the New Bedford NAACP Branch, serves as the Board President for United Interfaith Action of Southeastern Massachusetts, having been involved in UIA for over 20 years and helping establish the Shannon Program through a UIA campaign. Renee believes deeply in the possibility for change when people of faith come together. She also serves as Director of Youth Ministry & Faith Formation Coordinator at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, member of the parade committee of the Cape Verdean Recognition committee, member of the advisory board of the New Bedford Community Connections Coalition, and member of the New Bedford Police Chief’s Community Advisory Board.

Tenure on Council:

Since 2024

Wendy Looker

Hometown:

Swansea, MA

Professional background:

Currently, Statewide Health Home Administrator for Rhode Island Opioid Treatment Programs. Field surveyor for Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) an international accreditation agency. Former Owner of Center for Treatment and Recovery from 2003-2020. I am a registered nurse and hold a degree from Roger Williams University.

Personal Interests/Community Affiliations:

Currently the vice-chair of the Swansea Special Education Parent Advisory Committee, board member of the Governor’s Council on Behavioral Health (RI). I love traveling, crafting and spending time with my family.

Why they joined PFAC:

Navigating the health care industry is tricky even for those with medical knowledge. Advocacy has always been a very important aspect of my career and as a consumer (also having family as consumers) shared decision making and the provision of functional medicine are extremely important aspects of care that I hear and see are often overlooked.

Tenure on Council:

Since 2024

Cathie Markow

Hometown:

Wareham, MA

Professional background:

Healthcare information technology and quality measurement and improvement

Personal Interests/Community Affiliations:

Volunteer Emergency Department Patient Liaison – Tobey Hospital; Volunteer Habitat for Humanity

Why they joined PFAC:

A passion for improving patient and family experience with our healthcare system and an opportunity to get to know and give back to my community.

Tenure on Council:

Since 2021

Joan Menard

Hometown:

Dartmouth, MA

Professional Background:

Started career in customer service and support in tech; Higher education; Transitioned to healthcare in 2008; Project management, training and consulting

Personal Interests/Community Affiliations:

Trustee of the Dartmouth Public Libraries; Member of the DNRT and Helfand Community Garden; Supports and participates at the Marion Institute and Round-the-Bend Farm; Personal interests include music, reading, food and nutrition and sustainable living.

Why they joined PFAC:

Just as the decline of company paid pensions prompted individuals to take control of their own retirement funding, the Affordable Care Act has created an environment where individuals will be best served by increasing their role in their own healthcare. I want to help patients be successful by sharing what I’ve learned about healthcare through my work with doctors, executives and staff at hospitals, and also in an outpatient primary care setting.

Tenure on Council:

Since 2015

Brian O’Hare

Hometown:

Dartmouth, MA

Professional Background:

Marketing and Sales manager with over 35 years of experience in start-ups and large, global firms in the hi-tech, consumer, and commercial and industrial goods and services; Launched and manages a sales, marketing and management process improvement consultancy

Personal Interests/Community Affiliations:

Board Member of a homeless shelter; Elected City official; Volunteer with My Brother’s Keeper; Member of the Dartmouth Harbor Development Committee; Active runner, cyclist and hiker.

Why they joined PFAC:

Brian became interested in patient advocacy after a very positive experience at the St. Luke’s Emergency Department.

Tenure on Council:

Since 2017

Geovanny Gomes Sequeira

Hometown:

New Bedford, MA

Professional Background:

Community Relations Specialist for the City of New Bedford

Personal Interests/Community Affiliations:

Member of the Board of Directors for the Cape Verdean Association, Executive Member of the NAACP New Bedford Branch, Our Lady of the Assumption Church Parish Council member, Chairman of the City’s Annual MLK Day community program & a leader with United Interfaith Action.

Why they joined PFAC:

To advocate for improved patient experiences, particularly for those facing language, accessibility, and cultural barriers. My goal is to help shape policies and practices to be more patient-centered and inclusive, bridging gaps in communication, access, and cultural understanding within the healthcare system.

Tenure on Council:

Since 2024