Elizabeth Burrows and her team of expert healthcare consultants share a passion for rural healthcare and health equity for all. Sparked by her battle with Crohn’s Disease and witnessing poverty abroad and in her hometown, Elizabeth Burrows dedicates her life to ensuring health equity across all patient populations.
Meet Elizabeth, our trailblazing Owner, whose academic path was marked by excellence, graduating at the top of her class from DePauw University. Her academic pursuits didn’t stop there; she ventured abroad to Oxford University, immersing herself in Political Science and Communications, then achieved her Doctor of Jurisprudence from Indiana University Maurer School of Law. This foundation laid the groundwork for her significant impact on public health.
Driven by a personal battle with Crohn’s Disease and witnessing poverty’s effects both internationally and in her community, Elizabeth developed a profound commitment to health equity and rural healthcare. Her dedication led her to the Indiana State Department of Health, where, as Director of the State Office of Rural Health, she more than tripled the federal funding for critical access hospitals.
Returning to her roots in Cayuga, she became the founding CEO of Valley Professionals Community Health Center, guiding its growth by over 1000% in eight years. Elizabeth’s ambition extended further in 2014 when she founded Burrows Consulting. Her leadership has since secured over $300 million in grant funding and over $400 million in enhanced Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements for health entities across more than 40 states and U.S. territories, maintaining a profitability of over 70%.
Beyond her business achievements, Elizabeth has served as CEO of an FQHC Look Alike and Executive Director of Purdue University’s FQHC, demonstrating her broad expertise and dedication to healthcare improvement.
Elizabeth’s journey is not just about professional milestones; it’s a reflection of her unwavering dedication to making healthcare accessible to all, fueled by a personal commitment to health equity. Her story from a determined student to a healthcare leader is a powerful narrative of passion driving purposeful change.
Learn more about Elizabeth
Cara Gambill, our Senior Consultant, whose educational journey stands as confirmation of her solid dedication and excellence in the sphere of health services management.
After swiftly completing the accelerated Health Services Management program at Indiana University School of Medicine, Cara continued to advance. She went on to gain a Master’s degree in Health Administration, earning Upsilon Phi Delta honors for her outstanding academic performance.
Cara’s professional trajectory took shape at the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, where she delved into Occupational Employment Statistics, setting the stage for her impactful career in healthcare. Her passion for rural health led her back to Dugger, Indiana, where she made significant strides at Greene County Health, Inc. (GCH). Her leadership in achieving Federally Qualified Health Center Look-alike status and implementing a robust 340B program underscored her strategic acumen and dedication to healthcare excellence. Throughout her tenure at GCH, Cara navigated multiple roles, including Project Manager, Interim CEO, and Director of Strategic Planning and Development, successfully securing over $430,000 in grant funding.
Cara’s expertise is not just limited to operational roles; she is a certified Lean Six Sigma professional and serves as a HRSA grant reviewer. Her contributions include a plethora of successful on-site visits, authoring HRSA-approved needs assessments, and crafting strategic plans that have propelled healthcare entities towards success.
Beyond her professional commitments, Cara treasures time spent reading, engaging in outdoor activities, and making memories with her husband and their children, Aedan, Nolan, and Elora. Cara’s narrative is one of relentless pursuit of excellence, a deep commitment to improving healthcare systems, and a personal mission to contribute meaningfully to the communities she serves.
Shelby Hull’s journey in public health is a compelling narrative of dedication and strategic acumen. Her academic voyage began at Indiana University Fairbanks School of Public Health, where she not only earned her Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Management but also exemplified her commitment to healthcare. Shelby’s university tenure was marked by her influential role with the Indiana Hospital Association, where she spearheaded the Small Rural Hospital Improvement Project (SHIP) through HRSA and the Indiana Department of Health, enhancing the operational and financial health of over 30 rural and critical access hospitals across Indiana.
Her career took a dynamic turn when she and her husband ventured to Michigan, and Shelby transitioned into corporate healthcare. Working closely with the CEO of one of Michigan’s largest health systems, she managed pivotal projects that spanned clinical and non-clinical areas across an eight-hospital system, showcasing her versatility and leadership in healthcare management.
Today, as a Senior Associate at Burrows Consulting, Shelby brings a wealth of experience in both rural and urban healthcare settings. Her expertise in HRSA grant applications, including Look-Alike and Service Area Competition, along with her support for private and state grants, makes her a pivotal asset to our team. Shelby’s commitment to healthcare improvement is evident in her strategic planning and execution, ensuring our clients receive the highest level of consultancy services.
On a personal note, Shelby enjoys exploring new horizons with her husband, Bailey, and their new puppy, Phoebe. Their move to Dallas has opened up opportunities for outdoor adventures, food adventures, and immersing themselves in the vibrant local culture. Shelby’s journey reflects a passion for healthcare innovation and a deep commitment to enhancing patient care across diverse communities.
Meet Melissa Jones, our Rural Health Clinic Senior Associate, whose depth of experience spans over two decades in the healthcare field, with nearly 12 of those years deeply rooted in the Critical Access Hospital setting alongside Provider Based Rural Health Clinics and a Community Health Center supported by grants. Melissa’s life as a proud military spouse has not only shaped her worldview but has also instilled a profound commitment to a holistic approach to healthcare, a principle greatly valued within the Veterans Affairs Health System.
Her expertise is certified by AHIMA as a Healthcare Technology Specialist – Practice Workflow & Information Management Redesign Specialist (CHTS PW), and her knowledge base is further broadened by her recent completion of the Certified Rural Health Professional (CRHCP) course. This comprehensive education and her passion for healthcare efficacy position Melissa as a pivotal figure in aiding healthcare entities to navigate the complexities of resource optimization and reimbursement enhancement.
Melissa excels in driving operational improvements through clinic compliance walkthroughs, workflow design optimizations, and the seamless incorporation of behavioral health. Her strategic initiatives extend to chronic care management, transitional care management, medication-assisted therapies, and the establishment of preventative care protocols and quality pay-for-performance metrics. Her multifaceted approach and unwavering dedication to healthcare improvement underscore her value to our team and to the broader healthcare community, ensuring elevated standards of patient care and operational excellence in clinics nationwide.
Kate Sheppard shines as our Clinical Referral Analyst, RN, BSN, charting a course of excellence from her academic roots at Milligan University in Johnson City, Tennessee. Graduating summa cum laude, Kate’s journey in nursing was punctuated by her parallel role as a pharmacy technician, where she gained invaluable skills in pharmaceutical care, deepening her understanding of patient-centered medication management.
Her Indiana upbringing, in a tight-knit farming community, imbued Kate with a profound appreciation for rural healthcare and a commitment to serving underserved populations. This background propelled her into a commendable career in emergency nursing, where her passion and expertise come to the forefront.
Returning to Indiana, Kate’s life is filled with professional accomplishments and personal happiness. Whether it’s traveling, shopping, or enjoying time with family and friends, she embodies the spirit of dedication and compassion that is central to our team, making her an invaluable asset in our mission to improve healthcare delivery.
Cassie Stewart, our proactive Executive Coordinator at Burrows Consulting, embarked on her educational journey at Indiana State University, securing a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Public Relations. Her tenure with us since 2021 has been marked by her exceptional skills in spearheading grant submissions, orchestrating events, and bolstering client communications, with a keen focus on marketing and public relations strategies.
Driven by a lifelong passion inspired by her parents’ commitment to aiding underserved populations, Cassie’s work is deeply influenced by her desire to make a tangible difference in her community. This dedication is mirrored in her efforts to advocate for health care initiatives and community well-being.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Cassie indulges in the joys of experiencing live music and relishing the great outdoors alongside her husband, Cale, and their daughter, Eleanor. Her vibrant approach to life and work infuses our team with a sense of purpose and commitment to our community’s health and prosperity.
Ashley brings a diverse background in healthcare, business operations, and executive support to Burrows Consulting. A graduate of Indiana University with a Master’s in Kinesiology, she has spent over a decade in the healthcare field—ranging from fitness facility management to working hands-on in the orthotic and prosthetic industry, where she helped craft life-changing devices for patients.
Her passion for expanding access to quality healthcare deepened when her youngest daughter faced significant medical challenges, undergoing multiple brain surgeries and procedures. Navigating that journey firsthand reinforced Ashley’s commitment to ensuring healthcare solutions reach those who need them most.
Outside of work, Ashley and her husband are dedicated softball coaches, mentoring young athletes, including their two daughters, Remington and Ramsey. Whether on the field or in the office, Ashley thrives on teamwork, problem-solving, and making a meaningful difference.
Joyce has her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and her career has focused in the areas of project management and consulting in multiple areas within the healthcare industry.
This experience includes serving as Indiana’s State Office Rural Health Manager serving 45 rural hospitals.
Her position oversaw the Small Hospital Improvement (SHIP), and Medicare Flexibility (Flex) grants; creating a wide variety of quality improvement training programs. In addition, she served as the liaison to the rural communities providing resources and opportunities for grant funding and to support the need for including but not limited to behavioral health, access to food, transportation and housing. During her five-year tenure, Joyce was able to locate over $8 million dollars to rural service providers including securing a $1 million Rural Community Opioid Program (RCORP) for a rural community’s community paramedicine program.
Joyce has been recognized nationally by the National Office State Office Rural Health as the 2022 National Rural Health Advocate.
She resides with her husband and their third child, a beagle, Molly, in Plainfield, Indiana and is the mother of two-grown sons, Ricky and Robbie, who also reside in the Indianapolis area. In her free time, she has an obsession with creating fairy gardens and has her Master Gardener’s Certificate from Purdue University.
Kandyse is a cum laude graduate of Washington State University where she earned her Bachelor’s degree with a major in English Literature and Rhetoric. During her time with Washington State University she found her love for narrative non-fiction and was published in the University’s LandEscapes journal. Kandyse then went on to join a global grant writers collective and obtain a certification in grant writing. She thrives on transforming ideas into impactful narratives.
Living with a Type 1 Diabetic, she is commited towards making a positive impact in the healthcare sector and believes that affordable healthcare is a basic human right for all. She joined Burrows Consulting in 2024 as a Grant Coordinator.
Pacific Northwest raised, Kandyse recently moved from Tacoma, WA to Nampa, ID where, in her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family. Her hobbies include reading, baking, and hiking.
Kate Pond’s career is a testament to her unwavering commitment to environmental health and community advocacy. Her academic journey began with a BA in English Linguistics and International Relations, laying the groundwork for her passion for effective communication and global perspectives. Currently, she is enriching her expertise by pursuing a Master of Public Affairs at IUI, focusing on policies that foster sustainable community development. This blend of language skills and policy understanding enables Kate to address complex health and environmental challenges creatively and effectively.
Kate’s professional path took shape in 2016 when she embarked on her career as a Writer/Editor at a dynamic start-up. It was here that she honed her skills in AP style editing and developed a deep-seated love for environmental storytelling. Over the years, she has freelanced with various websites, specializing in topics such as environmental health, emissions reduction, and minimizing plastic waste. Her significant stint as an intern with the Global Research and Advocacy Group in Dakar, Senegal, further shaped her ability to develop community advocacy strategies, notably exploring the health impacts of Female Genital Cutting. Following this, Kate’s role as a Communications Specialist and Grant Writer allowed her to merge her linguistic prowess with her drive to support health initiatives, now continuing her impactful work at Burrows Consulting.
Outside of her professional life, Kate is actively involved in volunteer work, having supported Exodus Refugee Immigration and currently contributing to the Refugee Support Network in Bloomington. At home, she is passionate about reducing her family’s environmental footprint, experimenting with plastic-free product alternatives, and diving into the world of homemade kombucha, sourdough, and even solid dish soap—a testament to her commitment to sustainability in both her personal and professional life. Kate Pond’s journey is one of continuous learning, advocacy, and a profound dedication to enhancing public health and environmental practices, ensuring that her work meaningfully contributes to the welfare of communities and the planet.
Cali Rockwell, an alumnus of IUPUI’s IU Kelley School of Business, brings a sharp acumen in marketing to her role at Burrows Consulting. With an entrepreneurial background, Cali has previously owned and operated the Union Station Cafe in her hometown of Dugger, IN, blending community spirit with business savvy. Her experience also extends to logistics, having worked as a logistician for a contractor company at Crane Naval Base, where she honed her organizational and strategic skills.
At Burrows Consulting, Cali is pivotal in enhancing brand visibility and engaging with diverse audiences across various platforms. She manages all social media accounts and spearheads public relations efforts, creating compelling content and managing digital campaigns. Additionally, she fosters relationships with media to ensure consistent and positive messaging about our brand. Aside from her primary marketing roles, Cali also handles specialized tasks, including navigating Change in Scope (CIS) requests through the Electronic Handbooks (EHB), demonstrating her versatility and commitment to meeting client needs across different aspects of our operations.
Residing in Indianapolis with her husband Kaleb and their two spirited huskies, Hercules and Odysseus, Cali enjoys adventurous hikes, often noting that they are “overconfident and undertrained,” for the effort. Dedicated to her community, she actively volunteers at her local church, which hosts a free clinic every Saturday—a testament to her commitment to service.
A lover of travel and family gatherings, Cali embodies the values of continuous learning and personal growth, make her an asset to both Burrows Consulting and the communities we serve.
Suzan brings a rich tapestry of experience to her role as Senior Financial Consultant at Burrows Consulting. With a foundational Bachelor of Science from Purdue University and a Master of Science from Indiana Wesleyan, her career has spanned retail, small business ownership, and non-profit management. This diverse background equips her with a unique perspective on financial health and operational efficiency, which she now applies to help Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) navigate their financial challenges.
Madison is an alumna of the University of Bristol, where she earned her MSc in Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Public Health, and the University of Kentucky, graduating with a BS in Kinesiology and Health Promotion. While working as a freelance writer and content manager since March 2020, Madison honed her skills in writing and researching a broad spectrum of health-related topics, specializing in evidence-based content creation for clients. Besides writing, Madison has experience in health education and coordinating grant-funded public health projects at the Purchase District Health Department in Paducah, KY. In 2024, seeking to apply her technical writing skills to noble causes, she received grant writing training and certification through Learn Grant Writing.
Madison is eager to bring a background in public health, grant research, and writing to Burrows Consulting as a Grants Coordinator. Her expertise includes working with grant databases and critical thinking to secure funding for projects aimed at facilitating healthier environments. Encouraged by growing up in western Kentucky, she is determined to serve communities by advancing health equity and improving high-quality healthcare access in rural areas.
Currently residing in Mayfield, Kentucky, Madison and her husband are avid travelers having been to 30+ countries. She loves cooking from scratch and creating recipes, integrating her passion for health and well-being into everyday life.
Miranda graduated from Greenville College in 2017 where she received her bachelor’s degrees in Elementary Education and Spanish Language, Literature, and Culture. She later went on to get her master’s in Curriculum and Instruction through Concordia University Chicago in 2019. During her time in college, she spent a summer serving as a missionary in Mexico City, and four months in Santiago, Dominican Republic teaching English.
During her time as an ESL and Spanish bilingual teacher, she developed a passion for advocating for families and bridging the gap between English and Spanish speakers. Coupled with strong English and writing skills, Miranda has always had an interest in health and wellness, and hopes to serve others in this capacity through the grant writing process.
Miranda currently resides in Kankakee, Illinois with her husband and 6-month-old son. Outside of grant writing she runs an in-home gluten free bakery, does contract Instructional Design work with Olivet Nazarene University, and serves in youth ministry. For fun, she enjoys reading, fitness, gardening, and spending time outside.
Alaina’s career background spans more than 15 years, during which she has honed her ability to manage impactful programs and initiatives across the education and nonprofit sectors. Alaina holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Pre-Law, graduating cum laude with additional honors, and continues to leverage her education, opportunities for professional development and experience to drive positive change in the communities being served.
A key element of Alaina’s work lies in the deep understanding of partnership-building. Alaina is adept at fostering relationships that are not only strategically aligned but also mutually beneficial. Her approach focuses on that each collaboration is grounded in shared goals and long-term sustainability.
Outside of her professional work, Alaina enjoys immersing herself in different cultures that broaden her perspectives. She is also passionate about music and dedicates her free time to volunteering within her community, continuing to nurture her love for connection, creativity, and service.
Laura is passionate about holistic health and nutrition, complementing her work in mental health with a comprehensive approach to wellness. She holds a certification in integrative nutrition and brings hands-on experience as a personal chef, which has deepened her understanding of the profound impact food can have on physical vitality, mental clarity, and overall well-being. Laura emphasizes accessible, balanced meals that align with clients’ wellness goals, making nutritious eating both sustainable and enjoyable. She is dedicated to empowering others to build a solid foundation for healthier, happier lives. Her experience has honed her ability to listen closely to individual needs, translate complex health concepts into approachable guidance, and take a proactive, preventative approach to wellness—skills that drive her contributions to impactful healthcare initiatives.
As a Grant Coordinator, Laura draws on her expertise in identifying community needs, assessing resources, and communicating persuasively to support initiatives that improve health outcomes and expand access to care. Having witnessed the barriers many face within the healthcare system, she is committed to channeling her insight into projects that amplify the needs and voices of underserved communities.
Based in Louisville, KY, Laura enjoys exploring creative outlets in her free time. Whether developing new recipes, cooking for loved ones, staying active, or indulging in her passion for fashion and music, she brings the same enthusiasm and care to her personal pursuits as she does to her professional work.
Ashley is a magna cum laude graduate of the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree with a major in Psychology. While attending UNC-Wilmington, she discovered her passion for analytical, research-focused writing and healthcare advocacy. After graduating, Ashley found a way to merge these interests through a career in grant writing, supporting various nonprofits and healthcare facilities in securing funding for community initiatives. She began her journey as a Grant Support Specialist, honing her skills in crafting compelling narratives, researching funding opportunities, and developing successful proposals. Throughout her career, she has focused on grants that promote healthcare initiatives in rural areas, including healthcare education programs and nonprofit environmental sustainability projects.
As a Grants Coordinator at Burrows Consulting, Ashley uses her writing and research expertise to support healthcare organizations. Driven by her commitment to advancing healthcare equity, she excels at transforming complex information into engaging and persuasive narratives that attract funding and, in turn, foster lasting community impacts. Originally from North Carolina, Ashley currently resides in Wilmington, NC. When she’s not at work, she enjoys paddleboarding, running, reading, and spending time with her family.
Bailey is a Grants Coordinator with a passion for building up communities in real, tangible ways. She graduated from Central Washington University with honors, having studied Journalism and Philosophy. During college, she realized she wanted to make a switch from pursuing a career in journalism, so she got her grant writing certification and started writing grants for local nonprofits.
She worked as a news reporter for a small-town newspaper throughout college, until Hashimoto’s thyroiditis that had gone undiagnosed for years put her career on hold and nearly stopped her education with it. Navigating the healthcare system and working towards finishing college simultaneously gave her a real understanding of just how much time, energy, and money is needed to face a health emergency in this country. Now, she’s dedicated to ensuring others finding themselves needing healthcare have every resource possible to make their journeys easier.
Bailey has served as an advisor with the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office, assisting staff & grant applicants with evaluating project proposals that affect navigable waters and shorelines. She has also worked as a freelancer with a diverse group of nonprofits, supporting them in making their missions reality. In her free time, she volunteers with her local parks department to defeat invasive blackberry bushes and takes artful photographs of local seagulls.
Carrie Shaw is a dedicated healthcare professional with a passion for improving health outcomes in rural areas, especially for mothers and children. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Indiana University South Bend and is expected to complete her Master’s in Public Health, with a certification in Maternal and Child Health, by May 2025.
While working at a small rural hospital, Carrie successfully secured grant funding to establish a Mobile Integrated Health Program, which she subsequently oversaw during its development and implementation. This experience enhanced her grant writing and project management skills, which she continues to refine as she pursues her Project Management Certification.
An avant-garde theorist and accomplished executive with extensive experience in organizational development, fundraising, program development, and non-profit management. Known for her ability to swiftly analyze key organizational initiatives, she excels at developing strategies that increase stakeholder investment. Cynthia’s diverse industry expertise and unwavering commitment to enhancing operational budgets and stakeholder participation set her apart as a dynamic grants manager.
Her areas of excellence include database management, forming strategic alliances, policies and procedures, fundraising, board development, program development, stakeholder awareness, grant research/writing, strategic planning, developing new funding sources, grant reporting, and organizational processes.
Carol holds a BS in Environmental Science, and her interest in environmental conservation is what led her to a grant writing internship at Seaside Sustainability, a small non-profit organization in the Boston area passionate about protecting the world’s oceans through habitat conservation, environmental education, and community outreach.
In addition to her educational background and grant writing experience, Carol draws on her prior experience as a certified nursing assistant, having been inspired by her mom’s experience in hospice care to support patients and their loved ones during difficult times. Through this experience, she gained insight into challenges within the healthcare system and hopes to lessen the burden of these challenges, for patients and their families, by making quality care accessible and equitable, regardless of location.
Carol’s multidisciplinary background in healthcare, environmental science, and grant writing serves as a strong foundation for her work as a Grant Coordinator at Burrows Consulting, Inc.
Carol now lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband, Alex, and two pets, Pippa and Tilly. In her free time, she enjoys running, frequenting local coffee shops in the Portland area, singing, painting, snowboarding, and exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest! She is also an avid animal lover and enjoys learning about wildlife and supporting animal shelters and wildlife refuges through volunteering.
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