Utah Valley Specialty Hospital is led by a team of highly experienced healthcare professionals who are passionate about providing the highest level of care available to the hospital’s patients.
We invite you to learn more about us below:
Meet our Leaders
Brynn Beck, Chief Executive Officer
Brynn brings her enthusiasm and passion for medicine to the leadership and management of Utah Valley Specialty Hospital.
She became interested in healthcare when a family member suffered a serious illness. Navigating the health care system in that situation has fueled her focus on the patient experience and patient outcomes.
Brynn possesses more than 18 years of healthcare experience. Prior to joining Utah Valley Specialty Hospital, she served as administrator over multiple primary care and specialty clinics in Utah ranging from Springville to Layton. One of Brynn’s strengths is promoting efficiency through process improvement. She has been recognized for her accomplishments by being given the “Leader of Distinction” award during her tenure with Intermountain Healthcare in Salt Lake City. She also was selected as a “Health Care Hero” while with Steward Health Care in Utah.
She has worked in all aspects of healthcare operations, including budget & finance, process improvement, facility management, human resources, physician recruiting compliance health care law, and physician leadership.
Brynn earned a bachelor’s degree in business management by attending Brigham Young University-Hawaii and the University of Phoenix.
In her spare time, Brynn enjoys being outdoors, hiking, and paddleboarding. She and her family are active in coaching and supporting youth sports.
Brad Gardner, Director of Pharmacy
Brad is an experienced pharmacist with more than 30 years of successful pharmacy practice. He is a strong leader in clinical pharmacy interventions and drug utilization review for the hospital. His areas of clinical pharmacy expertise include antibiotic stewardship, formulary management, and total parenteral nutrition.
Brad earned a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah. He currently is a preceptor of pharmacy for Roseman University in Henderson Nev. He has served as president of the Utah Society of Health System Pharmacists and a state delegate to the American Society of Health System Pharmacists.
David Harkness, Director of Therapy Operations
David was raised in a family who professionally cared for adults with disabilities, and has a younger sister with a rare chromosomal disorder. Since his childhood, David has always been a fierce advocate for people with disabilities and care needs. At a young age, he knew he wanted to work in healthcare.
David graduated from The Queens University of Belfast with a BSc Psychology degree with distinction. David later graduated from Leeds Beckett Unversity with an MSc Occupational Therapy degree.
David has worked as a therapist in a variety of hospitals and settings, both within the United Kingdom’s National Health Service and the US healthcare system. David always strives to see the person first and encourages a holistic, patient-centered approach within UVSH’s therapy department.
Melissa Robertson, Director of Human Resources
Melissa Robertson is our Human Resources manager with over a decade of successful hiring and employee management. She is a strong believer in helping employees reach their greatest potential. Her greatest accomplishment is watching employees succeed in doing just that!
Outside of the office Melissa enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and watching a good movie.
Barbara Heath, Director of Nursing Operations
Barbara is very excited to have the opportunity to join the amazing team at Utah Valley Specialty Hospital.
Barbara has over 16 years of experience in multiple areas of nursing, with the majority in critical care. While completing her MBA, she began working in healthcare administration. Barbara found a passion for supporting caregivers through the constant changes in healthcare.
Barbara earned her RN from the College of Eastern Utah and her BSN and MBA in Healthcare Administration from Western Governors University.
When not working, Barbara enjoys camping, hiking, gardening, and all things crafty.
Jenny Opfar, Director of Case Management
Jenny is dedicated to ensuring our patients have the best experiences from the time of admission through their discharge. As a registered nurse, she knows how to help a patient through the healthcare process.
Jenny has 15 years of experience in the nursing field. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Utah Valley University in Orem, UT, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She also served as president of the university’s student nurses association.
Lisa Sladyk, Director of Compliance
Lisa has been a nurse for over 33 years having worked in the ICU, Long Term Care, State survey agency and hospice. She has previously worked as a Director of Nursing at two facilities and as the Director of Quality for the past 4 years.
Lisa obtained her nursing degree from Excelsior College in Albany New York and her Bachelor’s degree in Community Health Education from Brigham Young University. She is certified in infection control from APIC.
In her free time, Lisa enjoys traveling, raising chickens and canning.
Cody Fitzwater, Director of Marketing and Business Development
Cody earned a bachelors degree in nursing from Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. After gaining experience as an RN in both med surge and the emergency department he finally found his calling as an RN marketer and loves serving as the Director of Marketing and Business Development.
He loves healthcare marketing and the camaraderie that comes from developing relationships and creating partnerships that benefit the community that he serves.
When not at work Cody enjoys spending time with his family hiking and four-wheeling.