Skip to main content
Connect With a Vet

Connect With a Vet at CommonSpirit Health

The CommonSpirit Health Military and Veteran Pathways (MVP) Program creates opportunities for veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses to build meaningful careers in health care.

Through our Connect With a Vet program, members of the military community can speak directly with CommonSpirit Health veterans and military spouses. This one-on-one connection provides personal insights into our culture, work environment, and what a “day in the life” looks like across our organization.

Interested in connecting with one of our team members?
Explore the list below to get started.

Clinical

Candace Garko

 

Director Family Birth Center - Yavapai, AZ

Nursing

Active U.S. Air Force Reservist (Colonel)

 

I have served for the last 15 years as a Traditional Reservist while also working full-time with CommonSpirit Health. I've learned to balance the two work-related passions that I have. I'd love to chat with anyone contemplating that journey.

I’m Candace, the Nursing Director at the Family Birth Center (FBC) for Yavapai Regional Medical Center. I’ve worked in nursing leadership for the CommonSpirit Health family for the past 19 years. 

I joined the US Air Force Reserve in 2011 as a nurse. I remain an active member of the Reserve and am currently the Squadron Commander for the 944th Aeromedical Staging Squadron (ASTS) at Luke AFB, AZ. The ASTS is the ground component of Aeromedical Evacuation. My mission is to prepare ready medics capable of providing the best healthcare wherever they are needed around the world.

Lizzi Neylon

 

Research Coordinator - Phoenix, AZ

Clinical Research

U.S. Marine Corps veteran (Sergeant)

 

The shift from military to civilian isn't just a change of address; it's a recalibration of your entire world. You are stepping from one profoundly defined culture into another, and this transition demands strategic focus and unwavering confidence.

 

I'm Lizzi, the TARGET ALS Repository Coordinator at Barrow's Neurological Institute, relentlessly pursuing new therapies and cures for ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). With 15 years in medical research and multiple degrees, my Marine Corps-forged work ethic is my driving force. It isn't just about fulfilling duties; it's about exceeding them, ensuring my contributions to ALS research are elevated, impactful, and uncompromisingly dedicated to finding solutions. This unwavering commitment defines my every endeavor.

Serenity Cunningham

 

Registered Nurse - Henderson, NV

Emergency Medical Services

U.S. Army veteran (Corporal) and military spouse

 

Veteran-friendly company that recruits, supports, and values military exp. Offering mentorship, career growth, flexible schedule, and benefits tailored to veterans' needs, fostering respect, purpose, and a strong sense of community in the workplace. 

I’m Serenity, and my resourcefulness is powered by caffeine, wit, and a strong will. As a former combat medic and current  ER night shift nurse, I’m  a professional distributor of tough love and duct tape solutions. I’m known for defeating Darwin daily, performing CPR, like cardio, and fearlessly speaking my mind (in that order). I believe in honesty and black coffee.

I’m a collector of moral patches, plague masks, and good stories. I have survived combat, the night shift and meetings that should have been emails. I document everything in triplicate, and I’m honest to a fault.

Becca Smith

 

Clinical Informatics Nurse - Chandler, NV

Nursing

U.S. Army veteran (Specialist)

 

Transitioning from military to civilian life can be a significant adjustment, and missing the camaraderie is normal. This transition is an opportunity to build new connections.

I’m Rebecca (Becca), a US Army veteran. I initially pursued accounting but found my true calling in nursing through a dare. I’m now a Clinical Informatics Nurse at Dignity Health Arizona Facilities, where I optimize healthcare through EHR enhancements and user education. My clinical career flourished at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, where I gained a deep understanding of workflows and patient needs in various roles including Patient Experience Coach, Orthopedic Coordinator, and Charge Nurse. I’m passionate about mentoring nurses and improving patient care. In my free time, I enjoy outdoor activities like camping, fishing, hiking, and kayaking.

Equal Opportunity

CommonSpirit Health™ is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, parental status, ancestry, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information about your EEO rights as an applicant, please click here [PDF].

CommonSpirit Health™ will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c). External hires must pass a post-offer, pre-employment background check/drug screen. Qualified applicants with an arrest and/or conviction will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with federal and state laws, as well as applicable local ordinances, ban the box laws, including but not limited to the San Francisco and Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinances. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by telephone at (415) 438-5575 and let us know the nature of your request. We will only respond to messages left that involve a request for a reasonable accommodation in the application process. We will accommodate the needs of any qualified candidate who requests a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). CommonSpirit Health™ participates in E-Verify.