Cleveland State University (CSU) spotlights its graduating class with a series of profiles, celebrating those who have excelled academically and embody the institution's mission both in and beyond the classroom. Among them is Kassidy Everhart, whose trajectory in healthcare management illustrates not just individual drive but a broader commitment to community health and leadership.
Everhart's journey, traced back to a switch in major to Healthcare Management during her sophomore spring, set the stage for a series of internships, beginning with a stint at Arsmiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Fairlawn, OH. There, Everhart crafted Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and revamped the Employee Handbook – tools she taught the staff. In a statement obtained from CSU's profile, Everhart reflected on this experience, "This internship was incredibly valuable in helping me develop a deeper understanding of office operations and sparked my passion for leadership and management within healthcare."
Secondly, NEOMED Free Clinic in Rootstown, OH provided Everhart a foray into nonprofit work. There, she was involved in grant writing, contributing to successful bids for essential funding—a glimpse into the background efforts that make healthcare services widely accessible. "We were successfully awarded funding from the Akron Community Foundation, which supported the launch of Behavioral Health services within the clinic," Everhart told CSU. As a testament to her contribution, the clinic also secured a grant from the Portage Foundation to cover additional operational costs.
In her senior year, Everhart took on a full-time role at the Cleveland Clinic, stepping into a Patient Guest Services Assistant position, otherwise known as a Red Coat. Providing guidance and comfort, her role resonated with the critical importance of empathy in healthcare. "My goal is to grow within the Cleveland Clinic and contribute to its mission of caring for life, researching for health, and educating those who serve," Everhart explained to CSU. This position has educated her on hospital operations and the value of a compassionate approach to patient care.
