Leadership
Innovation, Access, and Value-Driven Outcomes
At Woundtech, our leadership team embodies a commitment to innovation, accessibility, and exceptional outcomes in wound care. Throughout our multi-decade journey, we have tackled three critical challenges in wound care delivery: barriers to access, unsupported treatment protocols, and escalating costs.
Since our inception in 1999, we have pioneered technology-driven, evidence-based wound care that transforms patient outcomes. By partnering with insurance carriers and value-based care networks, we bring specialized care directly to patients wherever they reside—whether in their homes, skilled nursing facilities, or assisted living communities.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Our leadership team is guided by a shared vision of delivering exceptional patient outcomes through innovation, compassion, and collaboration. We believe that by addressing the challenges in wound care comprehensively, we can create a meaningful impact for patients, families, and the broader healthcare system.
Strategic Leadership
Christian Rodriguez, MHA
Chief Executive Officer
Christian’s leadership journey is highlighted by successful turnarounds, accelerated growth, high-performing team creation, and consistently delivering key results. He's led successful turnarounds and propelled growth for each organization he has served. Christian led transformation efforts during his first year at Woundtech, improving EBITDA margins by over 86%. Prior to Woundtech, he was President at CenterWell Primary Care Florida (a Humana Inc. owned entity), where he was the principal architect behind strategies that drove topline revenue growth increases from $270 million to $390 million. Previously, as Vice President of Operations and Market Development for AXM Medical, Christian built strategies to streamline departmental cross-functionality to drive operational excellence, sustained profitable growth, and improved margins.
Beyond the numbers, Christian's strength lies in building strong, collaborative teams. He fosters inclusive environments that encourage innovation and empower individuals, leading to demonstrably improved companywide employee engagement and reduced turnover. As a strategic thinker, Christian demonstrates a keen ability to craft and execute plans that expand market reach and forge meaningful and impactful client partnerships.
In the changing healthcare environment, Christian stands out as an expert in understanding the levers that lead to profitable management of value-based care arrangements and is a sought-after authority in the nuances of successful global risk execution for provider organizations. Through a combination of strategy, tactics, and careful metric-driven analytics, Christian ensures a successful pivot for organizations moving to risk and value models. His approach and keen focus consistently drive superior quality outcomes for patients while improving overall financial results.
Aqil Chishty
Advisor to the CEO
Aqil is currently the CEO of TimeDoc Health, a telehealth company focused on chronic care management and population health, and is helping grow the company, care for more patients while continuously improving financial performance. Prior to Woundtech, he was the CEO of a regional private radiology company (MDIG) which he helped grow from $20M to over $50M in less than 3 years and enabled it to become the 26th largest privately held radiology company in the nation.
Aqil holds an MBA from the University of Maryland and is engaged as an advisor with several private equity and investment companies as well as actively participates in various global and regional industry and leadership organizations.
Michael Sciortino, Esq.
Chief General Counsel & Chief Compliancy Officer
In addition, Michael is currently a judge of the Parma Town Court in Monroe County, an acting city court judge in Rochester City Court, a judge in Rochester Teen Court, and is currently a trustee and past-president of the Monroe County Magistrates Association.
Michael is also a former arbitrator with the Better Business Bureau where he assists in the resolution of commercial disputes between businesses and consumers.
Mark S. Floyd, Esq.
Vice President of Human Resources & Authorized House Counsel
Mark began his career as a labor and employment lawyer and transitioned to working as a Chief Human Resources Officer for various corporations for the last 15 years. He has also served as Chief Administrative Officer, bringing strategic leadership to operational and administrative functions. His proudest accomplishments have included the transformation of corporations by reducing attrition, increasing diversity, developing best-in-class compensation models, and creating individual development plans that have led to restructuring job classifications, succession planning, and leadership and development training. In addition to his impressive background, Mark has received 30 under 30 and 40 under 40 business awards, and is currently a Trial Fellow with the Litigation Counsel of America.
In his personal time, Mark enjoys pickleball, weightlifting and hiking, all of which allow him to indulge in his other personal passion: fine dining. He has a deep appreciation for live performing arts and has volunteered to help make them accessible and inclusive for everyone.
Mark lives by the following philosophy, “Be the best person you can be and allow others to be so as well, without biases, unconscious or otherwise, which allows everyone to be their authentic self and work towards the greater good.”
Lisa Lau, MBA
Senior Vice President of Finance
With over 20 years of corporate finance experience at Fortune 500 companies, Lisa has a strong background in strategic planning, budgeting, forecasting, financial analyses, process improvement, and business intelligence and visualization. Adept at leveraging technology to improve operations, she brings together business acumen and technology to incite transformation of businesses from entrepreneurship to leadership. She is motivated by the opportunity to improve processes, optimize financial performance, and engage people. Lisa is passionate about giving back to her community and is an active volunteer at church and other community events.
Oleg Zhovnir, MIT
Vice President of Technology
Over the past decade, Oleg has specialized in healthcare technology, building secure, compliant, and scalable solutions that improve both patient care and operational efficiency. His expertise spans cloud architecture optimization, AI/ML integration, and the development of cost-effective, enterprise-grade systems. He also brings deep experience in cybersecurity and regulatory compliance — critical components of his leadership at Woundtech.
Cheryl Dingeldein, RN, CPHQ
Senior Vice President, Operations & Clinical Integration
With over 34 years as a registered nurse and 25 years in leadership, Cheryl brings a wealth of experience across primary care operations, population health, payor-provider integration, and quality management. Her career spans major organizations such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, HealthSpring (Cigna), and Centene, with a focus on Medicare Advantage and Medicaid populations. Cheryl also led national clinical programs at Humana Primary Care, where she oversaw initiatives in transitions of care, high-risk care management, social services, and integrated behavioral health—driving measurable improvements in quality and patient experience. She has a strong history in entrepreneurial environments, designing and executing operational strategies aligned with organizational goals.
Guided by her personal philosophies—trusting that everything happens for a reason, choosing where to invest her energy, and embracing individuality—Cheryl brings both purpose and perspective to her work. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys the outdoors, gardening, and spending time with her husband Danny, their two daughters, Alena and Annalise, and their three rescue pets: CeeCee, Lucky, and Noodle.
Pranay Raja
Director of Operations
Pranay has led teams with 1000+ employees in organizations such as Omega Healthcare, where he was awarded “Star Manager” and has worked with vendors specializing in operational optimization and onshore teams. He has also led large-scale teams across multiple geographies, overseeing operations for more than 1000 employees and driving significant operational improvements. Pranay prides himself on always exceeding expectations and has been recognized as Employee of the Year in his last three organizations.
Pranay is an avid reader who also dedicates his time to volunteering at several orphanages and senior homes. He credits these experiences with keeping him humble and grounded, as even small acts of kindness can make a meaningful impact.
Professionally, he follows the principle, simple plan with strong governance. Personally, he embraces the philosophy: 'Live and let live.'"
Brandi Damkier
Vice President of Value Based Contracting
Brandi attributes her ability to leverage strong relationships, develop effective cross functional teams, and an entrepreneurial spirit as key components to continually achieving year-over-year (YoY) revenue growth. Developing disciplined processes and executing with determination have been her core principles, guiding both her career and life success. Prior to Woundtech, She was the Vice President of Clinical Partnerships for NeuroMetrix, Inc. focused on the early detection of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
In her personal time, Brandi enjoys spending time with her family and friends and hiking with her rescue dog, Shadow.
Karen Burris
Vice President of Account Management, West Division
You can’t go back and change the beginning but you can start where you are and change the ending.” - CS Lewis
Karen lives by this rule and credits it with her ongoing success in her 35 years as an executive leader. She never shies away from a problem in her personal or business life, knowing that any situation's result can be altered by maintaining focus on the goal and moving forward with a positive attitude.
Karen holds a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration and is a Certified Provider Credentialing Specialist. She has worked on both the payor and provider sides of the healthcare industry, including contracting and provider relations for Medicare, Commercial, and Workers’ Compensation. As Vice President of Account Management, West Division at Woundtech, she believes partnering closely with clients, whether they are health plans or providers, is the only way to achieve the ultimate goal of delivering access to quality wound care. She works alongside the sales team at Woundtech to ensure each patient's goals are the number one priority.
Karen is an advocate for the senior population and volunteers at assisted living facilities near her home. You can find her on a Friday evening playing softball or on the beach relaxing by the water.
Clinical Leadership
Minghsun Liu, MD, PhD
National Vice President of Clinical Operations
In 2008, Dr. Liu transitioned from academia to private practice, where he specialized in hospital-based infectious disease consultation. When the opportunity arose to join Woundtech, he embraced it enthusiastically, drawn by the innovative approach to patient care and the chance to make a broader clinical impact. Everyday, he is motivated to support his clinical colleagues in their efforts to provide the best care to patients and their families.
Dr. Liu loves saltwater fishing and volunteering at the West Los Angeles VA, continuing his commitment to serving others both in and out of clinical settings. He lives by the famous words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year. He is rich who owns the day, and no one owns the day who allows it to be invaded with fret and anxiety. Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities, no doubt crept in. Forget them as soon as you can, tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely, with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense. This new day is too dear, with its hopes and invitations, to waste a moment on the yesterdays.”
Carol Anderson, DNP, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, DAPWHc
Vice President of Clinical Operations, Eastern Division
Carol Anderson, DNP, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, DAPWHc
Vice President of Clinical Operations, Eastern Division
Her academic achievements include a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and a Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner from Florida Southern College, where she also earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Her foundational nursing education includes an Associate of Science in Nursing from Jersey College, an Associate of Arts from Pasco-Hernando Community College, and a Practical Nursing diploma from Travis Vocational School.
Dr. Anderson began her healthcare career in 1994 as a Certified Nursing Assistant and Home Health Aide, developing a hands-on understanding of patient care that continues to guide her leadership. She is licensed as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Florida and holds certifications in wound care and Basic Life Support (BLS). Since joining Woundtech in 2019, Dr. Anderson has served in multiple leadership roles, including Field Clinician, Lead Clinician, Regional Medical Director, and now Vice President. She has managed a $1M+ P&L, spearheaded clinical strategies to improve outcomes and provider engagement, and led collaborations with health plans to support scalable, value-based care models.
Dr. Anderson is known for her integrity, accountability, and strategic vision. She believes, "To serve is to lead; to grow is to give; and to rise is to never lose sight of who you’re called to be." Earning her DNP remains one of her proudest accomplishments, reflecting a lifelong commitment to advancing patient care and developing future clinical leaders.
Outside of work, Dr. Anderson enjoys time with her family, reading, and continuous personal and spiritual growth.
Chadwick Ricks, DNP, MSN, FADLN, ACHE, RN
Vice President of Clinical Operations, Western Division
Dr. Ricks’ strong expertise in developing and implementing clinical strategies has allowed him to excel at driving organizational performance through effective oversight of clinical operations, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance at Woundtech. Adept in budget and financial management, he brings a balanced approach to operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. He is also highly experienced in staff management and development, fostering high-performing teams through mentorship and leadership. Known for cross-functional collaboration and a commitment to innovation, he consistently delivers solutions that improve patient outcomes and align with long-term organizational goals.
Dr. Ricks is an active member of his community, driven by a passion for serving those with the greatest needs including the underserved, underprivileged, and impoverished. He is committed to service and leadership, volunteering his time with numerous organizations. He is a proud member of the nursing honor society Sigma Theta Tau and serves as a board member and Fellow of the Academy of Diverse Leaders in Nursing. He also sits on the Board of Trustees for United States University Advisory and is a board member for Charles Drew University.
In addition, he serves as Chair of Ecumenical Services for the National Black Nurses Association and is the Past President of the Council of Black Nurses – Los Angeles. His professional affiliations also include membership in the National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations (NCEMNA) and the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).
In his freetime, Dr. Ricks likes to travel with his family. He loves to read a good book and spend quality time with his wife. On the weekends, you will find him attending church or teaching Sunday school, another way he gives back to his community.
Natalie Kahle, MSN, FNP-C, APRN, DAPWHc, CWHAP
Executive Director, Clinical Integration & Education
Natalie is motivated to achieve the best patient outcomes, reduce human suffering through wound healing, and maintain evidence-based practice. She is guided by servant leadership and a strong commitment to empathy, altruism, benevolence, and accountability. Her personal philosophy is to lead with purpose, serve with compassion, and always strive for excellence.
Throughout her career, Natalie has been recognized for excellence in patient care and professional leadership. Her numerous honors include multiple Daisy Award nominations and wins, the Florence Nightingale Award, the Professional Growth Award, and several “Good Catch” and “Contribution to the Profession of Nursing” awards.
A passionate advocate for quality improvement and shared governance, she has held various leadership roles, including Magnet Champion, EPIC Committee Co-Chair, and Chair of Unit-Based Shared Leadership. She is active with APWH where she currently serves as a board member and leads the Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant Committee. At Woundtech, she is actively involved as a member of the CEO Mentorship Committee and Credentials Committee.
When she’s not working, she enjoys nurturing her green thumb through both indoor and outdoor gardening, especially growing fruits and vegetables.
Desiree Lacandola, BSN, MSN, ANP-C, AANP, COCN, DAPWHc
Executive Director of Education and Integration
Desiree Lacandola, BSN, MSN, ANP-C, AANP, COCN, DAPWHc
Executive Director of Education and Integration
Desiree started her nursing career working in the ICU, med-surg, progressive care, and home health areas before gaining her CWON certification and transitioning into acute care and long-term acute care (LTAC) settings. Upon completion of her MSN, she practiced as a NP for primary care, gastroenterology-liver, and outpatient wound clinics for 14 years. She is a firm believer in Florence Nightingale famous words, "With compassion, knowledge, and no excuses—I serve" and this quote has been a guiding philosophy throughout her career.
Desiree brings 18 years of specialized wound care expertise to Woundtech, advancing from clinician to team leader and now serving as Executive Director. Highly accomplished and recognized in the nursing field, she is especially proud of receiving the 2008 Rookie of the Year Award from the Wound Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society Southeastern Chapter and Woundtech’s 2024 Heart Award for Accountability in the fourth quarter.
Outside of work, Desiree enjoys working with polymer clay and creating miniature dollhouses. She also gives back to her community by volunteering as a NP at Shepherd’s Hope.






