Meet the Team

Our team is committed to creating a new culture of safety in health care for Texas by challenging traditional thinking to eliminate preventable harm. We are focused on reducing medical errors and assuring Texans receive the highest quality of health care through extensive education, community outreach initiatives and quality improvement programs.

Jeff Beeson

DO, FACEP, FAEMS

Interim EVP, Health Systems

Emergency Physician with 25 years of interprofessional practice starting as an Emergency Medical Technician working in rural settings, a Paramedic and Registered Nurse in Emergency Departments and Air Medical programs, to becoming an Emergency Physician whose passion lies in improving health care systems. A recognized leader in Integrated Health care Delivery focused on inter-professional teams in top-of-licensure practices that are changing the landscape for population health.

Email: Jeffrey.Beeson@unthsc.edu

Justin Burton

MBA, BSN, RN, CPPS, CPHQ, NE-BC

Director,
SaferCare Texas

Justin is a Registered Nurse with over 18 years of hospital experience including critical care, transplant, neuroscience, data analytics, quality improvement and Risk/Patient safety. Justin has been recognized as a leader, educator, and innovator who utilizes creativity and experience to drive project management, process improvement, and patient safety.

Email: Justin.Burton@unthsc.edu

Jennifer Barrow

MSN, CPPS

Patient Safety and Quality Executive

Jennifer is a Registered Nurse with over 10 years of hospital experience including emergency services, pediatrics, outpatient surgical services, Risk/Patient safety, and quality improvement. Jennifer is dedicated to improving the quality and safety of health care through inspiring and continuous process improvement efforts, professional experience, and transformational leadership. Jennifer aims to collaborate with health care leaders to keep patient safety the top priority and ensure the highest quality care is delivered to our community.

Email: Jennifer.Barrow@unthsc.edu

Leslie Allsopp

MSN, MPH, PhD

Asthma 411 Faculty Partner, Assistant Professor

Dr. Allsopp’s area of focus is Asthma 411, a comprehensive evidence-based program that equips school nurses with the necessary training and resources to quickly respond to a child in respiratory distress.

Email: Leslie.Allsopp@unthsc.edu

Karen Ayala

BS in Public Health

Outreach Specialist

Karen Ayala is an Outreach Specialist with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of North Texas and a Community Health Worker certification. Her background in public health equips her to effectively connect community members with essential resources and services. Karen is passionate about improving health outcomes and empowering individuals to take control of their well-being.

Email: Karen.Ayala@unthsc.edu

Leslie Reyna

MSW, CHW

Assistant Director of Strategy and Outreach

Leslie Reyna is an accomplished higher education professional with over four years of experience in developing strategic communication initiatives. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington, with a focus on Community and Administrative Practice. Passionate about advocacy, she views it as the cornerstone of social work and believes that education is a powerful catalyst for community growth and empowerment.

Email: Leslie.Reyna@unthsc.edu

Molly O'Brien

BA in Public Relations

Business Coordinator

Molly O’Brien’s passion for patient safety began when she worked with older adult populations. She worked in long-term care facilities and private home care, acting as the liaison between patients and their loved ones. Her attention to detail and skill set make her an essential team member, as she oversees day-to-day activities and supports the SaferCare Texas team.

Email: Molly.O’Brien@unthsc.edu

Juana Escobedo Bermudez

BS in Public Health

Project Program Coordinator

Juana Escobedo Bermudez is an experienced Community Health Worker, with over 7 years of combined clinical and public health experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Health and is pursuing her master’s degree in Health Care Informatics. She supports the Asthma 411 program and is committed to providing resources to school districts focusing on a Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child framework.

Email: Juana.EscobedoBermudez@unthsc.edu