The Harbor-UCLA Kaizen Promotion Office is small but mighty. We pride ourselves with leading, teaching, modeling the principles of Lean in every aspect of our work and continuously look for ways to improve.

Susan Black, RNP, MSN
Chief, Kaizen Promotion Office

Susan holds a Master of Science in Nursing from California State University, Long Beach; and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas. She has over 30 years of experience in healthcare and has a varied clinical background both as a registered nurse and as an adult nurse practitioner in acute care as well as community settings. Susan has spent the past 20+-years dedicated to improving healthcare quality. She currently serves as the Chief Kaizen Promotion Office for Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and is responsible for implementation of the hospital’s quality improvement program through implementation of the Lean management system. Susan is a passionate educator and has mentored many students in quality management from various programs across the country. She has received a number of awards including the National Management Association Silver Knight Award and Golden Knight Award for Outstanding Leadership.

Susan is a proud grandmother of two of the cutest kids that ever wore diapers! In her time away from the hospital, she devotes her time to a faith-based, non-profit sober-living home for women that she co-founded in 2003.

 Denise Ranada, RN, MSN
Supervisor, Kaizen Promotion Office

Denise is a passionate registered nurse with a strong clinical background having been a bedside nurse for about five years in the trauma medical surgical step-down unit and the trauma and cardiothoracic intensive care units. She started her Lean journey in the Kaizen Promotion Office in 2015 and utilizes her clinical experience to help staff and leaders to understand and apply the Lean methodology in the clinical settings. Denise is a talented educator and mentor, and enthusiastically works with new employees, students and volunteers helping the next generation of leaders to “catch the vision”.

In her time away from the hospital, Denise enjoys hiking and spending time with her family and friends.

Annette Berbano, RN, BSN, CCRN
Lean Facilitator

Annette proudly graduated from the Los Angeles County College of Nursing and Allied Health in 2006. Prior to transferring to the Kaizen Promotion Office in 2016, Annette has an extensive ten-year critical care background primarily at 4West Cardiology ICU and 3West Trauma-Surgical ICU, and continues to maintain her CCRN(R) certification.

Alejandra “Alex” Saldana
Lean Facilitator

Alex first began her career at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center as a student worker. Her volunteer rotation gave her a deep compassion for the hospital, the community, and the patient population. In 2004, she became a full-time employee and has experience in many different areas including Pediatrics, Pediatric ER, 3West ICU, Central Sterile, & OR. Passionate about customer service, Alex is known for “going the extra mile” to help our patients navigate our complex health system. Alex joined the KPO in 2015 bringing her wealth of knowledge and experience and especially her contagious “can do” attitude helping others to embrace the Lean principles while demonstrating “Patient First” in everything she does.

Alex is currently working towards her nurse’s license which she expects to complete before the end of the year. When away from work, she loves hiking and enjoying the outdoors especially with her family and friends.

Jennifer Taylor
Office Manager

Jennifer began her career at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in July of 2001 as a Nursing Attendant in 4East Orthopedic Ward. After five years, she became the Unit Secretary for 4East. In February 2007, she accepted a clerical position in Bed Control. Later that year, Jennifer transferred to Nursing Quality Improvement. Based on her performance, Jennifer’s professionalism and work ethics were highly sought after. In July 2013, she was offered a position in the Nursing Administration Office, where her primary role was Secretary to a Clinical Director. In March 2016, Jennifer accepted the Office Manager position in the Kaizen Promotion Office, where she is currently working.  In this role, Jennifer has been able to offer her expertise, skills, and talents.  Jennifer brings her experience and professional demeanor to the KPO. In addition, her smile and presence continue to brighten the office. Her KPO colleagues consider her as one of their valuable team member and can rely on her creativity, organizational skills, and high-quality work.

In her spare time, she enjoys: feeding the homeless, relaxing on her off days, and cooking.