Knowing how to structure your integration is the foundation of a success.
Each merger taught us how to create a strategic plan that considered all facets, from formation documents to staffing, logistics to pathologist buy-in, to rapid response test menus and everything in-between. The list is long and not having experience can make navigation difficult.
Alverno Laboratories has experts in both setting up new laboratories and creating a reference laboratory; learn more and consider contacting Alverno to chat with our exceptional leaders.
Meet Our Consulting Team
Don Lair
Director of Quality Assurance and PMO
Read More...
Don Lair
Before beginning his role as Director of Quality Assurance and PMO in 2014, Don began his laboratory career as a Medical Laboratory Scientist in August 2000 at Franciscan Alliance, moving with the transition to Alverno in 2005. His 20+ years of laboratory experience are backed by multiple degrees including an Associate’s in Medical Technology, a BS in Health Sciences, an MBA and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification.
Maja Risteska
Director of Safety and Point of Care Testing
Read More...
Maja Risteska
Since joining Alverno in 2008, Maja has held multiple positions in the company including serving as a Laboratory Scientist and Point of Care Coordinator. She is well versed in laboratory accrediting agencies, including CAP, CLIA and COLA.  She has been serving in her current role as Manager of Point of Care Testing and Alverno Safety Committee Chairperson since 2019. Her 14+ years of laboratory experience are supported by her BS in Biology from Purdue University. Maja also received her Master’s in Health Care Administration from University of Saint Francis.
Dale Kahn
VP of Operations
Read More...
Dale Kahn
With over 35 years of laboratory experience and a Bachelor of Science degree from Manchester College, Dale began his career by specializing in the Chemistry field and the IT area of the laboratory with Franciscan Alliance. He moved into management early in his career and was heavily involved in the planning and design team that originally built Alverno in 1999. He accepted the role as Central Laboratory Director for Alverno in 2002 and more recently as Vice President of Operations.
Sam Terese
CEO and President
Read More...
Sam Terese
Sam Terese, MBA, MT (ASCP), has over 40 years of healthcare leadership experience and began his role as Alverno’s CEO and President in 2011. Since joining Alverno in 2005, Terese has served as a member of the senior executive team, facilitating the testing integration of multiple hospital laboratories. Terese’s skills include business development, marketing, financial, planning, strategic planning, and other management tools along with being well versed in quality assurance practices, principles of Lean, Six Sigma, developing teams, and laboratory operations and health system operations. He holds Six Sigma black belt, an M.B.A. from the University of Illinois at Chicago in Strategic Planning and Marketing, and bachelor’s degrees in Medical Technology from Rosalind Franklin University Chicago and Biology from the State University of New York at Buffalo.
Victoria Frey
 Quality Program Coordinator
Read More...
Victoria Frey
With a Bachelor of Science from Purdue University and a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from IUPUI, Victoria has built a solid foundation in both science and public health. After completing the MLS program at Franciscan Health Hammond and obtaining ASCP certification, Victoria spent five years specializing in microbiology. In her role as a microbiology clinical instructor, she taught MLS, MLT, and N.O.W. program students, sharing her expertise and passion for the field. Transitioning to a Quality Coordinator role in 2024, Victoria has further enhanced her skills by earning a Six Sigma Green Belt, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and quality management.
Mallory Dobson
Quality Program Coordinator
Read More...
Mallory Dobson
 Mallory earned a BS in biology from Ball State University in 2012. She then attended the MLS program at Franciscan Health Hammond and obtained ASCP certification. After 10 years in Microbiology at the Central Lab, she advanced to a Quality Coordinator position. In this role, she leverages her Lean Six Sigma Green Belt to drive process improvements and enhance quality management throughout the organization.Â
Logan Summers
Quality Program Coordinator
Read More...
Logan Summers
After receiving a B.S. in Biochemistry from Indiana University in 2022, Logan joined Alverno Laboratories through the MLT NOW program. He worked as a generalist at Franciscan Health Michigan City until 2024, when he transitioned to the role of Quality Coordinator. Logan is pursuing a Six Sigma Green Belt to further contribute to operational improvement.