Our Commitment to Healthcare
Driving change with integrity and expertise
Operation Efficiency Starts with Individuals
At Next Step Forward, we believe that individual wellness and strong, collaborative teams are the cornerstone of outstanding healthcare delivery. Our approach nurtures a culture that not only streamlines processes but also supports the well-being of every team member, fostering an environment where innovation and compassion thrive. By prioritizing personal health and effective teamwork, we empower healthcare organizations to elevate patient care and build resilient, sustainable communities.
Process Improvement
We are dedicated to continuous process improvement, ensuring that healthcare facilities adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the industry. Our approach involves thorough analysis, innovative solutions, and actionable insights that lead to substantial enhancements in service delivery. We work collaboratively with teams to foster a culture of improvement and adaptability.Effective Teams
Building effective teams is crucial for the success of any healthcare organization. Our consulting services emphasize the importance of teamwork and collaboration, creating environments where professionals can thrive. We provide training and resources to develop strong, cohesive teams that are equipped to tackle the challenges of modern healthcare.Our Experts
Dedicated professionals driving successful transformations
Melissa Thornton - Process Improvement, Operations, & Passion for Wellness
As a results-driven Healthcare Operations Executive, I specialize in transforming complex and unstable environments into high-performing, results-oriented systems. My leadership approach is built on creating traction—aligning strategy with execution to ensure that ideas don’t just stay on paper, but turn into measurable impact.
At the core of my success is a culture of operational excellence, powered by my 5T Transformation Framework: Teamwork, Trust, Transparency, Technology, and Time-Bound Goals. By leveraging data, technology, and disciplined execution, I drive scalable, sustainable solutions that not only improve efficiency but also enhance care delivery and financial performance.
I believe in building action-oriented teams where people are valued, empowered, and aligned toward a shared vision. When teams move together with purpose, they gain real traction—turning strategy into momentum and momentum into lasting change.
Melissa Underwood - Expert in Clinical Operations and Quality Improvement
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, I specialize in creating healthy people, patients, and environments of wellness. As a Healthcare Consultant and contributing author, my expertise in clinical quality and operations ensures that organizations achieve sustainable improvements in care delivery, efficiency, and access.
At Next Step Forward, my focus is on enhancing healthcare access and literacy, empowering teams to build wellness-centered workplaces, and driving quality outcomes that improve both patient and employee well-being. I bring an infectious energy to cultivating high-performing cultures—ensuring individuals and teams align their work with wellness, balance, and purpose.
Sustainable healthcare transformation starts with people. I believe in actionable strategies, collaborative leadership, and ensuring that every organization I work with builds a foundation for long-term success. Let’s take the next step forward—together.
Our Impactful Projects
Real results from our dedicated consulting efforts
Streamlining Operations
In this project, we partnered to identify inefficiencies in their patient intake process. By implementing a new electronic health record system and training staff, we reduced wait times by 30% and significantly improved patient satisfaction scores.
Enhancing Care Coordination at Community Clinic
Next Step Forward worked closely with a community clinic to enhance care coordination among their multidisciplinary teams. We established standardized communication protocols and shared care plans, which led to a 25% increase in patient follow-up appointments and adherence to treatment plans.Developing a Team Training Program for Regional Healthcare System
We designed and implemented a comprehensive training program for a regional healthcare system aiming to improve teamwork and collaboration among its staff. The initiative resulted in improved interdepartmental communication, leading to better patient outcomes and enhanced employee morale.
