A Comprehensive Guide to Developing a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Training Program

A Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt training program is foundational to creating a robust certification program that allows for increased exposure to Lean and 6-sigma principles throughout an integrated healthcare system. Being intentional about the development and deployment of such a program will create a culture of continuous improvement with a healthcare system, leading to adherence to these principles and creation of a common language when discussing improvement opportunities.

After attending this “event”, the attendees will be able to understand key components used by Cook Children’s to develop a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification program and how those tools may be leveraged at their own institutions.

After attending this "event”, the attendees will be able to identify the value a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification may have within their respective institution(s).

Authors

Kent Mire, MBA, MS, LSSGB, joined the Cook Children's Process Improvement Department in October 2022, prior to his time at Cook Children's, he spent 13-years at Texas Christian University working in Business Operations within the Student Affairs Division of TCU. During his time at TCU he was responsible for budget formation, contract negotiations and execution, as well as various improvement projects within the University. While at TCU, Kent completed his Masters of Business Administration and has a Masters and Bachelors of Science degree from Louisiana Tech University. Kent and his wife, Emily, moved to Texas in 2008 and now have two kids: Landry Kate (9) and Anderson (4) and a Golden Retriever, Scout. Outside of work, he enjoys time with family, soccer with Landry Kate, golf and spending time with family and friends.

Daniela Suhr, MHA, LSSGB, joined Cook Children’s Health Care System as a Process Improvement Specialist in July 2023. Before her role in healthcare, Daniela was an Epidemiologist for Colorado, contributing to the COVID-19 task force. She earned her Master of Health Administration from the University of North Texas Health Science Center, where she discovered her passion for process improvement. Daniela also holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology and Disease Control, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Her academic and professional background has afforded her the opportunity to complete public health internships in Peru, Mexico, and Costa Rica. In her free time, Daniela enjoys spending time with her husband, Paul, traveling, painting, and working out.

Kara Annis, BSIE, LSSGB joined Cook Children's Process Improvement Department as a Process Improvement Specialist in March of 2023. Prior to her time at Cook Children's, she attended the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) where she obtained her Bachelors of Science in industrial engineering and a minor in sustainable engineering. While at UTA she was a part of Freshman Leaders on Campus, a math tutor, conducted engineering research, and was secretary, recruitment director, and president of the UTA chapter of the Institute of Industrial and System Engineers (IISE). During her summers she interned at BNSF Railway as a Transportation Intern and at Trane Technologies as an Operations Intern. She obtained her Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB) certification while at UTA. She enjoys her role of teaching and mentoring Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Students. During her free time, Kara enjoys baking, hiking, and travelling.