Dedication to healing and a passion for service have shaped the professional journey of Wildaline Figaro, MHA. She works as a physical therapy rehabilitation aide at Gaylord Specialty Healthcare, assisting physical therapists in patient care and guiding individuals through exercises that support recovery and rehabilitation. In this role, she gains exposure to multiple aspects of the health care system while holding a position that allows her to make a direct impact on the lives of patients each day.
Ms. Figaro’s academic preparation laid the groundwork for her career. She earned a Master of Healthcare Administration from Weber State University, following a Bachelor of Science in public health from Brigham Young University-Idaho. Her education deepened her knowledge of public health systems, health care operations, and leadership while reinforcing her commitment to advancing health equity. These academic experiences, combined with her professional endeavors, have equipped her with the vision and practical skills to make meaningful contributions to the health care field.
In addition to her work at Gaylord Specialty Healthcare, Ms. Figaro is the owner and life coach at Daline Coaching. Through her coaching practice, she focuses on empowering young women to build confidence, overcome self-doubt, and move past barriers that hold them back in their careers and personal lives. She engages with women in their late twenties and early thirties, helping them navigate periods of transition and growth. To extend her reach, she uses social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and Facebook, creating accessible content that inspires and motivates.
Before establishing herself in these dual roles, Ms. Figaro gained diverse experience in community health and program management. She worked as interim program manager for the Mobile Health Unit Program at Community Health Center, overseeing initiatives designed to bring medical services directly to underserved populations. She also held the role of program specialist at Community Health Center, Inc., contributing to the development and delivery of programs that addressed pressing community health needs. These roles demonstrated her ability to balance strategic oversight with hands-on implementation.
Ms. Figaro’s career also includes an administrative fellowship with Moses/Weitzman Health System, Inc. in Connecticut, where she studied the operational and financial structures of health care systems and participated in initiatives to improve patient care. Earlier, she worked as a community health worker for Davis County Health Department under Davis County Government, engaging directly with Pacific Islander and Hispanic populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. This experience illuminated health disparities and reinforced her determination to pursue leadership roles and advocate for systemic improvements.
Ms. Figaro’s early experiences further shaped her career trajectory. She worked as a crisis prevention case manager at Open Doors Utah, supporting individuals facing immediate challenges by linking them with vital resources. She began her professional path as a public health coordinator intern at Brigham Young University-Idaho, contributing to campus health initiatives. Her earliest management role came at McDonald’s, where she gained foundational experience in leadership, operations and teamwork that continues to inform her approach today.
Beyond her formal positions, Ms. Figaro is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, reflecting her dedication to continuous professional development and networking within the industry. She has also contributed to scholarly work, co-authoring “Community Health Workers Can Help Improve Youth Mental Health,” published by Health Affairs through Academy Health and Project HOPE.
Ms. Figaro’s community engagement extends beyond health care. She volunteered as behind-the-scenes coordinator for Exceptional Theater Company, supporting inclusive creative opportunities for participants. These commitments demonstrate her broader dedication to service and community building. At the core of her professional and personal life, she values kindness, generosity and empathy. She believes a person’s legacy is measured not just by professional accomplishments but by the way they make others feel.
In the future, Ms. Figaro aspires to lead strategic teams within health care organizations. She is passionate about operations, management and innovation, with a strong focus on fiscal responsibility and community engagement. Her goal is to contribute to the advancement of health care delivery and equity by developing systems that meet the needs of diverse populations.