Rich Sanders

After graduating from Duke University in 1992 with a double-major in political science and history, Rich earned his Juris Doctor degree from the Emory University School of Law in 1996. In 2013, Rich was rated as a “Top Rated Lawyer in HealthCare Law” and has a AV Preeminent® peer review rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Rich previously served on the adjunct faculty at Emory University and taught courses in business and regulatory law. In 2004, he was awarded Professor of the Year. Rich is a former intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy, where he worked with an Atlanta-based unit supporting the U.S. Sixth Fleet in Naples, Italy. His non-profit activities have included: Secretary
of the Board of Buckhead Baseball (Cal Ripken League), Member of the Board of the Garden Hills Neighborhood Foundation, and member of the Midtown Atlanta Rotary Club. He and his wife
Rebekah have three children: James (2000), William (2002) and Caroline.

With more than 20 years of pediatric practice experience, he has transitioned from solo primary care to leadership in multidisciplinary settings, specializing in pediatric neuro-oncology, stem cell transplant, and complex care. Board-certified in pediatrics and pediatric hematology-oncology, he currently serves as the Director of Behavioral Health and Complex Care at CommuniCare Health Centers.

As a practice owner, he founded and led Sunrise Advanced Pediatrics, PLLC, overseeing financial management, quality, informatics, and strategic planning. Witnessing its growth from concept to a thriving practice was immensely rewarding.

His dedication extends to education, teaching medical students, residents, and fellows in hematology/oncology and neuro-oncology. He also serves as an executive coach, assisting physicians in transitioning from patient care to leadership roles.

Currently, he plays a pivotal role in the transition to value-based care at CommuniCare and leads the Medical Home at the Multi-Assistance Center at Morgan's Wonderland—a groundbreaking clinical facility for individuals with special needs. His passion lies not only in providing excellent patient care but also in shaping the future of healthcare through education, mentorship, and strategic leadership.

Sarah M. Benator is a former partner at the Southern Health Lawyers where she regularly advised hospital, health center and physician practice group clients on a variety of general corporate and regulatory compliance matters. Sarah has significant experience assisting health care clients in corporate business transactions, including joint ventures and the sale or purchase of health care entities and assets. After graduating from the University of Michigan in 2006 with a B.A. in Psychology, Sarah earned her Juris Doctor degree from the Emory University School of Law in 2009. In 2010 Sarah earned her Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in Health Policy from Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health. Sarah currently serves on the adjunct faculty at Emory University where she teaches a course on health care regulations to graduate students in the Rollins School of Public Health.

Sally Austin has more than 27 years of experience in healthcare law.  Ms. Austin began her career as an attorney representing healthcare clients in malpractice cases.  Ms. Austin moved into healthcare regulatory law.  She has served as in-house counsel to several healthcare organizations, as well as, serving as Compliance Officer.  Ms. Austin provided counsel in the areas of healthcare regulations such as Stark law, Anti-kickback statute, EMTALA, Georgia laws impacting non- physician practitioners (i.e., advance nurse practitioners and physician assistants), and HIPAA.  Ms.Austin worked closely with the compliance departments of organizations where she served as in-house counsel in investigating compliance related matters.  She also served as Chief Compliance Officer.  To supplement her knowledge in compliance, Ms. Austin completed training in coding for physician offices and hospital.  Ms. Austin has served on the board of several healthcare organizations including Georgia Academy of Healthcare Attorneys.

Prior to joining Southern Health Lawyers, Ms. Austin served as Assistant General Counsel for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Inc.  She was also in-house counsel for a home healthcare company and a therapy/occupational health/nursing home/DME company.  Ms. Austin received an undergraduate degree in nursing.  Prior to law, Ms. Austin was a trauma nurse.  She received her law degree from Georgia State University.