PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

CITY of SAN ANTONIO METROHALTH

Senior Program Specialist, 2019 – Present

Work and manage with Community Health Workers (CHW) to provide asthma education in the homes of uncontrolled asthmatics. These interactions help to establish relationships that allow for better health outcomes of asthma with significantly fewer symptoms.

CENTENE / ENVOLVE PEOPLECARE, Central Texas

Respiratory Clinical Specialist, 2016 – 2019

Work with Respiratory and Tobacco Health Coaches and critique their performance with members of a health plan. Continue to enhance disease management with the members. Looking at outcomes of these interactions to encourage better health with these members. Making sure all aspects of the health coach and member’s interaction fall within national guidelines. 

CENTRAL TEXAS PRIMARY CARE ALLIANCE, Austin, Texas

Asthma Disease Management Consultant, 2015 – 2016

Independent Physician Association (IPA) Group

Advise to develop a quality matrix with asthma patients within a group of independent practices within Central Texas. Using a population health approach to develop positive patient outcomes for fewer ER, Hospital, and Specialist utilization.

GLAXOSMITHKLINE, Austin, Texas

Respiratory Care Educator, 2012 – 2015

Disease State Educator in COPD & Asthma
Certified Asthma Educator (AE-C)
Certified COPD Educator (CCE)
Certified Tobacco Interventionist (CTI)
Territory: Central Texas

• Worked with Primary Care Physicians to develop an unbranded Respiratory Disease Management approach to improve patient outcomes.
• Presented on Asthma and COPD disease states, respiratory device and spirometer training.
• Trained on the Patient Value Framework, which encourages education through discussion and printed material.
• Worked with the clinic system to start using asthma action plans, helping them achieve 75% compliance with their adult asthmatic population.
• Delivered Spirometer training with a family practice system of 15 providers and 40 support staff. Improved Spirometer compliance from 20% to 70% on adult asthmatic patients.

CAROUSEL PEDIATRICS, Austin, Texas

Asthma Educator and Specialist, 2004 – 2012

Developed an Asthma Disease Management approach within pediatric primary care. Followed up with patient asthma appointments to document control.

• Worked with providers in clinics to achieve optimal care to prevent negative outcomes.
• HEDIS scores were improved with appropriate Asthma Medicines Prescribed and Controller/Relief Ratio.
• Achieved 100% usage of Asthma Control Test and Asthma Action Plans on the asthmatic population within the clinic system
• Taught medical assistants how to work with asthma patients and to educate them about the disease and devices. 
• Prevented hospitalizations, admissions, and emergency room utilization.
• Worked to improve asthma outcomes by improving disease management approaches with patients and their families.
• Used a population health model by recognizing patients and working to improve health outcomes.
• Pulmonary Function Testing with this pediatric population and taught medical staff on the usage of the test and its interpretation

INNOVEX, Austin, Texas

Asthma Educator, 2002 – 2004

Worked with providers and their clinics to teach the aspects of asthma and respiratory diseases. This included gathering information for usage for an early version of the Asthma Control Test. Partnered with pharmaceutical sales to improve patient outcomes.

TALKINASTHMA, Austin, Texas

Home Asthma Educator, 2001 - 2002

Independent contractor with Seton Health Plan to do asthma education in a patient’s home. Evaluated patient during home education visit to recognize environmental factors that could be endangering the patient’s asthma health. Did device training and incorporated motivational interviewing. Reported findings back to the nurse liaison and the provider.

SETON HEALTHCARE - BRACKENRIDGE HOSPITAL, Austin, Texas

Respiratory Care Practitioner, 1979 – 2001

• Multiple roles over the years, including management.
• Floor Therapy
• Ventilator Care
• ICU, PICU and NICU experienced
• Emergency room
• Pediatric asthma educator

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Healthcare Professions, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Community Asthma Education Volunteer, Children’s Wellness Center, Del Valle, TX

Asthma Coalition of Texas, Board Member

Asthma Education Association, Member

American Association of Respiratory Care, Member

National Asthma Education Certification Board, Certified in Asthma Education

Canadian Network for Respiratory Care, Certified in COPD Education

American Lung Association, Former Board Member