Amanda Kunkel
Saco
Summary
Strategic and compassionate healthcare leader with 5 years of progressive experience in healthcare leadership overseeing rehabilitation services as well as patient access and scheduling departments and driving interdisciplinary clinical innovation. Proven success in enhancing patient outcomes, optimizing practice efficiencies and financial success, and leading cross-functional teams to implement high-impact programs across acute and post-acute care settings. Recognized for fostering a culture of engagement, safety, and collaboration within complex healthcare systems.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Rehabilitation
MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Biddeford and Sanford
08.2024 - Current
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to optimize treatment plans for diverse patient populations.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to enhance clinical decision-making and improve treatment outcomes.
- Streamlined operational processes for increased efficiency in patient care delivery.
- Enhanced patient outcomes by developing and implementing innovative rehabilitation programs.
- Facilitated continuous quality improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery and patient satisfaction.
- Managed departmental budget, ensuring optimal resource allocation for maximum patient benefit.
Director of Rehabilitation
MaineHealth Home Health and Hospice
01.2022 - 08.2024
- Areas of responsibility included Rehabilitation Services, as well as Patient Access departments (scheduling and clinical intake) for the agency.
- Streamlined operational processes for increased efficiency in referral processing and patient scheduling.
- Implemented the use of innovative processes and tools for improved knowledge of capacity and access to the clinical services offered.
- Developed and implemented patient-centered rehabilitation programs to enhance recovery outcomes.
- Championed the integration of new use of technologies into practice for enhanced data collection and more efficient service delivery.
Interim Clinical Director
MaineHealth Home Health and Hospice
05.2021 - 01.2022
- Oversaw and directed all clinical service lines, including nursing, therapy, medical social work, and personal care programs, ensuring quality, compliance, and operational excellence.
- Analyzed program outcomes, identifying areas for improvement and implementing evidence-based practices.
- Ensured adherence to best practices in home health care through regular audits and staff evaluations.
- Cultivated a positive organizational culture that supported employee engagement, teamwork, open communication, ethical behavior, accountability.
- Developed and maintained strong interdisciplinary team collaboration to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Clinical Manager
MaineHealth Home Health and Hospice
02.2020 - 01.2021
- Led interdisciplinary teams to enhance patient care quality and operational efficiency.
- Developed and implemented training programs for clinical staff to improve service delivery standards.
- Streamlined care coordination processes, resulting in improved patient outcomes and satisfaction rates.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback to foster professional growth among team members.
Physical Therapist
MaineHealth Home Health and Hospice
07.2015 - 02.2020
- Developed individualized treatment plans to enhance patient mobility and functional independence.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to optimize care coordination and patient outcomes.
- Educated patients and families on therapeutic exercises and wellness strategies for long-term health.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to improve rehabilitation techniques and patient satisfaction.
Adjunct Faculty Member
University of New England
09.2015 - 12.2015
- UNE Health Wellness and Occupational Studies Department
- Developed and delivered engaging curriculum aligned with academic standards.
- Facilitated interactive discussions to enhance student learning outcomes.
Physical Therapist
MaineHealth Maine Medical Center
08.2011 - 07.2015
- Delivered evidence-based care across all hospital units, contributing to interdisciplinary initiatives, and patient outcomes.
- Designed and launched an evidence-based rehabilitation program for oncology patients, enhancing care quality, and supporting improved functional outcomes.
Physical Therapist
Massachusetts General Hospital
01.2008 - 07.2011
- Provided evidence-based care to a diverse population of patients in an inpatient acute care setting, with diagnoses including orthopedic trauma and surgery, burns, neurologic disorders and surgery, general medical diagnoses, and cancer.
Education
Doctor of Physical Therapy -
MA General Hospital Institute of Health Professions
Boston, MA01-2009
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Indiana University
Bloomington, IN05-2006
Skills
- Rehabilitation Services Leadership & Operations
- Continuous Process Improvement & Program Management
- Innovative Program Development & Service Expansion
- Patient Flow Optimization & Discharge Efficiency
- Interdisciplinary Team Leadership & Collaboration
- Quality, Safety, and Performance Improvement Initiatives
- Regulatory Compliance & Risk Mitigation
- Staff Engagement, Retention, and Productivity Enhancement
- Strategic Partnerships, Growth, and Innovation
Professional Membership
- American College of Healthcare Executives
- American Physical Therapy Association
Certification
- Licensed Physical Therapist (Maine)
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
Timeline
Director of Rehabilitation
MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Biddeford and Sanford
08.2024 - Current
Director of Rehabilitation
MaineHealth Home Health and Hospice
01.2022 - 08.2024
Interim Clinical Director
MaineHealth Home Health and Hospice
05.2021 - 01.2022
Clinical Manager
MaineHealth Home Health and Hospice
02.2020 - 01.2021
Adjunct Faculty Member
University of New England
09.2015 - 12.2015
Physical Therapist
MaineHealth Home Health and Hospice
07.2015 - 02.2020
Physical Therapist
MaineHealth Maine Medical Center
08.2011 - 07.2015
Physical Therapist
Massachusetts General Hospital
01.2008 - 07.2011
Doctor of Physical Therapy -
MA General Hospital Institute of Health Professions
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Indiana University