Ashley Winkelhake
Carver,MN
Summary
Results-oriented professional with extensive experience in clinical program management, effective leadership, and quality improvement. Skilled in effective communication and interdisciplinary collaboration, contributing to enhanced patient outcomes and organizational performance. Committed to leveraging strategic insights for impactful healthcare initiatives.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
6
6
Certifications
Work History
Senior Advisor Clinical Program Management
Cigna
11.2025 - Current
- Implemented new clinical programs and evaluated performance using KPI frameworks and scorecards.
- Advanced enterprise clinical strategies to improve evidence-based care, improve quality STAR ratings, and improve affordability.
- Established vendor partnerships to promote community wellness initiatives and value-based care.
- Co-chaired health equity initiatives, reducing barriers to care by 20%.
- Increased member engagement by 30% through targeted clinical solutions leveraging data analytics.
- Assessed funding requirements for portfolio proposals while collaborating effectively with vendors.
Mental Health Counselor - Supervisor
Mental Health Systems
08.2011 - Current
- Conducted comprehensive evaluations and intake interviews to assess client needs for treatment planning. Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, including psychiatry and nursing, to ensure care continuity.
- Mentored graduate students and pre-licensed clinicians by offering guidance for licensure tracks.
- Facilitated CEU training to enhance clinical competencies and support program development initiatives.
- Utilized evidence-based practices, including DBT, CBT, ACT, and mindfulness, to improve therapeutic interventions.
- Provided immediate support through crisis intervention sessions for clients in acute distress.
Utilization Management Supervisor
Cigna
05.2022 - 11.2025
- Supervised utilization management processes to ensure compliance with healthcare standards.
- Directed daily operations, achieving 99.9% quality outcomes through effective caseload distribution and performance coaching.
- Analyzed utilization trends to identify gaps, and implemented pilots to enhance member experience.
- Coordinated interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive review and approval of patient care plans.
- Supported accreditation activities by conducting audits and implementing corrective actions for URAC, NCQA, and BHQC.
- Provided resources to members, reducing social determinants of health, and improving access to care.
Quality Support Supervisor
Cigna
01.2021 - 05.2022
- Supervised care coordinators to ensure timely, high-quality case determinations and appeals.
- Strengthened organizational compliance by enforcing federal, state, and legal requirements during reviews.
- Generated operational savings of $270,000 through data analytics and real-time call insights.
- Elevated stakeholder experience by implementing targeted coaching initiatives, increasing live calls answered from 40% to 99%.
- Participated in NCQA and quality audits, maintaining performance standards exceeding 98%.
- Developed quality improvement initiatives that enhanced patient care processes, presenting findings to senior leaders.
Lead Clinician & Care Manager
Cigna
01.2017 - 12.2020
- Directed inpatient utilization and case management to enhance member engagement and assess medical necessity.
- Facilitated onboarding, auditing, and performance coaching to support development of care managers.
- Collaborated with supervisors to oversee daily operations, lead meetings, and advance strategic initiatives.
- Implemented clinical programs to improve member satisfaction, quality of care, and reduce total cost of care.
Education
Master of Arts - Clinical Psychology
Argosy University
Minnesota06-2011
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Minnesota12-2008
Skills
- Clinical program management
- Six Sigma Yellow Belt
- Data analytics
- Quality improvement
- Compliance auditing
- Healthcare regulations
- Strategic thinking
- Effective communication
- Innovation management
- Business development
- Cross-functional coordination
- Solution-oriented approach
Certification
Six Sigma Yellow Belt
Accomplishments
High Achievement Award - Assisted in OPEX savings of 270K
Timeline
Senior Advisor Clinical Program Management
Cigna
11.2025 - Current
Utilization Management Supervisor
Cigna
05.2022 - 11.2025
Quality Support Supervisor
Cigna
01.2021 - 05.2022
Lead Clinician & Care Manager
Cigna
01.2017 - 12.2020
Mental Health Counselor - Supervisor
Mental Health Systems
08.2011 - Current
Master of Arts - Clinical Psychology
Argosy University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Minnesota State University, Mankato