Brittney Dobson-Ellis
Modesto
Summary
Visionary and engaging executive leader with a proven record of designing, integrating, and optimizing behavioral health systems. Recognized as a behavioral health architect who combines strategic foresight, operational excellence, and relational leadership to drive large-scale transformation. Adept at aligning people, policy, and performance to create sustainable continuums.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Director
Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
Modesto
07.2025 - Current
- Provided executive leadership and operational oversight for countywide Behavioral Health and Recovery Services.
- Established county’s first Managed Care Division, integrating Medi-Cal Mental Health and DMC-ODS under unified structure.
- Directed development of utilization management, quality improvement, provider relations, and compliance infrastructure to meet regulatory requirements.
- Led strategic planning and policy alignment initiatives to enhance service delivery and improve outcomes.
- Collaborated with county executives, hospitals, and community partners to strengthen system coordination and crisis response.
- Supervised multidisciplinary management teams, overseeing large-scale program implementation and fiscal monitoring.
- Implemented cross-departmental initiatives that modernized behavioral health continuum while ensuring equitable access.
- Enhanced data-driven decision-making processes across diverse populations to support effective service delivery.
Chief of Crisis, Access, and Medication Services
Behavioral Health Recovery Service
Modesto
06.2024 - 06.2025
- Directed crisis, access, and medication services for county, managing diverse healthcare provider networks to ensure high-quality behavioral health service delivery.
- Pioneered cross-system initiatives that enhanced service utilization, reduced hospitalizations, and expanded community behavioral health programs.
- Implemented operational frameworks that optimized crisis-continuum processes, improving patient outcomes and service efficiency while increasing staffing retention.
- Leveraged data analytics to drive strategic decisions, enhancing service delivery through continuous improvement and resource optimization.
- Cultivated high-performance culture through effective supervision and mentorship of multidisciplinary teams, aligning efforts with department objectives.
- Facilitated partnerships with law enforcement, healthcare entities, and community organizations to promote behavioral health awareness and collaborative program solutions.
Director of Health and Wellness
Abode Services
San Jose
02.2022 - 06.2024
- Fiscal Management and Accountability: Led the Health and Wellness portfolio with a $20 million annual budget, effectively allocating resources across multiple funding streams (grants, government, and developer partnerships). Implemented robust financial oversight and forecasting practices that resulted in a 15% cost savings while maximizing service delivery efficiency.
- Operational Streamlining: Overhauled day-to-day operations and contractual processes, ensuring adherence to all obligations while improving service delivery timelines. Introduced data-driven performance metrics that enhanced operational transparency and accountability, leading to a 35% increase in service utilization.
- Resource Optimization: Developed and executed strategies to optimize staffing and resource allocation across 250 FTEs in various programs, addressing national staff shortages without compromising service quality. This proactive approach contributed to a 30% reduction in turnover rates and improved employee and customer satisfaction.
- Program Expansion and Sustainability: Directed planning and development of 8 new projects in 2022-2023, securing additional funding and resources that expanded service capacity. This expansion allowed for an increase in the number of individuals served by 25%, positively impacting the community's access to housing and supportive services.
- Stakeholder Collaboration and Funding Enhancement: Established strong relationships with county, city, and health department stakeholders to identify funding opportunities and collaborative initiatives, resulting in a 40% increase in grant funding for program enhancements and innovative service delivery models.
- Accreditation and Compliance Leadership: Drove CARF accreditation efforts for Behavioral Health and Emergency Care Services programs, ensuring compliance with industry standards. Achieved accreditation with commendation, which not only improved program credibility but also opened new avenues for funding and partnership opportunities.
- Santa Clara County, County
Associate Director of Health and Wellness
Abode Services
San Jose
02.2021 - 02.2022
- Leadership of Diverse Teams: Supervise a team of 50+ professionals, including Program Managers and Clinical Supervisors, driving collaboration and enhancing service delivery across all programs.
- Operational Efficiency: Oversee daily operations at 7 permanent supportive housing sites and 1 interim housing facility, implementing streamlined processes that improved client satisfaction and program outcomes.
- Strategic Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the main point of contact for county and city officials, property managers, and developers, fostering partnerships that enhance service alignment and community impact.
- Policy Development: Lead the development and implementation of organizational policies, ensuring compliance and promoting a culture of excellence that enhances operational effectiveness.
- Impactful Communication: Utilize strong communication skills to advocate for the organization, strengthening relationships with key stakeholders and securing support for initiatives.
- Accountability and Reporting: Prepare comprehensive reports for government agencies, showcasing service deliverables and driving continued funding and resource support.
- Contract Management: Negotiate and manage contracts effectively, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with organizational goals, resulting in optimized resource allocation.
- Budget Oversight: Monitor budgets and policies to ensure financial compliance and sustainability, leading to a more resilient organization.
- Team Mentorship: Mentor and develop team members, fostering a shared vision that enhances engagement and drives collective success in achieving program goals.
- Santa Clara County, County
Multi-Site- Operations Manager: Development
Center for Autism and Related Disorders
South Lake Tahoe
04.2018 - 02.2021
- Responsible for the supervision of the day-to-day operations of the clinics including employee/patient satisfaction, patient and staff scheduling, and all general reporting.
- Oversee administrative and clinical staff.
- Staff competencies and reviews.
- All HR related item including law compliance trainings, hiring, disciplinary actions, recruitment retention and payroll.
- Marketing and business growth leader.
- Composes and implements policies and procedures in an ever-changing environment.
- Coordinates and collaborates across all departments of the clinics.
- Ensures the overall financial health of the centers by leading the improvements in areas of contract fulfillment, patient retention, staff retention and regional growth.
- KPIs and other metrics.
- Coordinates as necessary all facility requirements, including procurement of needed supplies and services, with the appropriate shared service teams at Headquarters.
- Works closely with behavior technicians to ensure appropriate oversight and mentorship of staff at the center.
- Responsible for the key performance indicators at the centers and for staff retention and morale, including Growth and Contract Fulfillment, Finances/Profitability, Patient Satisfaction, Staff Satisfaction, reports directly to corporate.
Medical Practice Director
Galen Medical Group
Sacramento
06.2017 - 04.2018
- Provided executive oversight of daily operations across multiple facilities to ensure compliance with organizational goals and regulatory standards.
- Directed workforce management functions, including scheduling, performance assessments, and conflict resolution for clinical and administrative staff.
- Streamlined onboarding and payroll administration processes to enhance efficiency and improve staff retention.
- Ensured compliance with state and federal regulations through active monitoring and audit readiness.
- Developed and implemented policies to support operational excellence, safety, and quality of care.
- Supervised patient flow coordination, managing scheduling for histories, episodic visits, and follow-ups to maintain care continuity.
- Served as key liaison between Skilled Nursing Administration, Director of Nursing, and Medical Director to enhance communication and care integration.
- Led recruitment and retention strategies for mid-level providers and office staff, ensuring high-performing teams across all sites.
Education
Master of Arts - Marriage and Family
Touro Worldwide
Los Alamitos, CA06.2023
Bachelors of Arts - Psychology
Sierra Nevada College
Incline Village, NV12.2020
Associate of Arts - Arts of Psychology / Communications
Sierra College
Rocklin, CA05.2010
Skills
- Organizational Strategy & Systems Design
- Business Development & Fiscal Stewardship
- Operational Excellence & Change Leadership
- Data Analytics & Performance Optimization
- Policy Alignment & Regulatory Strategy
- Cross-Sector Collaboration & Partnership Building
- Executive Communication & Influence
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Leadership
- Talent Development & Culture Transformation
- Visionary Leadership & Innovation Architecture
References
- Nang Cao - LCSW
- Dr. Galen Churn - Medical Director
- Sunni Paloni- BCBA
Certification
AMFT
Timeline
Assistant Director
Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
07.2025 - Current
Chief of Crisis, Access, and Medication Services
Behavioral Health Recovery Service
06.2024 - 06.2025
Director of Health and Wellness
Abode Services
02.2022 - 06.2024
Associate Director of Health and Wellness
Abode Services
02.2021 - 02.2022
Multi-Site- Operations Manager: Development
Center for Autism and Related Disorders
04.2018 - 02.2021
Medical Practice Director
Galen Medical Group
06.2017 - 04.2018
Master of Arts - Marriage and Family
Touro Worldwide
Bachelors of Arts - Psychology
Sierra Nevada College
Associate of Arts - Arts of Psychology / Communications
Sierra College