Christine Curtis, M.A., Psy. D
Running Springs,CA
Summary
Dedicated and innovative Healthcare Executive with extensive leadership and management experience in hospital-based services, clinical best practices principles, managed care principles, and health care service delivery. A successful track-record of collaborative leadership to achieve strategic and financial objectives as well as to ensure contractual compliance. Exceptional knowledge and practice of healthcare service delivery to diverse populations, with a contemporary understanding and approach to integrative care.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Hospital Administrator
Telecare Corporation
05.2023 - Current
- Manage, supervise, and direct a 26-bed locked, acute care psychiatric inpatient facility.
- Manage and oversee hospital partnership/contract with Kaiser Permanente in serving their members for the entire Northern California region
- Work closely with organizational leadership to strategically affect operational direction
- Exercise appropriate cost control to meet budget restrictions and maximize profitability
- Drive strategic improvements to enhance operational and organizational efficiencies
- Foster work culture of collaboration and inclusion to increase morale and reduce turnover
- Align department vision, goals and objectives with company strategy to achieve consistently high results
- Spearhead successful business development initiatives aligned with company's strategy and core competencies
- Spearhead matrix organizational plan with clear roles and responsibilities to enhance processes, maintain quality and enforce regulatory compliance
- Align organizational objectives with company mission, increasing revenue, profit, and business growth by collaboratively developing integrated strategies.
Executive Director
Miramar Health Inc.
02.2022 - 05.2023
- Developed, managed, supervised and directed multiple facilities in various locations across southern California for detoxification services, residential care, PHP, and IOP programs
- Initiated and secured several in-network BH and SUD contracts along with VA Tri-West contract
- Developed staffing matrix, workflows, SOP's, protocols, and company-wide trainings
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Built relationships with donors, government officials and other organizations to secure funding and support for organization.
- Set organizational goals and objectives to guide and direct company focus and achieve mission fulfillment.
- Exercised appropriate cost control to meet budget restrictions and maximize profitability.
Executive Director
Advanced Recovery Systems Healthcare
11.2020 - 02.2022
- Directed, managed, and operated an 80-bed inpatient treatment facility
- Managed multiple business units including, detox, residential, PHP, IOP, and telehealth programs
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to strategically affect operational direction.
- Exercised appropriate cost control to meet budget restrictions and maximize profitability.
- Drove strategic improvements to enhance operational and organizational efficiencies.
- Fostered work culture of collaboration and inclusion to increase morale and reduce turnover.
Director
UHS- Horizon Health-Acute Psychiatric Hospital
04.2020 - 10.2020
- Launched the opening of a new behavioral health hospital and managed a 20-bed adult inpatient facility and a 13-bed geriatric inpatient facility
- Managed the daily operations of the hospital
- Responsible for staffing, regulatory and compliance issues, clinical programming, fiscal oversight, operations and ongoing education and training programs
- Responsible for community outreach and engagement and for the development, implementation, and management of all aspects of marketing for both psychiatric units
- Managed all Mental Health outcome data and metrics, oversee all Joint Commission requirements, and conduct monthly chart audits
- Reported and tracked all HARMS data to hospital oversight committee and participated in monthly strategic planning committee
- Built productive relationships with industry partners and competitors to support strategic business objectives
- Managed partnerships and strategic business relationships by negotiating contract terms and handling conflicts
- Maintained effective staff and resource utilization rates to balance financial and operational obligations.
Chief Behavioral Health Officer
Summit Healthcare
12.2019 - 03.2020
- Led and managed Behavioral Health and Integrated Health programs,
- Developed and launched SUD and MAT programs for the clinic
- Oversight of quality, financial performance, service delivery, outcomes, and compliance
- Developed clinical and operational plans for fully integrated behavioral and medical health care delivery across programs
- Developed operational guidelines, minimum standards of care, and best practices for the Behavioral Health Integrated model of care at the clinic
- Health program operations, including the writing of policies, procedures, and practice guidelines
- Serve as a leader and recognized Behavioral Health expert for all matters related to clinical counseling and social service issues, representation on working groups, and coordination of multidisciplinary requirements
- Use expertise in systems and behavioral health theories and practice to lead, oversee, and monitor the full spectrum of clinical practice including but not limited to: therapy, SUD counseling, MAT program, care coordination, case management and peer support programs
- Determine appropriate products or services for patients and families to define program scope, requirements and deliverables
- Continuously monitor and evaluate progress toward organizational goals and make adjustments to improve the program
- Promoted public health through surveillance of disease trends, food safety practices and sanitation levels in public and food service facilities
- Oversaw continual improvement of project health and safety program, systems, and processes to meet or exceed company and project objectives through safe practices.
Behavioral Health Consultant
Tahoe Forest Hospital
03.2019 - 12.2019
- Provided crisis support and consultation services to the Emergency Room, Intensive Care Unit and outpatient clinics
- Performed mental health assessments and psychiatric evaluations, providing short term, stabilizing counseling
- Collaborated with all hospital staff including MD's, RN's, Case Managers and Social Workers
- Provides referral and linkage to community resources and follow-up for appropriate dispositions
- Conducted crisis evaluations and complete admissions to appropriate mental health inpatient units
- Identified appropriate treatment resources and recommended patients for these services
- Worked collaboratively with other mental health professionals to provide consistent care and minimize diversion
- Consulted with other staff members regarding treatment plans as deemed appropriate by team leader
- Delivered client assessments for those struggling with addiction or relationship issues and implemented strategies based on client needs
- Led educational seminars and lectures at local community mental health centers to expand awareness of mental health symptoms and issues.
Executive Director
Akua Mind and Body Healthcare
03.2017 - 03.2019
- Oversee multiple lines of behavioral health business including Partial
- Hospitalization program, Intensive Outpatient Program, Residential treatment program, and several detox programs
- Built productive relationships with industry partners and competitors to support strategic business objectives
- Managed partnerships and strategic business relationships by negotiating contract terms and handling conflicts
- Monitored use of best practices at levels and implemented corrective actions to bring employees into compliance
- Cultivated forward-thinking, inclusive and performance-oriented business culture to lead industry in innovation and push progress
- Drove implementation of new market expansion to propel business forward and adapt to market changes
- Identified and capitalized on short- and long-term revenue generation opportunities to maximize bottom-line profitability
- Coached and guided senior managers to improve effectiveness and policy enforcement, resulting in improved employee job satisfaction and higher performance levels
- Manage all operations for all clinical programs, supervise all clinical and non-clinical staff and manage fiscal responsibilities
- Lead quality improvement planning, oversee regulatory and compliance and function as lead privacy officer
- Manage all metrics, outcome data/reports, and interface with hospital
- QIC
- Work with outreach coordinators, marketing department, business development team and executive team to develop strategic goals
- Assist with acquisition of new contracts, new vendors and community partnerships
Chief Operating Officer
Cedar Point Recovery, Inc
09.2015 - 03.2017
- Administratively responsible and accountable for the planning and direction of clinical, financial, and operational activities that will ensure high quality and cost-effective care delivery
- This includes patient care standards, quality measures, resource allocation, and fiscal management
- Responsible for keeping gross revenue, expenses, and FTES in line with organizational plans
- Function as a member of the senior executive team for Behavioral
- Health
- Work collaboratively with the
- Board of Directors, Physicians, Finance Business Partners, and senior leaders in a team-oriented approach
Director- Behavioral Health Integration
Cal Optima Healthcare
10.2013 - 08.2015
- Provided leadership and program implementation in the creation, expansion and/or improvement of services and systems that will led to the integration of physical and behavioral health care services for members under the provisions of the Affordable Care Act
- Developed strong collaborative relationships to achieve regional behavioral health service goals
- Led and assisted the organization in developing and successfully implementing short and long-term strategic goals and objectives toward integrated care for the Medi-Cal and Cal Medi-Connect population
- Including the development of products, services and key performance indicators that meet member needs
- Responsible for Quality Improvement Projects including the development and monitoring of P4P initiatives and performance/quality metrics
- Coordinate with all levels of the organization, including the Board of
- Directors and executive staff, members, providers, health network management, legal counsel, State and Federal officials, and representatives of other agencies
- Oversee quality and utilization services delivered by providers
- Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, including standards set forth by DMHC, CODI,
- CDPH and TJC standards for behavioral health centers
- Implement and design new operational models for behavioral health consistent with vision of being a national leader in behavioral health services
- Strong financial, operational, and provider (risk groups) acumen
- Development of solutions to ensure appropriate access to services, high- quality outcomes and high levels of member satisfaction
- Knowledge of state and local regulations as they relate to client treatment, NCQA requirements, in addition to Knox-Keene, DHCS,
- CMS and all applicable Medicare and Medi-Cal regulations
- Collaboration in a highly matrixed environment including provider relations/contracting, marketing 0 › community relations, medical management (UM and CM), quality management initiatives (HEDIS), disease management, health education, regulatory affairs, compliance, audit and oversight and customer service.
Executive Director
Royale Healthcare Inc
10.2008 - 10.2013
- Managed a large, 126 bed for-profit Psychiatric/Behavioral Health department within an acute care facility
- Responsible for directing operations, managing and developing staff, assuring high quality care, sound fiscal operations, maintaining a strong referral base and compliance with the Joint Commission and CMS regulations
- Developed collaborative relationships with local leadership and government including county mental health partners, the Board of
- Supervisors, the County Mental Health Board, local Hospital association and other key potential healthcare providers
- Recruited physicians in targeted specialty areas, coordinated medical staff participation in hospital ventures and targeted and developed new areas of behavioral health/medical care to offer at the facility
- Responsible for the supervision of clinical staff, workplace performance outcomes and the development of training/clinical initiatives as they related to the hospital's strategic goals/evidence-based outcomes
- Focused on census building efforts and strategic planning
- Achieved budgeted financial objectives with increased revenue and implemented operating cost controls
Executive Director
Behavioral Health, Sonoma County Healthcare
02.2004 - 10.2008
- Responsible for managing and directing operations for the Sonoma
- County Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital, Psychiatric Emergency Room, and Adult Outpatient Programs
- Leadership and oversight over the entire spectrum of v services with a focus on highly-matrixed, integrated behavioral health systems of care
- Provided key strategic leadership in the development, implementation and outcomes of various programs and initiatives, including the transition for integrated behavioral health service
- Developed and launched initiatives to countywide behavioral health facilities
- Establish and achieved long-range goals and objectives surrounding clinical standards of practice and monitoring of performance for behavioral health programs, including enhancing care, patient satisfaction and treatment protocols Ensured rapid development and transfer of best practices throughout the inpatient and outpatient settings
- Utilized performance improvement techniques, including RPI, to develop systems and approaches for integration of health planning and care delivery, worked with vendors, provider groups, and medical contracting to maintain affordability and monitor P&L.
Executive Director
Monarch Youth Homes, Inc
05.2003 - 01.2004
- Managed a large, for-profit Behavioral Health Residential Treatment program for children and adolescents referred from the Department of
- Probation across several Northern California counties
- Supervised and monitored contract compliance with the Department of
- Probation and local county
- Mental Health treatment providers
- Provided supervision and training for clinical staff
- Monitored quality assurance policies, designed program evaluation protocols and managed budget
- Recruited physicians and clinicians in targeted specialty areas, coordinated medical staff participation in clinical program ventures, and supervised the development of a more comprehensive outpatient program
Executive Director
Moving Forward Towards Independence Inc
06.2001 - 04.2003
- Managed and supervised clinical staff at a private, for-profit program for Transitional Age Youth referred by the Napa County Regional
- Center
- Program serviced youth with mild to moderate developmental disabilities, including cognitive impairments and social/communication delays
- Partnered with the Regional Center and other local healthcare providers, including specialists including pediatric neurologists and developmental psychologists to improve the coordination and foster the integration of behavioral health and medical services
- Represented the agency professionally, participated in industry associations, promoted advocacy on public policy issues and participated in several state workgroups and task forces in conjunction with the Regional Center
- Led the development and implementation of a care transition program to develop in-home, community- based provider network for TAY clients to avoid unnecessary, in-patient, and emergency room visits.
Director of Clinical Services
Portia Bell Hume Behavioral Health Hospital
05.2000 - 06.2001
- Managed and supervised a large, for-profit, partial hospitalization program and intensive outpatient program
- Interacted effectively with clinical staff and patients by using active listening and interpersonal skills
- Implement new policies and educate staff on changes
- Provide ongoing case management to patients to implement appropriate treatment plans, adhere to quality models and maximize utilization of services needed to achieve optimal outcomes
- Recruited, hired, and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees
- Represented organization at all community events, answering questions, providing details, and giving informative presentations
- Supervised and trained clinical staff on intake and assessment, crisis management, psychological/ neuropsychological testing, evidence- based treatment protocols, and clinical practice standards
- Worked in conjunction with senior leadership, medical director, and physicians to achieve goals and strategies for the IOP service line
- Conducted needs assessment, data gathering, analysis and report of results to support recommendations for program additions, expansions, and changes in the care of patients in behavioral health crisis.
Psychologist
River Oak Center for Children
05.1999 - 06.2000
- Led and developed intake evaluation protocol and admission criteria, including psychological assessments and screenings at a large, residential treatment center
- Serviced children predominantly from DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services) and other state social service agencies
- Developed treatment protocols for Trauma-Based population, including
- CBT, EMDR and other evidence- based treatments
- Developed and coordinated treatment plans with the interdisciplinary team, collaborated with educational systems around IEP's and worked with community-based agencies for appropriate referral and discharge planning
- Conducted grant funded research for a pilot program to address stigma for non-majority youth diagnosed with a behavioral health condition receiving treatment through the state system/state contracted entities
- Developed and administered court-ordered evaluations for the purposes of custody/ placement, termination of parental rights, and treatment options/recommendations
- Provided consultation and training to other community partners
- Led a series of community outreach and engagement trainings/presentation to address behavioral health conditions in children and early detection/screening.
Psychologist
Contra Costa County Healthcare Agency
05.1998 - 06.1999
- Conducted court-ordered Competency Evaluations on mental health consumers while incarcerated in the Criminal Justice system (County
- Jails, Correctional Facilities, State Hospitals)
- Functioned as a liaison for the county jails and State hospitals regarding appropriateness of placement into the CONREP (Conditional Release
- Program) program
- CONREP is a statewide, state-funded program that administers and monitors the treatment of mentally ill violent offenders in outpatient treatment settings
- Provided court-ordered psychological testing and treatment recommendations through official reports and testimony to the court
- Facilitated treatment recommendations and placement options to the court predominantly for Not-Guilty by Reason of Insanity clients (PC1026) and Incompetent to Stand Trial clients (PC1370)
- Identified psychological, emotional, or behavioral issues and diagnosed disorders using information obtained from evaluation techniques
- Interacted with clients to assist in gaining insight, defining goals and planning action to achieve effective personal development and adjustment
- Updated records and prepared reports to outline program actions, results, and recommended improvements
- Counseled individuals and groups regarding problems such as stress, substance abuse or family situations to modify behavior to improve personal adjustment.
Education
Ph.D. - Clinical Psychology
John F Kennedy University
Pleasant Hill, CA07.2001
Master of Arts - Behavioral Sciences
Kean University
Union, NJ07.1997
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJ06.1995
Skills
- Over 20 years as a highly effective thought-leader in the behavioral
- Healthcare industry executive leadership
- Strategic planning, change management, and business development
- Experience in both public and private sector markets
- Successfully led turn-around efforts in medium to large sized organizations
- Project management, team building and motivational skills
- Comprehensive knowledge and experience in budgeting and financial management
- Proven track record of positive relationships and communication with community partners and stakeholders, National, State and County agencies, and Board of Directors
- Extensive experience in staff education and training
- Strong communication, public speaking and presentations
- Highly knowledgeable in managed care principles and accreditation standards
Timeline
Hospital Administrator
Telecare Corporation
05.2023 - Current
Executive Director
Miramar Health Inc.
02.2022 - 05.2023
Executive Director
Advanced Recovery Systems Healthcare
11.2020 - 02.2022
Director
UHS- Horizon Health-Acute Psychiatric Hospital
04.2020 - 10.2020
Chief Behavioral Health Officer
Summit Healthcare
12.2019 - 03.2020
Behavioral Health Consultant
Tahoe Forest Hospital
03.2019 - 12.2019
Executive Director
Akua Mind and Body Healthcare
03.2017 - 03.2019
Chief Operating Officer
Cedar Point Recovery, Inc
09.2015 - 03.2017
Director- Behavioral Health Integration
Cal Optima Healthcare
10.2013 - 08.2015
Executive Director
Royale Healthcare Inc
10.2008 - 10.2013
Executive Director
Behavioral Health, Sonoma County Healthcare
02.2004 - 10.2008
Executive Director
Monarch Youth Homes, Inc
05.2003 - 01.2004
Executive Director
Moving Forward Towards Independence Inc
06.2001 - 04.2003
Director of Clinical Services
Portia Bell Hume Behavioral Health Hospital
05.2000 - 06.2001
Psychologist
River Oak Center for Children
05.1999 - 06.2000
Psychologist
Contra Costa County Healthcare Agency
05.1998 - 06.1999
Ph.D. - Clinical Psychology
John F Kennedy University
Master of Arts - Behavioral Sciences
Kean University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey