Claire Mariano-Sergus
DeWitt,MI
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Providing Individual Telehealth Counseling in the Greater Tri-county Bay Area
Saginaw Psychological Counseling Inc
10.2021 - Current
- Addressing mental health needs such as mood disorders, depression, anxiety, stress, chronic pain, adjustment disorders, and co-dependency
- Collaborated with other departments in facility to promote teamwork and heighten service quality.
Certified Case Manager – Nurse Coordinator
Michigan Education Special Services Association (MESSA)
03.2008 - Current
- Developed and maintained an accredited asthma program
- Assess client’s strengths and resources - develop mutual goals with clients
- Use principles of dialectical behavioral therapy, motivation interview, and CBT and provide education, motivation, and coaching to MESSA enrolled members
- Monitor and assess progress toward goals through frequent telephonic support
- Review short/long-term disability charts and medical claims for continuation of benefits - medical diagnoses include Depression/Anxiety, PTSD, Adjustment Disorder, Substance Abuse, Bipolar I, Fibromyalgia, and Chronic Back Pain
- Revise and update medical insurance benefit policies with a focus on increasing healthcare accessibility
- Review and incorporate biannually the National Institute of Health Asthma Guidelines
- Incorporate the NCQA and URAC standards of care for MESSA’s case management program
- Measure and analyze annually the outcomes for MESSA’s annual quality improvement projects and revise interventions as needed
- Collaborate daily with the medical director, nurse manager, and disability/benefit analysts delivering the highest quality of care to members
- Assisted clients in navigating complex healthcare systems while advocating for their needs and preferences.
- Championed evidence-based interventions that led to improved health outcomes for vulnerable patient populations.
- Negotiated payment arrangements with insurance companies on behalf of clients to secure coverage for necessary treatments or medical equipment.
- Developed strong relationships with community resources to ensure clients had access to a variety of support services.
- Enhanced client satisfaction through timely and effective communication, addressing concerns and clarifying treatment goals.
- Promoted self-management skills among patients through education on their conditions, medications, therapies, and available resources.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between care settings by establishing clear lines of communication among all involved parties.
- Ensured adherence to professional standards and regulatory requirements through meticulous documentation of case management activities.
- Optimized patient care by collaborating with physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers, and other specialists to ensure seamless service delivery.
- Reduced hospital readmissions by closely monitoring patient progress and adjusting care plans accordingly.
- Increased access to healthcare services for underserved populations by collaborating with community organizations to address gaps in care delivery systems.
- Improved patient outcomes by developing comprehensive case management plans and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams.
- Conducted thorough assessments to identify patients'' needs, strengths, resources, barriers, and preferences to develop tailored intervention strategies.
- Addressed complex clinical situations by applying critical thinking skills and leveraging interdisciplinary collaborations to arrive at appropriate solutions.
- Delivered effective lesson presentations using various teaching methods tailored to the needs of each class or individual student.
- Developed curriculum aligned to state standards, ensuring comprehensive coverage of essential topics and skills.
- Built relationships and communicated with parents to provide best learning environment for children.
- Performed accurate documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in compliance with regulatory standards.
- Educated patients on disease management, self-care techniques, and wellness strategies to improve long-term health outcomes.
- Assessed patients to determine individual needs and develop care plans in coordination with multidisciplinary healthcare professionals.
- Utilized strong clinical judgment in prioritizing patient needs during high-stress situations, ensuring optimal outcomes.
- Increased quality of care by participating in ongoing professional development opportunities such as workshops, conferences, and online courses.
- Streamlined communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive understanding of care plans.
- Came up with treatment plans and communicated with patients about options, medications and self-management.
- Met with and patients to discuss and distribute information on health maintenance and disease prevention.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment, and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
- Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
- Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation by consistently operating to highest standards of care.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
Intern-Counselor for Domestic Violence
End Violent Encounters (EVE) Lansing, MI
08.2019 - 08.2021
- Performed comprehensive assessments using the agency’s screening tools to assess biopsychosocial history, cognitive cultural, and environmental systems
- Provided individual adult and child counseling via face-to-face, phone, and
- Facilitated EVE’s weekly women’s support group for clients who have been exposed to or victimized by domestic violence
- Implemented principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: interventions that include education and worksheets to strengthen skills in the areas of mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal communication
- Enhanced client self-awareness by conducting individual and group counseling sessions.
- Supported clients in developing coping strategies and managing stressors, contributing to their overall mental health improvement.
- Developed rapport with clients, fostering trust and open communication during therapy sessions.
- Contributed to the development of treatment plans by providing insights on clients'' strengths and areas of growth.
- Actively listened during sessions to understand underlying concerns while offering empathy-driven feedback.
- Maintained accurate and up-to-date case notes, ensuring effective documentation of client progress.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on industry trends and best practices in counseling.
- Provided crisis intervention when necessary, mitigating risk factors and connecting clients with appropriate resources.
- Maintained confidentiality while handling sensitive client information, adhering to ethical guidelines set forth by professional organizations.
- Conducted client consultations and collaborated with other agency professionals to discuss courses of treatment.
- Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
Discharge Planner/Medical Case Manager
Visiting Nurse Services (VNS) of Lansing, Michigan
06.2003 - 10.2011
- Developed, marketed, and implemented newly established Discharge Planner role for Visiting Nurse Services, growing this position from one to three full-time positions at McLaren Lansing Hospital
- Coordinated care for discharged patients and their families - collaborating with case managers, staff nurses, therapists, social workers, home care agencies, pharmacies, outpatient infusion companies, wound care clinics
- Collaborated with social workers on hospice units coordinating discharge needs
Medical Case Manager
Sparrow Home Care Agency - Lansing, MI
09.2002 - 05.2006
- Coordinated and provided medical care and education to patients/families in variety of settings - sub-acute rehab facilities, nursing homes, residential homes, and hotels.
- Treated complicated wound vac dressing changes; intravenous infusions; PICC line care; tube feedings and trach care
- Collaborated with Protective Service Agency and Tri-County Office of Aging
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Evaluated treatment plans against individual goals and healthcare standards.
Pre and Post Procedural Care Unit
St. Mary’s Hospital – Saginaw, Michigan
12.1998 - 12.2001
- Worked on fast-paced same-day invasive procedure unit
- Educated patients and families regarding pre and post procedural care
- Collaborated with surgeons and anesthesiologists and other members of the patient's care
- Administered medications and changed dressings as needed
Charge Nurse/Staff Nurse/Utilization Reviewer
St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor, Michigan
05.1984 - 08.2000
- Provided nursing care on high acuity surgical units including trauma, neurology, and care of the amputee
- Managed operations on the medical/surgical unit, triaging and prioritizing patient needs, creating nursing assignments based on acuity
- Revised the policy for intravenous alimentation and created a pre-op video for patients and their families
- Audited medical charts for proper diagnostic coding
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Conducted daily shift briefs to inform staff of changes in patient care assignments.
- Administered medications and treatments to patients as ordered by physician, maintaining accountability for accurate narcotic count at end of each shift.
- Served as a liaison between nursing staff, physicians, and management, fostering open communication channels among all parties involved in patient care.
- Championed a positive work culture by recognizing exemplary performance from team members and addressing conflicts promptly when they arose.
Education
Master’s Social Work (clinical) -
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI01.2021
Secondary Education - MJR BiologyMNR General Science
Saginaw Valley State University
Saginaw, MI01.2000
Bachelor of Science, Nursing -
Oakland University
Rochester, MI01.1985
Affiliations
- Case Management Society of America
- Member of the Association of Asthma Educators
- Past Member of the Asthma Coalition for Michigan
Degrees
- MSW Master Social Work
- BSN Bachelor Science in Nursing
Experience Skills
- Saginaw Psychological Counseling Inc, Saginaw, MI, 10/2021, Present, Providing individual telehealth counseling in the greater tri-county Bay area, Addressing mental health needs such as mood disorders, depression, anxiety, stress, chronic pain, adjustment disorders, co-dependency, family conflict, and marital problems
- Michigan Education Special Services Association (MESSA), Lansing, MI, 03/2008, Present, Certified Case Manager – Nurse Coordinator, Developed and maintained NCQA accredited asthma program, Assess client’s strengths and resources - develop mutual goals with clients, Use principles of dialectical behavioral therapy, motivation interview, and CBT and provide education, motivation, and coaching to MESSA enrolled members, Monitor and assess progress toward goals through frequent telephonic support, Review short/long-term disability charts and medical claims for the continuation of benefits - medical diagnoses include Depression/Anxiety, PTSD, Adjustment Disorder, Substance Abuse, Bipolar I, Fibromyalgia, and Chronic Back Pain, Revise and update medical insurance benefit policies with a focus on increasing healthcare accessibility, Review and incorporate biannually the National Institute of Health Asthma Guidelines, Incorporate the NCQA and URAC standards of care for MESSA’s case management program, Measure and analyze annually the outcomes for MESSA’s annual quality improvement projects and revise interventions as needed, Collaborate daily with the medical director, nurse manager, and disability/benefit analysts delivering the highest quality of care to members
- End Violent Encounters (EVE), Lansing, MI, 08/2019, 08/2021, Intern-Counselor for Domestic Violence, Performed comprehensive assessments using the agency’s screening tools to assess biopsychosocial history, cognitive cultural, and environmental systems, Provided individual adult and child counseling via face-to-face, phone, Facilitated EVE’s weekly women’s support group for clients who have been exposed to or victimized by domestic violence, Implemented principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: interventions that include education and worksheets to strengthen skills in the areas of mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal communication
- Visiting Nurse Services (VNS) of Lansing, Lansing, MI, 06/2003, 10/2011, Discharge Planner/Medical Case Manager, Developed, marketed, and implemented the newly established Discharge Planner role for Visiting Nurse Services, growing this position from one to three full-time positions at McLaren Lansing Hospital, Coordinated care for discharged patients and their families - collaborating with case managers, staff nurses, therapists, social workers, home care agencies, pharmacies, outpatient infusion companies, wound care clinics, Collaborated with social workers on the hospice unit coordinating discharge needs
- Sparrow Home Care Agency, Lansing, MI, 09/2002, 05/2006, Medical Case Manager, Coordinated and provided medical care and education to patients/families in a variety of settings - sub-acute rehab facilities, nursing homes, residential homes, and hotels, Treated complicated wound vac dressing changes; intravenous infusions; PICC line care; tube feedings and trach care, Collaborated with Protective Service Agency and Tri-County Office of Aging
- St. Mary’s Hospital, Saginaw, MI, 12/1998, 12/2001, Pre-Procedure Testing Unit, Worked on a fast-paced same-day invasive procedure unit
- St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI, 05/1984, 08/2000, Charge Nurse/Staff Nurse/Utilization Reviewer, Provided nursing care on high acuity surgical units including trauma, neurology, and care of the amputee, Managed operations on the medical/surgical unit, triaging and prioritizing patient needs, creating nursing assignments based on acuity, Revised the policy for intravenous alimentation and created a pre-op video for patients and their families, Audited medical charts for proper diagnostic coding
Certification
- National Certification - Medical Case Management
- National Certification - Asthma Educator
Volunteer Experience
- Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, member of the Asthma Task Force, Improve access to care for the school population and the underserved populations, Develop and update state policies with regards to asthma care, Review epidemiological studies to guide interventions
- Not One More Life, annual health fair delivered asthma education to underserved communities
- Lansing’s Carefree Clinic, served as an Asthma Educator
- American Lung Association, Asthma Education Program serviced staff at Williamston Junior High and public-school staff for the Lenawee Intermediary School District
- Member of MESSA’s Clinical Practice Committee and Quality Management Improvement Committee
- Served as chairman of the Education Council Committee at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital
- Served as a member of the Shared Governance Committee at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital
- Served as Quality Assurance Nurse at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital
Timeline
Providing Individual Telehealth Counseling in the Greater Tri-county Bay Area
Saginaw Psychological Counseling Inc
10.2021 - Current
Intern-Counselor for Domestic Violence
End Violent Encounters (EVE) Lansing, MI
08.2019 - 08.2021
Certified Case Manager – Nurse Coordinator
Michigan Education Special Services Association (MESSA)
03.2008 - Current
Discharge Planner/Medical Case Manager
Visiting Nurse Services (VNS) of Lansing, Michigan
06.2003 - 10.2011
Medical Case Manager
Sparrow Home Care Agency - Lansing, MI
09.2002 - 05.2006
Pre and Post Procedural Care Unit
St. Mary’s Hospital – Saginaw, Michigan
12.1998 - 12.2001
Charge Nurse/Staff Nurse/Utilization Reviewer
St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor, Michigan
05.1984 - 08.2000
Master’s Social Work (clinical) -
Michigan State University
Secondary Education - MJR BiologyMNR General Science
Saginaw Valley State University
Bachelor of Science, Nursing -
Oakland University
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