Claire Tollan
Seattle
Summary
Bilingual professional with over three years supporting children, young adults, and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities and two years in healthcare access for primarily immigrant communities. Experienced in guiding families through referral, intake, and enrollment processes, collaborating with providers and community partners, and helping individuals and families navigate complex systems with confidence and clarity. Committed to providing compassionate, family-centered support and advancing equitable access to care.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Premium Assistance
Pierce County Project Access
Tacoma
03.2024 - Current
- Direct a multi-county program helping underserved families obtain and maintain health insurance by covering monthly premiums and reducing financial barriers to care.
- Guide families through referral review, eligibility determination, and enrollment, ensuring a supportive, clear, and client-centered intake process from first contact through program entry.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for clients navigating complex healthcare systems, providing compassionate guidance in English and Spanish.
- Maintain partnerships with the Washington Health Benefit Exchange to coordinate coverage access and ensure compliance with federal and state program requirements.
- Collaborate with community clinics, healthcare providers, and referral partners to coordinate services and help families connect with the care they need.
- Oversee monthly premium billing and payments with eight insurance carriers, ensuring accurate documentation and program compliance.
- Manage program budget, financial tracking, and operational processes that support client enrollment and long-term sustainability.
- Redesigned program workflows and database systems to improve intake efficiency, referral tracking, and client follow-up, making the process smoother for families and staff.
- Designed and maintain the program website to improve accessibility of program information and simplify referral pathways for families and partners.
- Advance health equity and access, helping individuals and families overcome financial and system barriers to care.
Language and Culture Assistant
North American Language & Culture Assistants Program
Málaga
10.2022 - 06.2023
- Collaborated with teachers at multilingual secondary school in Spain to create tailored English teaching materials that met diverse student needs.
- Delivered engaging lessons that fostered cultural and linguistic understanding among students.
Direct Support Professional
The Arc of Spokane
Spokane
09.2019 - 08.2022
- Improved quality of life for individuals with disabilities through compassionate, consistent direct support
- Coordinated weekly communication with 10+ clients and families to create individualized community engagement plans and schedule outings
- Honored with the Action Award for demonstrating initiative in program development and community impact.
- Launched the first bilingual life-skills course, promoting DEI in curriculum design and service delivery.
- Created and executed a business skills curriculum for 15+ clients; supported events, donor campaigns, and success storytelling.
Staff Writer
The Gonzaga Bulletin
Spokane
09.2021 - 05.2022
- Delivered compelling editorial content that resonated with students and elevated underrepresented voices, earning four awards for my work.
- Conducted interviews and managed distribution logistics, leading a 10-member circulation team.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Spanish & International Relations
Gonzaga University
01-2022
Skills
- Client Intake & Enrollment Coordination
- Referral Review & Eligibility Determination
- Family-Centered Client Support
- Bilingual Communication (English/Spanish)
- Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration
- Cultural Competency
- Healthcare System Navigation
- Documentation & Compliance
- Community Partner Coordination
- Database & Intake Workflow Management
- Health Equity & Access Advocacy
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Affiliations
Volunteer - L'Arche of Spokane (2019-2022)
Timeline
Director, Premium Assistance
Pierce County Project Access
03.2024 - Current
Language and Culture Assistant
North American Language & Culture Assistants Program
10.2022 - 06.2023
Staff Writer
The Gonzaga Bulletin
09.2021 - 05.2022
Direct Support Professional
The Arc of Spokane
09.2019 - 08.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Spanish & International Relations
Gonzaga University