Dawna Sams
Albany,GA
Summary
Dynamic and community-focused professional with 25+ years of experience in community engagement, program management, youth development, and organizational leadership. Proven ability to build strong partnerships with civic leaders, educational institutions, employers, and service organizations to promote career and educational advancement. Adept at planning and coordinating outreach initiatives, organizing successful community events that promote engagement and participation, facilitating councils, and strengthening community relations to create goodwill and opportunities. Demonstrated expertise in building strong partnerships and fostering community connections. Skilled communicator with a passion for fostering growth, collaboration, and positive public image for organizations.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Clinical Scheduler/Prior Authorizations Specialist
Lung and Chest Medical Assoc.
10.2023 - 11.2024
- Provided high-level administrative support to pulmonology and sleep medicine specialists, ensuring HIPAA-compliant communication and efficient clinic operations.
- Managed high-volume phone calls with professionalism, improving patient satisfaction through timely assistance and follow-up.
- Transcribed and routed messages to appropriate staff and departments, ensuring accurate and effective communication within the clinical team.
- Scheduled and coordinated complex medical, surgical, and radiological procedures, clearly communicating processes to patients to support continuity of care.
- Maintained accurate, detailed electronic medical records (EMRs), contributing to reliable patient care documentation.
- Oversaw the full cycle of prior authorization for high-tech imaging services, including appeals, to support timely patient access to care and clear financial planning.
Front Office Check-In/Out Specialist
Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Assoc.
08.2021 - 03.2022
- Streamlined front-desk operations, reducing patient wait times and improving the overall check-in/check-out process.
- Acted as a key communication liaison between patients, physicians, and staff, enhancing workflow and collaboration.
- Delivered exceptional front-line patient service by managing forms, answering inquiries, and resolving issues quickly and empathetically.
- Processed patient payments, ensuring accurate financial transactions and reconciliation for the clinic.
Front Office Coordinator
Center for Rehabilitation and Pain Management
07.2019 - 08.2020
- Coordinated daily administrative and clinical tasks in a high-volume environment, supporting seamless office operations.
- Counseled patients on billing and payment plans with empathy, helping reduce financial barriers to care while maintaining the clinic’s fiscal health.
- Scheduled and organized appointments and procedures to support a smooth patient flow and reduce stress for clinical staff.
Medical Assistant
Center for Rehabilitation and Pain Management
07.2015 - 04.2018
- Enhanced patient care processes and reduced wait times for a practice serving over 2,500 patients.
- Supported clinical visits by preparing patients, recording vitals and medical histories, and maintaining a calm, professional demeanor.
- Collected and processed lab specimens efficiently, ensuring timely and accurate diagnostics.
- Managed comprehensive prior authorization and appeal paperwork to expedite patient access to treatment.
- Ensured timely and accurate documentation of labs and reports in EMRs, improving clinical decision-making and patient care continuity.
- Fostered trust with patients by providing clear communication, emotional support, and consistent follow-through.
Program Director of Community Relations
YMCA of Greater Metropolitan Hartford
10.2006 - 04.2008
- Directed community relations programs to enhance organizational visibility and goodwill.
- Cultivated partnerships with business, civic, and educational leaders to strengthen career readiness programs.
- Developed and maintained operating budgets ensuring fiscal stability and boosting department success.
- Spearheaded the Youth Summer Leadership Institute, preparing participants for higher education and workforce success.
- Expanded the Minority Achievers Program, increasing access to college and career opportunities for underserved youth.
- Secured corporate sponsorships and funding, growing department resources and outreach capacity.
- Coordinated and represented the organization in community councils and collaborative initiatives fostering cross-organization relationships.
Youth Counselor
YMCA Jewell House Adolescent Emergency Shelter
06.2005 - 10.2006
- Mentored and guided at-risk youth through educational, therapeutic, and recreational activities enhancing opportunities for cultural exposure and growth.
- Engaged community partners including schools, law enforcement, medical professionals, and social services to ensure comprehensive support.
- Provided crisis intervention and facilitated conflict resolution, building resilience among youth.
- Maintained case management and communication with DCF, youth service bureaus, doctors, schools, police, parents, and therapists to ensure optimal support.
Education
Supervisory and Management Certification -
Greenville Technical College
Greenville, South Carolina01.2019
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Marquette University
Milwaukee, Wisconsin01.2003
Skills
- Community Engagement
- Public Relations/Outreach
- Client Account/Record-keeping
- Strong Written Communication
- Partnership Building
- Organization Management
- Grant/Funding Acquisition
- Analytical/Critical Thinking
- Strong Verbal Communication
- Project/Event Management
- Hiring & Onboarding
- Microsoft Office Suite/EMR
- Council/Committee Leadership
- Youth Development/Mentorship
- Supervisory and Management/Leadership Certification
- HIPAA compliance
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Adaptable and flexible
- Critical thinking
- Reliability
- Relationship building
- Adaptability and flexibility
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Clinical Scheduler/Prior Authorizations Specialist
Lung and Chest Medical Assoc.
10.2023 - 11.2024
Front Office Check-In/Out Specialist
Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Assoc.
08.2021 - 03.2022
Front Office Coordinator
Center for Rehabilitation and Pain Management
07.2019 - 08.2020
Medical Assistant
Center for Rehabilitation and Pain Management
07.2015 - 04.2018
Program Director of Community Relations
YMCA of Greater Metropolitan Hartford
10.2006 - 04.2008
Youth Counselor
YMCA Jewell House Adolescent Emergency Shelter
06.2005 - 10.2006
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Marquette University
Supervisory and Management Certification -
Greenville Technical College
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Active Member, Present
- National Pan-Hellenic Council, Active Member, Present
- Headstart Parent Council, President, Present
- PTO, Member, Present
- More Than a Mother, Board Member, 2023, 2024