Karonesa Logan, LMSW, MPH
New Britain,CT
Summary
Dedicated social work and public health professional with extensive experience in social services, policy development, and regulatory practices, supported by a background in higher education. Known for effective collaboration, creative problem-solving, and a commitment to fostering student growth through engaging instructional content grounded in social work ethics and real-world applications.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Health Program Assistant 2
Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
Hartford, CT
05.2024 - Current
- Create educational tools and training manuals, tailored to medical providers and public audiences, promoting informed cannabis use and safety.
- Author scripts for instructional videos on cannabis policies and safety measures to meet Connecticut's public health initiatives.
- Develop diverse educational materials (webpages, presentations, infographics) for diverse public and professional audiences.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members, including experts from Connecticut Health-Systems, to draft a comprehensive legislative report, aligning evidence-based findings with proposed policy recommendations.
- Analyze and interpret complex regulatory statutes, translating findings into accessible language
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and conduct stakeholder communications, ensuring clarity and regulatory compliance.
- Develop informational graphics and presentations tailored to distinct audiences, such as the Social Equity Council and healthcare providers, covering topics like packaging guidelines, cannabis product safety, and regulatory compliance.
- Utilize a variety of computer programs such as Microsoft Office, Adobe, Teams, and Articulate 360 Storyline to develop educational materials, and CT Seed-to-Sale Traceability Data Software to enhance written reports, data evaluation, and analysis.
Health Program Assistant 1
Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
Hartford, CT
12.2021 - 05.2024
- Conducted extensive independent research on healthcare policies and legislative initiatives, including drafting language for Senate Bill 133 to define the advanced pharmacy technician role, and Public Act 23-52 for permitting non-legend drug vending machines.
- Performed comparative policy analysis across multiple states, developing charts and datasets on statutes, educational requirements, and program outcomes for pharmacy and cannabis regulations, which informed state policy decisions.
- Led research and compiled data on adult-use and medical cannabis programs across legalized states, creating presentations on cannabis data trends, policy implications, and public health considerations for Drug Control Division management.
- Organized and analyzed controlled substance prescription data from Connecticut's Prescription Monitoring and Reporting System (CPMRS), producing visualizations for key data points on the CT Open Data portal to support public and internal data access.
- Developed and presented a wide range of informational materials and graphics, including video scripts, infographics, and brochures on cannabis health and safety, packaging regulations, and program guidelines for varied audiences, from medical practitioners to general consumers.
- Supervised interns on cannabis legislation research projects, including comparative research on cannabis on-site consumption policies across states, resulting in legislation recommendations for Public Act 21-1, An Act Concerning Responsible and Equitable Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis (RERACA).
- Authored and produced educational materials, including brochures, videos, and training guides, aimed at diverse audiences, including health and social service providers as well as general public audiences, on cannabis usage safety, labeling, and accidental ingestion prevention.
Eligibility Services Worker
Connecticut Department of Social Services
Hartford, CT
05.2014 - 12.2021
- Performed forensic analysis on asset documents, employment, family, and personal information to determine eligibility for Medicaid Title XIX 1915 (c) waiver programs, including Acquired Brain Injury, CT Home Care for Elders, Department of Developmental Services, and Personal Care Assistance waiver.
- Researched and interpreted federal and state legislation.
- Analyzed complex departmental policy in order to translate into plain language.
- Provided policy guidance to clients, conservators, family members of clients, and elder law attorneys.
- Utilized computer databases to retrieve, review, process, and organize client data and applications for benefits.
- Collaborated with team members to implement streamlined processes for Medicaid eligibility in the Fast-Track pilot program.
- Led the execution of the Homecare Eligibility Lookback Pilot (HELP) project as the team lead
- Initiated and facilitated team meetings to explore efficient methods for streamlining asset retrieval from financial institutions.
- Implemented a systematic logging and tracking system for data over time and conducted various analyses based on accumulated data, providing valuable insights, as pilot project lead.
- Regularly reported project findings to managers, supervisors, and team members during unit meetings
- Participated in fair hearings, upholding contested policy decisions and explaining rationale to both the client and a neutral third party fair hearing officer.
- Conducted interviews with all consumers and/or authorized representatives in the Service Center, addressing all related tasks concerning DSS case issues and programs.
- Participated as a committee member on the Department's Speaker's Bureau Committee, actively contributing to community outreach efforts through giving presentations on requested Departmental topics and distribution of educational/informational materials.
- Served on the Health Services Division committee, and collaborated with colleagues on crafting thorough internal user's guide for the onboarding new personnel within the Division.
Research Assistant
University of Connecticut (UCONN) School of Social Work
West Hartford, CT
09.2012 - 05.2014
- Reviewed case files and collaborated with program staff at Community Partner Agencies to collect outcome data, ensuring comprehensive and accurate information for research projects.
- Conducted independent data management, including data cleaning and field research, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of research projects.
- Demonstrated strong ability to work both independently and as part of a team, fostering collaborative efforts in achieving research objectives.
- Conducted literature reviews to stay abreast of relevant research developments and actively participated in the presentation and publication of data.
- Held responsibility for entering research data into Excel and SPSS databases, ensuring accuracy and integrity of the collected data.
Oncology Social Work Intern
St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center
Hartford, CT
09.2013 - 04.2014
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team members to advocate for patients and address their holistic needs.
- Actively participated in multidisciplinary team meetings and family conferences, contributing valuable insights and coordinating care plans to enhance patient outcomes.
- Conducted thorough psychosocial assessments, identifying and addressing the emotional, social, and practical challenges faced by patients in the Oncology Unit.
- Provided compassionate and tailored supportive counseling to patients, offering emotional assistance and guidance throughout their medical journey.
- Offered comprehensive case management services, coordinating resources and services to ensure optimal patient care and support.
Education
Master of Public Health -
UCONN, School of Community Medicine & Health Care
Farmington, CT05.2015
Master of Social Work - Concentration: Casework
University of Connecticut, School of Social Work
West Hartford, CT05.2014
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature, Minor in Business Marketing
Central Connecticut State University
New Britain, CT05.2011
Skills
- Differentiated Instruction & Lesson Planning
- Community Outreach & Engagement
- Research & Report Writing
- Operations & Program Support
- Strategic & Roadmap Planning
- Creative Problem-Solving
- Calendar & Information Management
- Collaboration & Teamwork
- Instruction (Individual & Group)
- Progress Tracking & Presentation Skills
Professional Trainings and Certifications
Master Level Social Worker License (LMSW)
September 2024
Connecticut Data Conference
CT Data Collaborative, October 2024
Leadership
Department of Consumer Protection
Connecticut Alcohol and Drug Policy Council (ADPC)
December 2021 - Present
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to evaluate campaign proposals for the 'Be In the Know' campaign, prioritizing public health education and community engagement to address health, social and behavioral impacts of cannabis use.
- Actively contribute to the ADPC Cannabis Subcommittee, bringing expertise to address cannabis-related challenges affecting youth in Connecticut.
- Particpate in drafting comprehensive recommendations to prevent cannabis use among youth, emphasizing evidence-based approaches and community engagement.
- Contribute to policy development by providing expert feedback on recommendations to ensure effective, evidence-based cannabis regulations.
- Continuously contribute to the ongoing monitoring and evaluation of implemented strategies, assessing their effectiveness and recommending adjustments as needed.
Speaker's Bureau Member, Connecticut Department of Social Services
July 2018 - September 2019
- Represented the Department at public speaking engagements on topics including Medicaid, consumer protection, and policy initiatives.
- Educated community stakeholders, service providers, and the public on departmental programs and resources.
- Provided insights into eligibility processes, and resources for vulnerable populations.
- Answered audience questions and clarified programmatic details to foster better understanding of DSS services.
Connecticut Department of Social Services
Homecare Eligibility Lookback Pilot (HELP) Lead
March 2016 - July 2016
- Led the Homecare Eligibility Lookback Pilot (HELP) initiative as the team lead, optimizing Medicaid eligibility process.
- Initiated and facilitated team meetings to explore efficient methods for streamlining asset retrieval from financial institutions.
- Established liaisons with financial institutions to devise more effective solutions for applicants, expediting the Medicaid application process.
- Implemented strategies to enhance communication and cooperation with financial entities.
- Implemented a systematic logging and tracking system for data over time.
- Regularly reported project findings to managers, supervisors, and team members during unit meetings.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Health Program Assistant 2
Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
05.2024 - Current
Health Program Assistant 1
Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
12.2021 - 05.2024
Eligibility Services Worker
Connecticut Department of Social Services
05.2014 - 12.2021
Oncology Social Work Intern
St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center
09.2013 - 04.2014
Research Assistant
University of Connecticut (UCONN) School of Social Work
09.2012 - 05.2014
Master of Public Health -
UCONN, School of Community Medicine & Health Care
Master of Social Work - Concentration: Casework
University of Connecticut, School of Social Work
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature, Minor in Business Marketing
Central Connecticut State University
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