Kathleen Niesen Zucchi
Loves Park,IL
Summary
Dynamic clinical leader with extensive experience at Family Counseling Services, excelling in staff development and interdisciplinary collaboration. Proven track record in enhancing patient outcomes through evidence-based practices and effective clinical supervision. Strong advocate for patient needs, demonstrating reliability and excellent communication skills to foster a supportive therapeutic environment.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Co-Clinical Director
Family Counseling Services
08.2019 - Current
- Directed clinical operations, ensuring compliance with health regulations and best practices.
- Mentored clinical staff, promoting professional development and adherence to evidence-based practices.
- Spearheaded training programs for new staff, enhancing onboarding processes and improving team integration.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations for clinical staff, identifying areas for improvement and providing constructive feedback for growth.
- Monitored, analyzed, and corrected staff performance and worked with nurse manager to raise standards of practice.
- Implemented new policies and educated staff on changes.
- Engaged in policy formulation to adhere to evolving healthcare laws and standards, maintaining clinic's compliance and ethical standing.
- Conducted regular staff performance evaluations, identifying development opportunities and fostering motivated workplace environment.
- Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
- Trained pharmacy interns and newly hired pharmacy technicians.
- Coached and trained newly hired employees so that each understood job responsibilities and requirements of positions.
- Mentored staff members through professional development opportunities, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.
- Recruited hired, and trained high-quality clinicians who contributed positively to the clinic''s mission and vision.
Clinical Director
Carrie Lynn Children's Center
10.1998 - Current
- Assisted in developing clinical protocols to enhance patient care quality.
- Supported implementation of electronic health record systems for improved data management.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
- Participated in training sessions for staff on best practices and operational procedures.
- Maintained accurate documentation of clinical activities and patient interactions.
- Engaged in continuous learning about emerging trends in healthcare management practices.
- Coached and trained newly hired employees so that each understood job responsibilities and requirements of positions.
- Mentored staff members through professional development opportunities, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.
- Cultivated a positive organizational culture that supported employee engagement, teamwork, open communication, ethical behavior, accountability.
- Developed and maintained strong interdisciplinary team collaboration to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
- Developed, implemented, revised, and evaluated policies and procedures.
- Enhanced patient care by implementing evidence-based clinical practices and protocols.
- Streamlined clinical operations for improved efficiency and reduced costs.
- Improved overall clinic functioning by creating standardized processes and procedures for daily operations.
- Interacted effectively with clinical staff and patients by using active listening and interpersonal skills.
- Provide ongoing case management to patients to implement appropriate treatment plan, adhere to quality models and maximize utilization of services needed to achieve optimal outcomes.
- Facilitate hiring of qualified [Department Name] personnel by interview applicants and making recommendations for employment.
- Coordinated with external partners such as insurance companies, pharmaceutical representatives, and referral sources to ensure continuity of care for patients.
- Participated in community outreach programs to promote awareness about mental health disorders and available treatments.
- Directed crisis intervention services when necessary; provided support during critical incidents, and ensured the well-being of all involved parties.
- Led accreditation efforts, resulting in successful audits and continued compliance with regulatory standards.
- Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive patient treatment plans.
- Recruited hired, and trained high-quality clinicians who contributed positively to the clinic''s mission and vision.
- Led interdisciplinary teams to integrate innovative treatment modalities, elevating patient outcomes.
- Streamlined clinic operations to improve patient flow and satisfaction, through meticulous process reengineering.
Program Clinical Supervisor
Family Advocate
04.1995 - 10.1998
- Led clinical team in implementing evidence-based practices to enhance patient outcomes.
- Developed training programs for staff to improve service delivery and compliance with regulations.
- Coordinated multidisciplinary care plans, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and client needs.
- Supervised case management processes, streamlining workflows to increase efficiency and accuracy.
- Conducted performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback to foster professional development.
- Facilitated regular team meetings to discuss challenges, share insights, and promote collaborative solutions.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care for clients with complex needs, ensuring comprehensive support was provided across all domains of life functioning.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular staff meetings, case conferences, and training sessions.
- Responded to crisis situations with calm and professional approach to optimize support.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based treatment plans and clinical interventions.
- Lead and directed team of [Number] clinical personnel and support staff.
- Provided supervision to therapists in training, offering guidance and feedback on their professional development journey.
- Monitored adherence to ethical guidelines among clinical staff members, supporting their ongoing professional growth while maintaining high quality care standards.
- Increased client satisfaction by fostering a supportive and empathetic therapeutic environment.
- Communicated with patients, ensuring that medical information was kept private.
Therapist
Youth Services Bureau
09.1993 - 04.1995
- Conducted individual and group therapy sessions to foster mental health improvement.
- Developed personalized treatment plans based on client assessments and progress evaluations.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to enhance therapeutic effectiveness and client outcomes.
- Evaluated client progress regularly, adjusting treatment approaches as necessary for optimal results.
- Advocated for client needs within healthcare systems, ensuring access to necessary resources and support.
- Built strong rapport with clients, fostering trust and open communication for effective therapy sessions.
- Maintained detailed case notes and documentation, ensuring effective tracking of progress and continuity of care across providers.
- Established clear boundaries with clients, maintaining ethical practice standards while preserving the therapeutic relationship.
- Provided individual and group therapy sessions to patients suffering from mental health issues.
- Assessed clients' mental health needs, developed treatment plans and monitored progress.
- Developed strategies to help patients cope with stress and anxiety and build resilience.
- Counseled individuals, groups, and families to bring awareness of problems, deal with crisis situations and develop action plans.
- Coached clients on effective coping strategies, empowering them to manage symptoms independently outside of therapy sessions.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions, promoting a supportive environment for shared learning and growth.
- Provided crisis intervention services, stabilizing clients in distress and connecting them with necessary resources.
- Guided clients in development of skills and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques.
- Worked closely with families to educate them on mental health issues, facilitate open dialogue, and foster a supportive home environment for client recovery.
- Developed creative therapeutic approaches to address unique client challenges and promote lasting change.
- Conducted psychoeducational presentations within the community, raising awareness about mental health topics while broadening outreach efforts.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for clients with complex needs.
- Led skill-building sessions to empower patients with tools for better mental health management.
- Engaged in continuous professional development to stay abreast of latest therapeutic techniques and best practices.
- Conducted therapy sessions focused on trauma recovery, facilitating patient healing and empowerment.
- Built and maintained therapeutic relationships, fostering positive, supportive and empowering client environments.
- Maintained client confidentiality to protect patient privacy.
- Performed assessments to evaluate clients' mental health status, needs and goals.
- Documented client progress to track effectiveness and inform future treatment plans.
- Supported clients in developing coping skills to help patients manage life challenges and difficulties.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care for clients' needs.
Education
Master of Science - Social Work
University of WI Madison
Madison, WI05-1993
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
St. Norbert College
De Pere, WI05-1991
Skills
- Clinical leadership
- Clinical continuing education
- Staff and community training
- File and client records maintenance
- Clinical supervision
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Clinical standards
- Patient advocacy
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Therapy skills including EMDR
Certification
EMDR certified
Licensed Clinical Social Worker in IL
Timeline
Co-Clinical Director
Family Counseling Services
08.2019 - Current
Clinical Director
Carrie Lynn Children's Center
10.1998 - Current
Program Clinical Supervisor
Family Advocate
04.1995 - 10.1998
Therapist
Youth Services Bureau
09.1993 - 04.1995
Master of Science - Social Work
University of WI Madison
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
St. Norbert College