Kirstin Rodgers Zandt
Grand Prairie,TX
Summary
Healthcare professional with experience across hospital and health insurance settings. Upward mover, progressing from direct recovery support into training and leadership of multidisciplinary behavioral health teams. Experienced in building relationships across clinical and operational environments, using data to guide performance improvement, and supporting initiatives that enhance member engagement and outcomes. Strong communicator with a consistent track record of building trust, improving team performance, and adapting to new challenges within behavioral health systems.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Wellness and Recovery Program Lead
Elevance Health (Carelon Behavioral Health)
Grand Prairie, TX
09.2025 - Current
- Lead and manage RISE, a multidisciplinary team of 19 staff
- Oversee outreach and engagement efforts for health plan members experiencing SUD
- Partner with upper leadership to monitor program outcomes (cost savings, member engagement, targets)
- Present program updates, outcomes, and performance metrics to Medicare and Medicaid health plan partners
- Tracked and analyzed team KPIs/performance scorecards & identify improvement opportunities
- Developed and implemented standard operating procedures and a centralized knowledge database (process walkthroughs, resources), improving staff access to information and operational consistency.
- Lead onboarding/training for team and provide ongoing refresher trainings
Wellness & Recovery Specialist Trainer
Elevance Health (Carelon Behavioral Health)
Grand Prairie, TX
12.2024 - 09.2025
- Develop and deliver training related to Suicide Prevention Program workflows, Wellness Resource Line support, and member engagement best practices.
- Train staff on effective communication techniques, empathetic listening, emotional support, and self-directed wellness planning strategies.
- Audited calls and provided actionable feedback to enhance service quality and improve member engagement.
- Facilitated skill development through refresher training and process guidance.
Wellness & Recovery Specialist, RISE (SUD Focus) Program
Elevance Health
Grand Prairie, TX
02.2023 - 09.2024
- Field case management for RISE program, integrating remote and field work
- Provided empathetic listening and emotional support.
- Connected members with SUD/BH treatment as appropriate for their needs.
- Supported members in self-directed wellness planning
Specialized Support (Work Study)
Tarrant County College Intercultural Network
Hurst, TX
06.2021 - 09.2022
- Supported diverse student populations help overcome barriers to success.
- Guided students in accessing campus and community resources
- Organized and executed community wellness events to promote student involvement and well-being.
DSRIP Peer Support Specialist
JPS Health Network
Ft Worth, TX
04.2018 - 05.2021
- Advocated for and supported patients to enhance recovery in inpatient psychiatric treatment setting.
- Collaborated with treatment teams to support recovery oriented patient care.
- Conducted group sessions on the unit daily, as well as one on one support.
- Educated patients on community resources and support networks to empower their recovery journey.
Public Affairs Specialist (E-5/Sergeant)
United States Marine Corps
Camp Pendleton South, CA
09.2011 - 02.2018
- Handled media queries and served as media liaison during operations, managing community relations programs to foster public engagement.
- Produced content for command websites and social media, enhancing online visibility and engagement with the community.
- Supervised and trained enlisted Marines, coordinating activities to maintain mission readiness and strengthen team cohesion.
Education
Bachelor Of Arts (in Progress) - Social Work
The University of Texas At Arlington
Arlington, TX 08.2023 - 07.2026
Associate of Applied Science - Mental Health & Human Services
Tarrant County College
Hurst, TXMental Health Peer Specialist - Cert # 50101-0321, Iss. 3/27/21, Exp 3/27/27
Texas Certification Board of Addiction Professionals
Skills
- Leadership & Team Development
- Networking & Relationship Building
- Peer Support
- Peer Case Management
- Behavioral Health & Substance Use Support
- Knowledge of Behavioral Health Treatment Systems & Care Options
- Training & Facilitation
- Coaching & Performance Improvement
- Data Analysis & KPI Tracking
- Sustained Engagement Strategies
- Client & Stakeholder Presentations
- Medicare, Medicaid, & Commercial Insurance Knowledge
- Process Development & SOP Creation
- Program Growth & Outreach
Timeline
Wellness and Recovery Program Lead
Elevance Health (Carelon Behavioral Health)
09.2025 - Current
Wellness & Recovery Specialist Trainer
Elevance Health (Carelon Behavioral Health)
12.2024 - 09.2025
Bachelor Of Arts (in Progress) - Social Work
The University of Texas At Arlington
08.2023 - 07.2026
Wellness & Recovery Specialist, RISE (SUD Focus) Program
Elevance Health
02.2023 - 09.2024
Specialized Support (Work Study)
Tarrant County College Intercultural Network
06.2021 - 09.2022
DSRIP Peer Support Specialist
JPS Health Network
04.2018 - 05.2021
Public Affairs Specialist (E-5/Sergeant)
United States Marine Corps
09.2011 - 02.2018
Associate of Applied Science - Mental Health & Human Services
Tarrant County College
Mental Health Peer Specialist - Cert # 50101-0321, Iss. 3/27/21, Exp 3/27/27
Texas Certification Board of Addiction Professionals