Laura Tedesco, MBA, MSSW, LCSW
Nashville,TN
Summary
Proven leader in behavioral health with expertise in program development and community partnerships. Advanced crisis intervention and addiction treatment programs, achieving significant service delivery improvements. Skilled in strategic planning, management, and clinical oversight, fostering a culture of excellence.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
6
6
Certification
Work History
Sr. Vice President of Crisis & Substance Use Services, Clinical Director 24-hour Programs
VOLUNTEER BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
Murfreesboro, TN
09.2016 - Current
- Managed urgent calls and dispatched mobile crisis teams, overseeing suicide prevention hotline interactions.
- Oversaw a yearly average of 160,000 calls and facilitated upward of 15,000 in-person evaluations across various settings.
- Performed mental health crisis evaluations at multiple 24/7 Crisis Walk-in Centers and Crisis Stabilization Units.
- Oversaw full range of substance use services through Detox, MAT and Intensive Outpatient Program.
- Integrated mental health experts into nine police departments.
- Launched Pre-Arrest Diversion Programs in Cookeville and Chattanooga as part of Tennessee's initial statewide effort.
- Oversaw the TN Recovery Navigator program, ensuring that 91% of clients entered treatment.
- Directed operations of 8 department managers, a $14M budget, and a team of 270 staff.
- Led staff restructuring to improve outcomes and work culture.
- Ensured program compliance with state/MCO audits, reducing emergency transport costs via telehealth.
- Presented at key conferences, including the TN Police Chief’s Association (2019) and the Guidance Counselors Collaborative (2020).
- Contributed to strategic planning for program performance and One Tennessee Health.
Lead Social Worker/Community Education Coordinator
TENNOVA HEALTHCARE (now Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital)
Lebanon, TN
05.2006 - 09.2016
- Conducted chart audits to ensure compliance and accuracy.
- Developed and revised SOPs to improve team performance and documentation standards.
- Supervised and trained therapy team members, including social workers seeking licensure.
- Provided group therapy and discharge planning to support client recovery and transition.
- Analyzed referral and intake data, generating monthly and quarterly corporate reports.
- Led marketing strategy development for departmental growth.
- Supervised field education for social work students pursuing Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees.
Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator
Asheboro Housing Authority
Asheboro, NC
08.2001 - 05.2005
- Assisted families in achieving independence through federal program support.
- Directed operations for HUD Family Self-Sufficiency Program.
- Executed grants, including the inaugural HOPWA grant for HIV/AIDS housing.
- Developed and coordinated educational, mentorship, and recreational initiatives for diverse age groups.
- Organized community events, including the NFL Carolina Panthers Youth Football Camp, and contributed to the planning committee for National Youth Services Day, impacting six counties.
- Coordinated with law enforcement on drug intervention programs, driving significant crime reduction.
Education
Master of Business Administration Degree - Healthcare Management
Western Governors University
11.2024
Master of Science in Social Work Degree - Management, Leadership and Community Practice Concentration
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
05.2006
Bachelor of Social Work -
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
05.2001
Skills
- Behavioral health
- Substance use services
- Program development
- Management
- Operations
- Outcomes improvement
- Marketing
- Clinical skills
- Business acumen
- Community partnerships
Certification
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Tennessee
- Mandatory Prescreening Agent, Tennessee, TNDMHSAS
- BLS (CPR/AED/FIRST AID FOR INFANT, Child, and Adult), National CPR Foundation
- Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) trainer certification
- Critical Incident Stress Management Certification
- Therapeutic Options Trainer
Community Advisory Boards And Affiliations (Past and Present)
- NAMI Sumner and Wilson Co Affiliation, Vice President of Executive Board of Directors, thru 2026
- Middle Tennessee Mental Health Institute, Board of Trustees, 07/01/24 – 06/30/27
- CIT Statewide Task Force
- United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Co – Mental Health & Substance Abuse Vision Council
- TN Association of Mental Health Organizations, Chair of Crisis Committee, 2023, 2024
- TN Chapter of the Network of Social Work Management
- TN Pre-Arrest Diversion Coalition
- TN Suicide Prevention Network
- Children's Clinic East Parent Advisory Council
- Wilson County Health Council
- Wilson County Resource Coalition (CAB)
- Wilson County Prevention Coalition
Internship And Volunteer Experience
- Foundations Associates - Nashville, Assisted with group therapy for adults with co-occurring mental illness and addiction disorder., Trained staff to operate the new agency computer network system and created operating manuals., Presented Continuing Education Unit credits on Motivational Interviewing for staff.
- Randolph Hospital Community Alternatives Program/Home Health, Asheboro, NC, Provided case management services to disabled children and adults on Medicaid., Facilitated HIV and Cancer support groups., Taught hospital staff Hispanic/Latino culture and basic Spanish language.
- Randolph County Day Reporting Center, Asheboro, NC, Provided case management, drug testing, and courtroom intake completion for pre-trial adult and juvenile clients., Instructed regimented physical indoor/outdoor activities and cognitive behavior modification for juveniles.
- Coached West Wilson Basketball Association Team
Accomplishments
- Beacon of Hope Award, NAMI Sumner, and Wilson Counties in December 2024
- Woman of Wilson, The Wilson Post, in February 2024
- Champion for Healthier TN Small Starts at Work Program, recognized by the Governor's Foundation
- Wow, Employee Peer-Nominated Award in December 2007
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Sr. Vice President of Crisis & Substance Use Services, Clinical Director 24-hour Programs
VOLUNTEER BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
09.2016 - Current
Lead Social Worker/Community Education Coordinator
TENNOVA HEALTHCARE (now Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital)
05.2006 - 09.2016
Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator
Asheboro Housing Authority
08.2001 - 05.2005
Master of Business Administration Degree - Healthcare Management
Western Governors University
Master of Science in Social Work Degree - Management, Leadership and Community Practice Concentration
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Bachelor of Social Work -
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Similar Profiles
John SlaterJohn Slater
LPN at Volunteer Behavioral Health Care SystemLPN at Volunteer Behavioral Health Care System
Starlisa HortonStarlisa Horton
Residential Manager at Volunteer Behavioral Health Care SystemResidential Manager at Volunteer Behavioral Health Care System
Angel BabcockAngel Babcock
Operations Manager at Synchronous HealthOperations Manager at Synchronous Health
Caroline UppCaroline Upp
Commercial Account Manager at Dell TechnologiesCommercial Account Manager at Dell Technologies
Boyd StithemBoyd Stithem
Account Manager — Rocky Mountain Territory at Philips HealthcareAccount Manager — Rocky Mountain Territory at Philips Healthcare