LESLIE A SOFARELLI, LMSW, RSW
EASTPORT,NY
Summary
Dynamic healthcare leader with over 20 years of experience in advancing family-centered care and organ donation programs. Expertise in operational strategy, team development, and process improvement drives the delivery of compassionate care while achieving measurable outcomes. Proven ability to foster collaboration among multidisciplinary teams, ensuring patient needs remain at the forefront of all initiatives. Committed to enhancing healthcare systems through innovative solutions and a steadfast dedication to quality service.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Director, Family Services
LiveOnNY
04.2025 - Current
- Provide executive oversight of Family Services operations across multiple hospitals, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and organizational goals.
- Drive strategic initiatives to improve donor family experience, resulting in measurable increases in satisfaction scores and operational efficiency.
- Mentor and develop 24 emerging leaders, fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration.
- Partner with executive leadership to align family services with organizational mission and performance metrics.
- Increased employee satisfaction, providing regular coaching and feedback sessions.
- Reduced employee turnover rates by creating a positive work environment with clear expectations and support systems in place.
- Led development of business operation processes and policies.
Director, Family Services
LiveOnNY
04.2024 - 04.2025
- Directed DSA programs to enhance family engagement and donor conversion rates through evidence-based practices.
- Implemented data-driven workflow optimization strategies to improve authorization rates to 40%
- Collaborated with clinical and administrative teams to strengthen ethical decision-making and family advocacy.
- Oversight to insure quality and compliance
Senior Field Manager & Manager Roles
LiveOnNY
08.2023 - 04.2024
- Managed regional operations, ensuring adherence to quality standards and compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Coached field teams for 24 staff on best practices for family support and consent processes, improving team performance and donor outcomes.
Advanced Practice Family Advocate
LiveOnNY
01.2021 - 04.2024
- Delivered high-level psychosocial support to donor families during critical decision-making moments.
- Partnered with ICU and surgical teams to ensure ethical and compassionate care throughout the donation process.
- Served as subject matter expert for complex cases involving cultural, ethical, and legal considerations.
- Started organ donation case management, serology's, HLA and cultures.
Family Services Coordinator
LiveOnNY
12.2017 - 01.2021
- Coordinated donor cases from initial referral through organ recovery, facilitating informed consent discussions with families.
- Maintained compliance with all regulatory requirements while ensuring family-centered care.
- Maintained family support throughout the donation journey.
- Ensured timely delivery of services by monitoring progress and adjusting case plans as needed.
Organ Donation Coordinator
LifeChoice Donor Services
03.2016 - 12.2016
- Managed end-to-end donor case processes, including family approach, consent, and coordination with surgical teams.
- Provided emotional support and clear communication to families during high-stress situations.
Organ Donation Specialist / Project Director
BC Transplant
10.2011 - 01.2015
- Led provincial initiative to standardize family support practices across 12 hospitals, improving consistency and quality of care.
- Developed and implemented training programs for healthcare professionals, resulting in record-breaking donor conversion rates in 2013.
- Directed special projects focused on policy development and process improvement for organ donation programs.
Clinical Social Worker, ICU
Providence Health Care
10.1997 - 01.2012
- Delivered psychosocial and grief support to critically ill patients and families in ICU settings.
- Mentored staff on ethical care practices and crisis communication strategies.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure holistic patient and family care.
Education
Master of Social Work - Social Work
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NYBA - Sociology
Hobart And William Smith Colleges
Geneva, NYSkills
- Healthcare Operations
- Family Services Leadership
- Performance Improvement
- Critical Care Social Work
- Staff Development
- Policy Development
- Crisis Communication
- Process Optimization
- Culture transformation
- Collaborative leadership
- Team management
Certification
- LMSW License
Timeline
Senior Director, Family Services
LiveOnNY
04.2025 - Current
Director, Family Services
LiveOnNY
04.2024 - 04.2025
Senior Field Manager & Manager Roles
LiveOnNY
08.2023 - 04.2024
Advanced Practice Family Advocate
LiveOnNY
01.2021 - 04.2024
Family Services Coordinator
LiveOnNY
12.2017 - 01.2021
Organ Donation Coordinator
LifeChoice Donor Services
03.2016 - 12.2016
Organ Donation Specialist / Project Director
BC Transplant
10.2011 - 01.2015
Clinical Social Worker, ICU
Providence Health Care
10.1997 - 01.2012
Master of Social Work - Social Work
Stony Brook University
BA - Sociology
Hobart And William Smith Colleges
PUBLICATION
St. Paul’s Hospital Journey: Donation after Cardiac Death – Family Support, Teamwork and Lessons Learned – True Documentary