Melissa Eisele Kaplan
Summary
An accomplished professional with a deep background in social work as well as academia, committed to advancing the fields of social work, hospice, and palliative care. With a Doctorate in Human Services from Capella University, a Master's in Social Work from New York University, and a Bachelor's in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Rhode Island, I am equipped with both the theoretical knowledge and practical experience to excel as both a social worker and a college professor.
My expertise is built on a strong foundation of direct practice, including extensive experience in family therapy, case management, and end-of-life care. As a Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Social Worker (ACHP-SW) and Certified Patient Experience Professional (CPXP), I have a demonstrated history of improving patient and family well-being within the healthcare system.
I have honed my skills in facilitating classes and public speaking, preparing me to effectively mentor and educate the next generation of social workers. My professional journey has provided me with a unique perspective, blending hands-on experience in the hospital and health care industry with a passion for academic rigor and knowledge dissemination.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Adjunct Assistant Professor
City University of New York, Lehman College
Bronx, NY
08.2021 - Current
- Health Sciences Department
- Provide instruction, feedback, grading of quizzes, exams and assignments for US Health Care Systems, Interprofessional Education, and Introduction to Health Care Professions
Director
Phelps Hospital
Sleepy Hollow, NY
08.2022 - 09.2022
- Patient Experience
- Oversees the Hospitality Liaison department: managing the entire department.
- Oversee Caregiver Resource Center and Senior Program Manager
- Developed strategies and initiatives to drive cultural transformation
- Models Culture of CARE (Connectedness, Awareness, Respect, Empathy)
- Analyze, interpret, and present relevant data to leadership teams
- Provides advocacy to patients and families
- Investigates and resolves complaints and grievances per CMS guidelines, assists with RCA’s
- Compiles comment reports from Press Ganey, oversees the distribution
- Responsible for the department budget
- Facilitates monthly Phelps PX Connect meeting
- Monitors Cipher Discharge phone call alerts
- Graduate and facilitator of MAP-IT (Mentors and Professionals in Training)
- Co-Chaired: Patient and Family Advisory Council, Schwartz Rounds, Staff Advisory Council Our Experience Committee
- Culture of CARE orientation for new employees
- Team Lavender Co-Lead
- Stress First Aid, Team STEPPS, Humanism, Essentials of Leadership facilitator
- Mentor for Aspiring Leaders Program
- Ethics and LGBTQ+ Committee member
- Palliative Care Working Group Coordinator
- Northwell Community Change Agent
- Epic Super User Group
- Emerging Leaders Diversity Mentoring Program Mentee and graduate
- Mentors and Professionals in Training graduate and facilitator
Social Worker
Phelps Hospital Hospice Department
04.2007 - 06.2018
- Completed comprehensive assessments with terminally ill patients
- Ongoing counseling sessions with patients and their families in their homes or facilities
- Assisted with advanced directives and final arrangements
- Ongoing collaboration with an interdisciplinary team and attending weekly meetings
- Member of the Aspiring Leaders Program
Social Worker
New York City Department for the Aging
New York, NY
02.1998 - 09.1998
- Elderly Crime Victims Unit
- Long-term counselor for elderly abuse and crime victims of NYC Five Boroughs
- Collaborated with community agencies for continuity of care
Social Worker
Northside Senior Citizens, Inc.
Brooklyn, NY
06.1996 - 02.1998
- Assisted clients with benefits and entitlements
- Provided assessments, counseling and community continuity of care
- Supervised homebound meals program
- Conducted weekly reminiscence group
Social Work Intern
New York-Presbyterian Hospital
New York, NY
09.1995 - 05.1996
- Teenage Pregnancy Program
- Provided assessments, counseling, discharge planning
- Conducted pregnancy tests and provided options counseling
- Organized and lead support group for pregnant teens
- Collaborated with Administration for Children’s Services
Social Work Assistant
Lenox Hill Hospital
New York, NY
06.1996 - 09.1995
- Provided assessment, counseling, discharge planning and community continuity of care
- Collaboration with an interdisciplinary team, attended weekly medical conferences on adult orthopedic unit
Teacher
Florence Crittenton Center for Young Women and Infants
Los Angeles, CA
09.1992 - 06.1994
- Prepared and led classes in math and women’s health in an on-site high school for young pregnant women and wards of the state
Social Work Intern
Hospital for Joint Diseases
New York, NY
09.1994 - 05.1994
- Geriatric Hip Fracture and Falls Program
- Provided assessment, counseling, discharge planning and community continuity of care
- Community presentations on fall prevention
- Completed home assessment and ongoing visits
- Collaboration with an interdisciplinary team, attended weekly medical conferences
Education
Doctor of Human Services - Organizational Leadership and Management
Capella University
MSW - Social Work
New York University
BS - Human Development and Family Studies/Early Childhood Education
University of Rhode Island
Skills
- Collaborative learning
- Multicultural sensitivity
- Course planning
- Educational technology
Affiliations
- National Association of Social Workers
- The Beryl Institute
Certification
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker, New York State
- Certified Patient Experience Professional (CPXP)
- Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Social Worker (ACHP-SW)
Timeline
Director
Phelps Hospital
08.2022 - 09.2022
Adjunct Assistant Professor
City University of New York, Lehman College
08.2021 - Current
Social Worker
Phelps Hospital Hospice Department
04.2007 - 06.2018
Social Worker
New York City Department for the Aging
02.1998 - 09.1998
Social Worker
Northside Senior Citizens, Inc.
06.1996 - 02.1998
Social Work Assistant
Lenox Hill Hospital
06.1996 - 09.1995
Social Work Intern
New York-Presbyterian Hospital
09.1995 - 05.1996
Social Work Intern
Hospital for Joint Diseases
09.1994 - 05.1994
Teacher
Florence Crittenton Center for Young Women and Infants
09.1992 - 06.1994
MSW - Social Work
New York University
BS - Human Development and Family Studies/Early Childhood Education
University of Rhode Island
Doctor of Human Services - Organizational Leadership and Management
Capella University