Mia Kessler
Pittsburgh,PA
Summary
HR and Leave Management leader with deep expertise in Leave of Absence (LOA) and ADA best practices, compliance, and policy design. Over 6 years of experience guiding organizations across healthcare, higher education, government, logistics (e.g., FedEx), insurance, and retail through the implementation of compliant and employee-centered leave programs. Adept at translating complex leave laws into practical, scalable strategies that balance business operations with employee well-being. Certified Leave Management Specialist (CLMS), recognized for advising HR leaders and executives on program design, legal compliance, and best practices. Seeking leadership opportunities in HR, leave administration, or accommodations where expertise in LOA/ADA strategy can drive organizational impact.
Business professional with comprehensive background in analyzing complex data to drive strategic initiatives. Known for enhancing operational efficiency and supporting decision-making processes through detailed analysis. Highly collaborative team member focused on achieving results and adapting to dynamic business needs. Proficient in data modeling and process improvement.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Business Analyst III
AbsenceSoft
2024.01 - Current
- Company Overview: AbsenceSoft is a leading leave and accommodation management platform enabling organizations to track employee leaves, accommodations, and entitlements in compliance with federal, state, and employer-specific policies.
- Advised HR leaders at Fortune 500 companies, universities, hospitals, and municipalities on best-practice LOA/ADA strategies and compliant policy design.
- Guided clients through end-to-end leave program implementation, ensuring alignment with both legal requirements and organizational culture.
- Synthesized lessons learned across industries to recommend scalable, repeatable leave models.
- Partnered with HR stakeholders to configure programs that balanced compliance, operational efficiency, and employee support.
- Developed and delivered training for HR and benefits teams, enabling self-sufficiency in leave policy administration.
- Recognized as a trusted advisor on LOA/ADA programs, blending regulatory expertise with practical solutions that improved compliance tracking and reduced administrative burden.
Business Analyst II
AbsenceSoft
2021.11 - 2023.12
- Company Overview: AbsenceSoft is a leading leave and accommodation management platform enabling organizations to track employee leaves, accommodations, and entitlements in compliance with federal, state, and employer-specific policies.
- Advised HR leaders at Fortune 500 companies, universities, hospitals, and municipalities on best-practice LOA/ADA strategies and compliant policy design.
- Guided clients through end-to-end leave program implementation, ensuring alignment with both legal requirements and organizational culture.
- Synthesized lessons learned across industries to recommend scalable, repeatable leave models.
- Partnered with HR stakeholders to configure programs that balanced compliance, operational efficiency, and employee support.
- Developed and delivered training for HR and benefits teams, enabling self-sufficiency in leave policy administration.
- Recognized as a trusted advisor on LOA/ADA programs, blending regulatory expertise with practical solutions that improved compliance tracking and reduced administrative burden.
Integration Specialist
talentReef
2021.07 - 2021.11
- Designed and implemented HR/ATS onboarding solutions with compliance at the forefront.
- Created and delivered customized training curriculum to improve client HR adoption.
- Conducted quarterly business reviews with HR leaders to strengthen retention and compliance.
- Retained at-risk accounts by providing premium support and compliance guidance under FCRA regulations.
Implementation Analyst
talentReef
2020.08 - 2021.06
- Designed and implemented HR/ATS onboarding solutions with compliance at the forefront.
- Created and delivered customized training curriculum to improve client HR adoption.
- Conducted quarterly business reviews with HR leaders to strengthen retention and compliance.
- Retained at-risk accounts by providing premium support and compliance guidance under FCRA regulations.
Account Manager
talentReef
2019.08 - 2020.08
- Designed and implemented HR/ATS onboarding solutions with compliance at the forefront.
- Created and delivered customized training curriculum to improve client HR adoption.
- Conducted quarterly business reviews with HR leaders to strengthen retention and compliance.
- Retained at-risk accounts by providing premium support and compliance guidance under FCRA regulations.
Client Care Analyst
talentReef
2018.09 - 2019.07
- Designed and implemented HR/ATS onboarding solutions with compliance at the forefront.
- Created and delivered customized training curriculum to improve client HR adoption.
- Conducted quarterly business reviews with HR leaders to strengthen retention and compliance.
- Retained at-risk accounts by providing premium support and compliance guidance under FCRA regulations.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Colorado
Boulder, COBachelor of Arts - Communication
University of Colorado
Boulder, COSkills
- LOA & ADA Leadership – Extensive knowledge of FMLA, ADA, Paid Family & Medical Leave, and state-specific leave laws; proven success advising HR leaders
- Best Practice Development – Partner with organizations to design leave programs that reflect industry best practices across both enterprise and mid-sized clients
- Cross-Industry Perspective – Exposure to diverse leave strategies across hospitals, universities, counties, oil & gas, logistics, insurance, and retail
- HR Stakeholder Collaboration – Trusted advisor to HR executives, benefits managers, and compliance teams; skilled in policy interpretation, training, and change management
- Program Implementation & Optimization – Expertise in aligning leave and accommodation processes with organizational goals while ensuring compliance
Certification
- Certified Leave Management Specialist (CLMS)
- Workato Automation Pro I & Automation Pro II (2021)
Timeline
Business Analyst III
AbsenceSoft
2024.01 - Current
Business Analyst II
AbsenceSoft
2021.11 - 2023.12
Integration Specialist
talentReef
2021.07 - 2021.11
Implementation Analyst
talentReef
2020.08 - 2021.06
Account Manager
talentReef
2019.08 - 2020.08
Client Care Analyst
talentReef
2018.09 - 2019.07
Bachelor of Arts - Communication
University of Colorado
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Colorado