Renee Leialoha Aka

• Coordinates counseling sessions with Veterans, their dependents, and their beneficiaries face to face, regarding all benefits available through the VA, as well as non-VA benefits available through other agencies. This is accomplished through in-person or telephone interviews, and correspondence. or telephone VBA facilities and provides broad outreach services.
• Explains in detail, VBA rating decisions and provides explanations for the decisions using extensive knowledge of VA benefits and services, claim and appeal processing procedures and benefit determination information and all pertinent information available in system of record.
• Assists with programs include, but are not limited to, compensation and pension benefits, home loan eligibility, education, health care, life insurance, burial benefits, vocational rehabilitation services, general Social Security Administration benefit programs, other federal, state, and local domestic relations, and assistance programs.
• Increased efficiency of office operations by training new team members on company policies, procedures, and software applications.
• Managed sensitive client information with discretion and confidentiality, maintaining trust between clients and the firm.
• Maintained organized electronic databases of legal resources, streamlining research efforts for the entire legal team.
• Explains pertinent legal provisions, regulations, and related administrative practices and their application to specific cases.
• Completes claim and appeal related work.

MST Coordinators assist Veterans who have experienced MST by educating, empowering, and spreading awareness about increased benefits and special services that may be available to the Veteran population both male and female while demonstrating professional, empathetic, and open-minded advocacy for Veterans and beneficiaries.

• Serves as Veterans' primary VBA point of contact for filing their MST-related claim while building and maintains a trusting relationship with Veterans.
• Navigating the process of filing a claim related to MST providing trauma-sensitive customer service and initiating telephone contact with Veterans.
• Maintained open lines of communication and collaborating with key stakeholders, including VHA MST clinicians and coordinators, and ancillary services to address the challenges faced by Veterans.
• Participates in and provides MST-related trainings, briefings, projects, and conferences, including attending those hosted by VA Central Office (VACO), VAMCs, Vet Centers, DoD, and community organizations.
• Establishes and maintains a network of community service providers and shares information about MST-related claims processing with MST Coordinators at VA VAMCs, Vet Center staff and community organizations.

LGBTQ+ Veteran Coordinator provides direct outreach services and assists LGBTQ+ Veteran population by spreading awareness of the VA benefits to which they may be entitled to.

• Created effective communication channels between LGBTQ+ Veterans and local community programs by fostering trust and collaboration.
• Sharing information and coordinating with the LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator at the local VA Medical Center.
• Enhanced community relations by participating in and conducting events for LGBTQ+ Veterans to ensure a clear understanding of VA benefits and services available.

The Women Veterans Outreach Program's goal is to increase awareness and promote use of VA benefits, services, and resources by women Servicemembers, Veterans, their caregivers, and families. Through conducting outreach and providing personalized support the program seeks to remove barriers and encourage an inclusive environment for women Veterans to engage with VBA.

• Provides assistance and resources to women Veterans concerning the full range of VA benefits, applicable non-VA resources, and affiliated benefits.
• Collaborate with Women Veteran Program Managers at VAMCs to provide information, referrals, and help coordinate access to care.
• Maintain information on and attend local outreach activities, including community events, workshops, etc.

• Performed clerical organization, answered phones and filed documentation for program manager.
• Scheduled conference rooms, prepared agendas, and maintained calendars to prepare for meetings and events.
• Provided exceptional customer service when responding to inquiries from internal/external stakeholders regarding the program''s offerings or policies.
• Communicated clearly with program staff and participants through written and digital correspondence.
• Developed strong relationships with vendors and partners to ensure timely delivery of goods/services necessary for program success.
• Served as a liaison between the program team and other departments, fostering strong working relationships and ensuring clear communication channels.
• Improved communication channels between team members by creating a centralized information-sharing platform.

• Provided case management, including psychological and behavioral interventions, to help marginalized homeless veterans obtain access to community linkage services agencies such as mental health and community services with the objective of securing long-term housing and employment and building community relationships.
• Managed budget tracking and financial reporting processes, supporting optimal resource allocation and fiscal responsibility.
• Improved client outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive case plans tailored to individual needs.
• Enhanced communication between clients and service providers, resulting in better coordination of care.
• Coordinated appropriate referrals to external agencies based on thorough assessment of client needs and goals.
• Provided crisis intervention and support during critical incidents involving clients or their families.
• Conducted regular follow-up meetings with clients to monitor progress towards goals outlined in case plans while making adjustments as necessary.
• Conducted detailed assessments of clients'' needs, strengths, and barriers, ensuring appropriate resource allocation.
• Developed strong relationships with community partners, leading to increased availability of resources for clients in need.

Assisted with conducting comprehensive assessments to evaluate clients strengths, needs, and progress for data-driven ABA treatment planning then implementing the treatment plans, increasing positive behaviors and reduce challenging behaviors for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities.

• Established rapport with each student and their families, building trust and fostering a safe environment conducive to learning and growth.
• Evaluated progress regularly, adjusting intervention plans as needed to ensure continuous improvement in childs behavior.
• Provided crisis intervention services when necessary, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all individuals involved.
• Implemented and monitored various Applied Behavioral Analysis programs including: Discrete Trial Training (OTT), Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS), and implementing functional assessments to plan for children behavioral health care needs.

Responsible for maintaining and processing active duty personnel and employee-related files in various areas such as awards, discharges, retention and medical benefits.

• Successfully processed 7,640 deployed service members' medical insurance claims, reviewing evidence of insurability reports, billing discrepancy reports, and ensured compliance with specific benefit coverage regulations.
• Substantially improved morale and motivation by developing discharges, awards, and mobilization packages for all deployed California Army National Guard service members.
• Evaluated and processed all Line of Duty (LOD service-related injury reports) within the brigade level.
• Assessed and reviewed eligibility for military version of worker's compensation benefits, ensuring that all legal and procedural requirements are met for the processing of claims.