Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
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Sara Torres

Highland,IL

Summary

Dependable Certified Lactation Counselor and Medical Assistant with a proven track record in enhancing breastfeeding success rates and maternal health at CYHS/WIC. Leveraged expert knowledge in infant nutrition and exceptional emotional support skills to increase client satisfaction. Excelled in multitasking and effective communication, fostering strong community relations and achieving significant improvements in breastfeeding outcomes.

Overview

34
34
years of professional experience

Work History

CPA Assistant, Certified Lactation Couselor

CYHS/WIC
07.2022 - Current
  • Enhanced community awareness of breastfeeding benefits through engaging presentations and workshops.
  • Promoted informed decision-making by educating expectant parents on the importance of early skin-to-skin contact and exclusive breastfeeding initiation.
  • Conducted comprehensive assessments of mother-baby dyads for optimal breastfeeding outcomes.
  • Collaborated with healthcare professionals to ensure seamless continuity of care for breastfeeding families.
  • Assisted mothers in overcoming common breastfeeding difficulties such as latching issues, low milk supply, and nipple pain.
  • Developed culturally sensitive educational materials tailored to diverse populations, improving accessibility of lactation services.
  • Educated families on normal infant feeding behaviors and growth patterns, reducing unnecessary supplementation with formula.
  • Advocated for clients'' rights to breastfeed in public spaces, empowering them to confidently navigate societal barriers to nursing.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge on lactation best practices through ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
  • Optimized workplace lactation programs by collaborating with employers to establish supportive policies and accommodations for nursing employees.
  • Empowered mothers returning to work by developing tailored strategies for maintaining milk supply during the transition period.
  • Evaluated effectiveness of interventions through regular monitoring and follow-up visits, adjusting care plans as necessary based on progress.
  • Contributed to the professional development of fellow lactation counselors by sharing expertise and mentoring new practitioners.
  • Improved breastfeeding success rates by providing evidence-based lactation support and guidance to new mothers.
  • Increased client satisfaction by creating personalized care plans addressing individual needs and concerns.
  • Provided compassionate support during challenging feeding situations, resulting in increased maternal confidence and selfefficacy.
  • Established a strong referral network among local healthcare providers, increasing access to lactation services for those in need.
  • Facilitated breastfeeding support groups, fostering a sense of community among participants and promoting peer-to-peer learning.
  • Connected families with appropriate resources for further support or specialized interventions when needed.

Nutrition Program Asst/Certified Lactation Counselor

PHFE WIC
12.2004 - 12.2021
  • Supported families experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding due to medical conditions or anatomical barriers through specialized interventions tailored specifically to their unique circumstances.
  • Contributed to improved public health outcomes by promoting the benefits of breastfeeding within local communities through educational presentations and outreach initiatives.
  • Increased client confidence in their ability to breastfeed by providing ongoing encouragement, reassurance, and practical guidance throughout their journey.
  • Collaborated with healthcare providers to ensure optimal maternal and infant outcomes during the postpartum period.
  • Recognized the importance of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in lactation counseling, striving to create a welcoming environment for all clients regardless of background or identity.
  • Developed educational materials on various aspects of lactation management for use in prenatal classes or one-on-one consultations.
  • Conducted comprehensive assessments of both mother and baby, addressing any issues that may have hindered successful breastfeeding.
  • Educated families on proper breast milk storage, handling, and feeding techniques for optimal infant nutrition.
  • Empowered clients by teaching them how to effectively advocate for their own breastfeeding goals within various settings, including hospitals, workplaces, and public spaces.
  • Improved infant weight gain and overall health through the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.
  • Facilitated support groups for breastfeeding mothers, fostering a sense of community and shared experiences.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge on best practices in lactation management by attending professional development workshops, conferences, and webinars regularly.
  • Bridged communication gaps between families and healthcare providers regarding breastfeeding goals and expectations, facilitating collaborative decision-making processes.
  • Enhanced breastfeeding success rates by providing personalized lactation counseling and support to new mothers.
  • Navigated ethical dilemmas with professionalism and integrity, prioritizing client confidentiality and autonomy at all times.
  • Continuously sought opportunities for growth as a Certified Lactation Counselor, seeking mentorship from more experienced professionals and actively engaging in self-reflection on personal practice.
  • Assisted mothers in successfully transitioning back to work while continuing to breastfeed, offering strategies for effective pumping routines and time management skills.

Medical Assistant/Medical Office Manager

James L. Hull, M.D., Inc.
08.1990 - 11.2004
  • Sanitized, restocked, and organized exam rooms and medical equipment.
  • Obtained client medical history, medication information, symptoms, and allergies.
  • Directed patients to exam rooms, fielded questions, and prepared for physician examinations.
  • Performed medical records management, including filing, organizing and scanning documents.
  • Built strong relationships with patients through effective communication skills that foster trust in the clinic''s commitment to quality care.
  • Maintained a safe and clean clinical environment by adhering to infection control guidelines and disposing of biohazardous waste properly.
  • Facilitated seamless patient care with thorough and accurate documentation of medical histories, vital signs, and medications.
  • Assisted physicians with minor surgeries, including preparing operating room and sterilizing instruments.
  • Ensured patient safety and comfort during examinations, effectively addressing concerns and answering questions.
  • Kept medical supplies in sufficient stock by monitoring levels and submitting replenishment orders before depleted.
  • Boosted patient satisfaction by providing compassionate care and promptly addressing needs during visits.
  • Performed phlebotomy tasks efficiently while ensuring minimal discomfort for patients during blood collection procedures.
  • Enhanced clinic efficiency by assisting physicians with routine procedures and diagnostic tests.
  • Coordinated patient referrals to specialists or other healthcare providers as needed for comprehensive care management plans.
  • Maintained strict adherence to infection control protocols by following proper sterilization techniques for medical equipment.
  • Optimized appointment scheduling processes to minimize conflicts and maximize physician availability for patients.
  • Contributed to positive health outcomes by educating patients on preventative measures, treatment plans, and follow-up care instructions.
  • Reduced wait times by swiftly processing insurance claims, verifying coverage, and obtaining pre-authorizations when necessary.
  • Streamlined office operations by managing inventory levels, ordering supplies, and organizing storage areas.
  • Assisted with billing and coding processes, ensuring accurate insurance claims and patient invoicing.
  • Streamlined patient check-in process, reducing administrative burden for medical staff.
  • Increased efficiency in office by implementing digital filing system for patient records.
  • Answered telephone calls to offer office information, answer questions, and direct calls to staff.
  • Obtained and documented patient medical history, vital signs and current complaints at intake.
  • Collected and documented patient medical information such as blood pressure and weight.
  • Prepared lab specimens for diagnostic evaluation.
  • Measured patient pulse oximetry.
  • Managed daily administrative tasks to ensure smooth operations within the medical office environment.
  • Maintained strict confidentiality of sensitive patient information, adhering to HIPAA guidelines and safeguarding against potential data breaches.
  • Increased revenue by optimizing billing processes and ensuring timely collection of payments from both patients and insurance companies.

Education

CLC - Certified Lactation Counselor

UC San Diego
San Diego, CA
05.2015

Medical Assistant/Billing - Medical Asst.

Bryman College
Torrance, CA
06.1991

High School Diploma -

Compton High School
Compton, CA
06.1990

Skills

  • Maternal health
  • Breastfeeding support
  • Infant Nutrition
  • Emotional Support
  • Client Confidentiality
  • Referral Coordination
  • Breastfeeding Challenges
  • Feeding Plans
  • Milk Supply Management
  • Prenatal Counseling
  • Latch Assessment
  • Lactation Education
  • Infant Weight Gain
  • Breast Pump Assistance
  • Breastfeeding Positions
  • Nutrition knowledge
  • Breastfeeding education
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Problem-Solving
  • Time Management
  • Attention to Detail
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Multitasking
  • Excellent Communication
  • Organizational Skills
  • Active Listening
  • Effective Communication
  • Community Relations
  • Problem-solving aptitude
  • Health education classes
  • Community Outreach

Languages

Spanish
Full Professional

Timeline

CPA Assistant, Certified Lactation Couselor

CYHS/WIC
07.2022 - Current

Nutrition Program Asst/Certified Lactation Counselor

PHFE WIC
12.2004 - 12.2021

Medical Assistant/Medical Office Manager

James L. Hull, M.D., Inc.
08.1990 - 11.2004

CLC - Certified Lactation Counselor

UC San Diego

Medical Assistant/Billing - Medical Asst.

Bryman College

High School Diploma -

Compton High School

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Sara Torres