Stephani Watters-Johnston
Gorham,Maine
Summary
Knowledge-based professional combining medical and disability claims administration, early childhood education, and entrepreneurship. Brings organized support for payments, documentation, curriculum, outreach, and travel planning, with a strong focus on service, accuracy, and relationship management.
Overview
1
1
Certification
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner & Travel Agent
Destination Happiness Vacations
Gorham, Maine
07.2026 - Current
- Own and operate an independent travel planning business specializing in personalized vacation experiences.
- Consult with clients to identify travel preferences, budgets, destinations, and vacation goals.
- Research and coordinate domestic and international vacations, cruises, resorts, and customized travel packages.
- Develop personalized itineraries and assist clients with travel arrangements and reservations.
- Manage business operations, marketing, customer inquiries, and client relationships.
- Create promotional materials and develop strategies to grow business visibility and customer engagement.
Childcare Advocate Advocacy & Grant Writing
State of Maine
Gorham, Maine
01.2024 - Current
- Advocated for accessible, affordable, quality childcare services throughout Maine, enhancing community awareness and support.
- Research, write, and submit grant proposals to secure funding for childcare programs and community initiatives.
- Identified childcare needs and promoted policy improvements, supporting initiatives to address workforce shortages in the sector.
- Assisted in developing programs and coordinating resources to secure funding opportunities for childcare initiatives.
- Build partnerships with childcare providers, families, state agencies, and community organizations.
- Monitor grant budgets, funding compliance, and program outcomes.
Lead Teacher
Seedlings to Sunflowers School
Gorham, Maine
10.2023 - 07.2026
- Delivered educational instruction and care for children ages 0-12, fostering early childhood development and learning.
- Taught preschool, public and private pre-K, and before- and after-school programs.
- Maintained Maine Roads to Quality Level 4 professional standing.
- Renewed CPR and First Aid certifications to ensure safety compliance.
- Completed background fingerprinting requirements for DHHS and the Maine Department of Education.
- Prepared child progress notes, communicated with parents about progress, developed engaging curriculum, and managed payment processes.
- Participated in Maine Roads to Quality education and professional development.
Trainer & Medical Claims
MaineHealth
Portland, Maine
05.2022 - 08.2023
- Managed medical and disability claims, ensuring compliance and accuracy in claims-related operations.
- Processed group insurance premiums and claimant payments accurately and efficiently.
- Developed strategies to manage high-volume claim inventories and meet deadlines.
- Delivered customer service and fostered positive professional relationships to enhance client satisfaction.
- Supported training initiatives to enhance team capabilities and contribute to effective leadership.
Disability Management Claim Representative
Aetna / The Hartford
South Portland, Maine
05.2017 - 06.2020
- Managed disability and medical claims from initiation through resolution.
- Delivered exceptional customer service, fostering strong relationships with claimants and clients to enhance satisfaction.
- Oversaw high-volume claim inventories, ensuring adherence to productivity and quality standards.
- Handled claimant payments and ensured accuracy of claims documentation, supporting efficient claims processing.
- Processed group insurance premiums and claimant payments accurately and efficiently.
- Applied strong organizational, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Accounting with Business Management
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, ArizonaSkills
- Travel Industry Management
- Travel Package Coordination
- Itinerary Design
- Travel Management Software
- Travel Budgeting Tools
- Travel Cost Management
- Travel Project Management
- Travel Problem Resolution
- Destination Research
- Client Relationship Management
- Client relations
- Travel Business Development
- Microsoft Office
- Cloud Collaboration Tools
- Collaborative Planning Tools
Personal Information
Title: Accounting & Business Management | Healthcare Claims | Leadership | Advocacy | Grant Writing | Teacher
Certification
- MaineHealth Six Sigma White Belt Certification
- MaineHealth Six Sigma Green Belt Certification
- Maine Roads to Quality Level 4 Professional
- CPR/First Aid Certification
- Water Safety Certification
- State of Maine Outstanding ECE Professional Certificate (2026)
- Maine Roads to Quality Education and Professional Development
Disclaimer
References available upon request.
Timeline
Owner & Travel Agent
Destination Happiness Vacations
07.2026 - Current
Childcare Advocate Advocacy & Grant Writing
State of Maine
01.2024 - Current
Lead Teacher
Seedlings to Sunflowers School
10.2023 - 07.2026
Trainer & Medical Claims
MaineHealth
05.2022 - 08.2023
Disability Management Claim Representative
Aetna / The Hartford
05.2017 - 06.2020
Bachelor of Science - Accounting with Business Management
Grand Canyon University