Tara Baker
Rock Spring,GA
Summary
To obtain a position as Senior Program Director
Experienced behavioral health and program management professional with more than 12 years of leadership, staff supervision, recruiting, and client services experience. building strong relationships with community partners. Seeking a Senior Program Director position where I can leverage my leadership, strategic planning, and operational management expertise to drive organizational success.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Records Specialist
Georgia HOPE
01.2024 - Current
- Managed records requests to uphold confidentiality and ensure HIPAA compliance.
- Supported internal audits and facilitated provider documentation requests for improved accuracy.
- Support internal audits and provider documentation requests.
- Coordinated hospital discharge and follow-up medical appointments to streamline patient transitions.
- Assist with Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) processes.
- Coordinate hospital discharge appointments and follow-up medical appointments.
Referrals Coordinator
Georgia HOPE
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Coordinated referrals from physicians, hospitals, and healthcare providers to streamline patient access to necessary services.
- Verified insurance eligibility and obtained prior authorizations.
- Acted as liaison between providers, insurance companies, and patients.
- Ensured timely scheduling and continuity of behavioral health services to support patient care and treatment plans.
- Maintained accurate documentation and referral tracking to facilitate effective communication among stakeholders.
Behavioral Health Counselor
Lookout Mountain DRC
LaFayette, Georgia
04.2018 - 07.2018
- Guided clients in behavioral health, substance abuse, addiction, parenting, and emotional wellness, fostering resilience and coping strategies.
- Delivered individual and group counseling services to support client recovery and personal growth.
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary treatment teams to enhance treatment plans and optimize client recovery outcomes.
- Maintained clinical documentation and treatment records.
Program Manager / Team Lead
Georgia HOPE
Dalton, Georgia
10.2014 - 04.2018
- Directed the School-Based Mental Health Program across Walker, Catoosa, and Floyd counties.
- Supervised, coached, and evaluated a team of 11 school-based therapists.
- Recruited, hired, trained, and onboarded clinical staff.
- Managed payroll, scheduling, and administrative reporting to ensure smooth operational functions.
- Conducted quality assurance reviews of clinical documentation to maintain compliance and enhance service quality.
- Maintained an active caseload while overseeing program operations.
- Collaborated with schools, families, healthcare providers, and community agencies.
- Developed staff through targeted coaching and mentoring to improve team capabilities and performance.
- Ensured compliance with organizational policies and behavioral health regulations.
Kindergarten & One-on-One Paraprofessional
North LaFayette Elementary School
LaFayette, Georgia
01.2007 - 01.2014
- Delivered personalized academic and behavioral assistance to foster student growth.
- Enhanced classroom instruction and facilitated student achievement through targeted support.
- Collaborated with teachers, administrators, and families to create strategies that promoted student success.
Substitute Teacher
Chickamauga Elementary School
Chickamauga, Georgia
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Managed diverse classrooms, fostering engagement and maintaining order across multiple grade levels.
- Implemented lesson plans, ensuring clarity and engagement while maintaining productive learning environments.
- Managed classroom activities and maintained student engagement during lessons.
- Implemented lesson plans and adapted instructions for diverse learning needs.
- Supervised students during lunch and recess to ensure safety and compliance.
Assistant Teacher / Preschool Teacher
Ringgold First Baptist – Creative Playtime
Ringgold, Georgia
01.1997 - 01.2005
- Developed and delivered engaging, age-appropriate educational activities that promoted learning.
- Cultivated strong relationships with children and families to create a supportive classroom environment.
- Facilitated early childhood development and maintained effective classroom management strategies.
Nursery Coordinator
LaFayette First Baptist
LaFayette, Georgia
01.1990 - 01.1997
- Coordinated nursery operations, overseeing staff and volunteers to maintain high standards of care.
- Supervised nursery operations, staff, and volunteers.
- Managed daily staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage. and daily operations.
Assistant Manager
Karen's Hallmark
Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia
01.1990 - 01.1992
- Supervised employees and provided customer service.
- Supported scheduling, training, merchandising, and inventory management.
- Assisted with daily retail operations.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, Arizona01-2013
Kaplan University
Des Moines, Iowa01-2008
Northwestern Technical College
Rock Spring, Georgia01-1991
Bauder College
Atlanta, Georgia01-1990
High School Diploma -
LaFayette High School
LaFayette, Georgia01-1989
Skills
- Executive Leadership
- Program Management
- Strategic Planning
- Staff Supervision
- Recruiting and Talent Acquisition
- Employee Training & Development
- Performance Management
- Team Building
- Behavioral Health Services
- Case Management
- Regulatory Compliance
- Quality Assurance
- Operational Management
- Community Partnerships
- Budget & Payroll Administration
- Documentation & Records Management
- Conflict Resolution
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Customer Service & Communication
Professional References
Available upon request.
Leadership And Community Involvement
- PTO President – Rock Spring Elementary School
- PTO Vice President – Rock Spring Elementary School
- Room Parent – Rock Spring Elementary School
- Room Parent – Chickamauga Elementary School
Timeline
Records Specialist
Georgia HOPE
01.2024 - Current
Referrals Coordinator
Georgia HOPE
01.2022 - 01.2024
Behavioral Health Counselor
Lookout Mountain DRC
04.2018 - 07.2018
Program Manager / Team Lead
Georgia HOPE
10.2014 - 04.2018
Kindergarten & One-on-One Paraprofessional
North LaFayette Elementary School
01.2007 - 01.2014
Substitute Teacher
Chickamauga Elementary School
01.2005 - 01.2007
Assistant Teacher / Preschool Teacher
Ringgold First Baptist – Creative Playtime
01.1997 - 01.2005
Nursery Coordinator
LaFayette First Baptist
01.1990 - 01.1997
Assistant Manager
Karen's Hallmark
01.1990 - 01.1992
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Grand Canyon University
Kaplan University
Northwestern Technical College
Bauder College
High School Diploma -
LaFayette High School