Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
Generic
Tara Kakias

Tara Kakias

Cuyahoga Falls,OH

Summary

Dedicated Team Lead and Interim Operation Supervisor successful at managing teams, directing care and overseeing administrative functions. Talented leader and team motivator with in-depth understanding of documentation and conflict resolution. Bringing several years' experience and a results-oriented mindset.

Dynamic mental health professional with extensive experience at Akron Children's Hospital, recognized for developing innovative EMR tools and enhancing outpatient therapy protocols. Skilled in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and team leadership, I excel in clinical supervision and fostering clinician development, ensuring high-quality care for diverse populations.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Lead Mental Health Therapist/ Outpatient Therapist

Akron Children's Hospital
Akron, Ohio
09.2021 - Current
  • Award Recognition
  • Honored with the 2023 Behavioral Health Ambassador Award for outstanding contributions to clinical excellence and team collaboration.
  • Clinical Leadership & Supervision
  • Provided clinical supervision to Licensed Professional Counselors and Counseling Interns, supporting their professional development and clinical competency.
    Facilitated weekly case consultations, coordinated department trainings, and conducted chart audits to ensure clinical quality and compliance.
    Served as acting Clinical Operations Supervisor as needed, addressing departmental inquiries, clinical emergencies, and timekeeping responsibilities.
  • Operational & Workflow Improvements
  • Assisted in the development and optimization of EMR tools and workflows within Epic, enhancing documentation efficiency and clinical usability.
    Created and updated outpatient therapy policies and protocols to align with best practices and regulatory standards.
    Led the coordination, scheduling, and implementation of the FAST (Flexible Access to Services Team) initiative to improve patient access and service delivery.
    Contributed to the development of department-wide Standard Work Instructions (SWIs) to promote consistency and operational excellence.
  • Training & Education
  • Facilitated a Lunch and Learn session on Epic documentation practices and workflow optimization for clinical staff.
    Supported the onboarding of new outpatient clinicians through training in documentation standards, EMR usage, and clinical responsibilities.
    Collaborated with the Counseling and Social Work CEU Committee to provide ongoing continuing education opportunities for outpatient therapists.
  • Clinical Practice
  • Conducted comprehensive diagnostic assessments for children and adolescents ages 5–17.
    Delivered individual and family therapy sessions using evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
    Developed individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs and coordinated care with community partners.
  • Team Engagement & Culture
  • Actively participated in team-building initiatives such as the Sunshine Committee and the Annual Retreat for outpatient therapists, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.

Interim Clinical Operation Supervisor

Akron Children's Hospital
Akron, Ohio
03.2023 - 06.2025
  • Maintained stability and continuity of clinical operations during 2 leadership transitions and 1 temporary leave of absence by directly supervising a team of clinicians
  • Led recruitment and onboarding efforts, ensuring seamless integration of new hires into clinical workflows.
  • Spearheaded a major scheduling transformation, shifting from a 32-slot model to 32 patient-facing hours, enhancing therapist productivity and flexibility.
  • Developed and implemented Standard Work Instructions to streamline processes and ensure consistency across clinical teams.
  • Supervised daily operations to ensure efficient patient care delivery.
  • Conducted performance evaluations to assess staff competencies and development needs.
  • Resolved staff conflicts by mediating discussions and providing solutions.
  • Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner while ensuring customer satisfaction.
  • Conducted weekly meetings with team members to provide case consultations and provide updates.
  • Managed payroll and administrative functions, ensuring accurate timekeeping, compliance, and timely processing of staff compensation.
  • Fostered team engagement and performance through coaching, support, and clear communication during a period of organizational change.
  • Prepared department for successful leadership handoff by documenting key processes and supporting the transition to the incoming supervisor.

Lead Mental Health Therapist/Assessment Specialist

Indiana University Health Virtual Care Hub
Indianapolis, Indiana
02.2019 - 01.2020
  • Clinical Leadership & Crisis Assessment
  • Lead a multidisciplinary team of Licensed Clinical Social Workers and Mental Health Professionals in delivering virtual behavioral health crisis assessments.
  • Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments via secure video conferencing to evaluate patients in acute psychiatric distress across emergency departments and inpatient units.
  • Collaborated with internal hospital teams and external agencies to ensure safe, appropriate, and timely patient care transitions.
  • Supervised daily clinical operations and ensured compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Coordinated staff scheduling and managed workflow to optimize resource allocation.
  • Cross-System Collaboration & Relationship Building
  • Cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with 14 emergency departments, inpatient medical units, and community mental health agencies to streamline patient stabilization and placement.
  • Served as a liaison between the Virtual Hub and external providers to ensure continuity of care and access to appropriate levels of treatment.
  • Program Development & Operational Innovation
  • Played a key role in the launch and growth of the Virtual Care Hub, contributing to onboarding materials and workflow design to support rapid scaling.
    Continuously refine and implement quality improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, communication, and patient outcomes.
  • Participated in relationship-building efforts with each hospital site to strengthen integration and service delivery.
  • Technology & Resource Management
  • Designed and implemented an Electronic Placement Tracker, improving shift-to-shift communication and inpatient placement coordination.
    Created and maintain a statewide resource database for inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services to support timely referrals.
  • Served as SharePoint Site Administrator, ensuring up-to-date access to critical tools, workflows, and resource information for all hub staff.

Behavior Therapist

Bierman ABA Autism Center
Westfield, Indiana
11.2017 - 02.2019
  • Registered Behavior Tech (RBT)- expired
  • Implemented individualized treatment plans for clients with autism spectrum disorders.
  • Developed and maintained positive relationships with clients to foster trust.
  • Participated in team meetings to share insights and strategies for client support.
  • Trained new staff on behavior intervention techniques and center protocols.
  • Monitored client behaviors and adjusted interventions based on real-time observations.
  • Maintained safe, organized and therapeutic environment to enhance patient comfort.
  • Collected, recorded and summarized data on client behavior and assisted family with applying treatment and behavior reduction protocols.
  • Provided crisis intervention services when needed.
  • Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings regarding treatment planning for clients.
  • Provided one-on-one therapy sessions using applied behavior analysis techniques.
  • Utilize Applied Behavior analysis to Increase language and communication skills, social skills, appropriate play skills, cooperation skills, and daily living skills.
  • Collaborated with families to ensure consistency in therapeutic approaches.
  • Assisted in data collection to track client progress and behavior changes.

Mental Health Therapist

Child Guidance and Family Solutions
Akron, Ohio
08.2015 - 11.2017
  • Utilized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused CBT, and Motivational Interviewing.
  • Co-led Dialectical Behavioral Therapy groups.
  • Conducted diagnostic interviews with children, adolescents, and adults.
  • Provided individual and group therapy sessions
  • Maintained and treated an average caseload of eighty clients
  • Mediated sensitive and high conflict situations
  • Maintained strict confidentiality to HIPPA requirements
  • Developed clinical treatment plans
  • Collaborated with various outpatient community outreach services to support client's transition.

ABA Paraprofessional

Beachwood City Schools
Beachwood, OH
08.2012 - 08.2015
  • Provide 1: 1 therapy to children with Autism and other intellectual disabilities.
  • Utilize Applied Behavior analysis to Increase language and communication skills, social skills, appropriate play skills, cooperation skills, and daily living skills.
  • Supported teachers in implementing individualized education plans for students.
  • Assisted with behavioral interventions to promote positive learning environments.
  • Monitored student progress and documented observations for staff review.
  • Facilitated communication between students, teachers, and parents regarding needs.
  • Implemented classroom management strategies to enhance student engagement.
  • Provided one-on-one support during academic activities and social interactions.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address student challenges effectively.
  • Encouraged positive behaviors through verbal praise and reinforcement strategies.
  • Provided direct instruction to students according to individualized behavior plans.
  • Conducted home visits to provide support and education to families regarding ABA principles.
  • Assisted BCBAs with developing intervention programs based on assessments, evaluations, and observations of client behaviors.
  • Organized materials and set up classroom and therapy environment prior to sessions.
  • Reviewed and reported on IEP progress.
  • Participated in team meetings to discuss progress toward goals.
  • Escorted students to restroom cafeteria, outside to playground, and on field trips.

Education

Master of Arts - Clinical Mental Health Counseling

John Carroll University
05-2015

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

John Carroll University
05-2012

Skills

  • Applied Behavior Analysis
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
  • Trauma-Focused CBT
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Applied Behavior Analysis
  • Suicide assessment
  • Behavior Modification
  • Teen and Young Adults
  • Mental health counseling in schools
  • Team leadership
  • Clinical supervision
  • Autism spectrum disorder support
  • Epic charting

Certification

LPCC-Ohio, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, E.1800613- SUPV

Accomplishments

  • 2023 Akron Children’s Hospital Behavioral Health Ambassador Award

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Interim Clinical Operation Supervisor

Akron Children's Hospital
03.2023 - 06.2025

Lead Mental Health Therapist/ Outpatient Therapist

Akron Children's Hospital
09.2021 - Current

Lead Mental Health Therapist/Assessment Specialist

Indiana University Health Virtual Care Hub
02.2019 - 01.2020

Behavior Therapist

Bierman ABA Autism Center
11.2017 - 02.2019

Mental Health Therapist

Child Guidance and Family Solutions
08.2015 - 11.2017

ABA Paraprofessional

Beachwood City Schools
08.2012 - 08.2015

Master of Arts - Clinical Mental Health Counseling

John Carroll University

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

John Carroll University

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE