Theresa McKnight
Orlando
Summary
A dynamic and results-driven healthcare leader with over 15 years of progressive experience in clinical operations, care management, and multidisciplinary team leadership. Demonstrated expertise in strategic program development, cross-functional collaboration, and performance improvement within complex healthcare organizations. Skilled in guiding large, remote clinical teams, optimizing workflows, and implementing data-driven initiatives to enhance care quality and patient outcomes. Recognized for creating inclusive, mission-driven environments that align with organizational values while delivering measurable impact across population health programs, chronic disease management, and value-based care models.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Manager, Clinical Care Operations
Verily Life Sciences (an Alphabet Company)
08.2021 - Current
- Lead and supervise a multidisciplinary team of Care Specialists, including CDCES, RNs, RDs, and Mental Health Professionals, to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care.
- Provide strategic direction, coaching, and performance management to drive individual and team success.
- Serve as a clinical subject matter expert, providing consultation and leadership on complex cases involving nutrition, diabetes education, chronic condition management, and care escalation.
- Develop and implement measurement strategies to monitor and optimize team productivity and effectiveness in collaboration with cross-functional leadership.
- Partner with interprofessional teams to improve care delivery processes and clinical outcomes.
- Contribute to the design and documentation of workflows, protocols, and program content to enhance clinical and operational efficiency.
- Evaluate operational challenges and propose strategic improvements to senior operations and clinical leadership.
- Enhance customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
National Director, Clinical Operations
Ascension
05.2018 - 06.2021
- Led clinical operations and ambulatory care management programs for Ascension Care Management and Clinical & Network Services, supporting 250,000+ members across 13 markets.
- Directed a multidisciplinary team of over 100 clinical associates delivering population health and care coordination services.
- Planned and executed complex, cross-functional strategic initiatives in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
- Partnered with clinical operations leadership to define priorities, KPIs, and strategic goals aligned with enterprise objectives.
- Spearheaded process and program improvements through strategic action planning, driving operational excellence.
- Developed and implemented performance management strategies to foster continuous improvement and accountability.
- Oversaw staff development, clinical team activities, budget planning, and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Leveraged quality and population health data to design evidence-based care processes and scalable clinical programs.
- Fostered a collaborative, mission-aligned team culture rooted in accountability, motivation, and shared success.
- Led the redesign, implementation, and management of key national initiatives including:
National Care Management Program
Ascension Complete (Medicare Advantage) Care Management Program
SmartHealth Care Management Program
Regional Manager
Ascension
02.2017 - 05.2018
- Developed and executed key strategic initiatives to advance care management objectives across multiple regions within Ascension Care Management.
- Provided leadership to regional Care Team Managers, aligning team operations with organizational goals and performance outcomes.
- Supported market-level operations by serving as the primary liaison between ACM Operations and local teams, addressing issues and driving solutions.
- Oversaw indirect budget management for designated markets, ensuring financial stewardship and alignment with strategic priorities.
- Utilized population health and quality data to inform the design and improvement of care coordination programs and workflows.
- Identified opportunities for process efficiencies and implemented improvements to enhance care delivery and operational performance.
- Contributed clinical expertise in the development and use of care paths for targeted populations and high-risk scenarios.
- Promoted health maintenance and preventative care through data-driven population health strategies.
- Represented ACM in local ministry committees, supporting alignment between regional initiatives and national strategy.
- Acted as a key resource for Network Administrators, supporting physician outreach, business development, and client engagement efforts.
- Participated in strategic budget planning and oversight to support long-term program sustainability and impact.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement through ongoing process reviews, employee engagement initiatives, and open channels of communication.
- Enhanced team performance by providing regular coaching, training, and performance feedback to staff members.
Care Team Manager
Ascension
04.2015 - 02.2017
- Managed a clinical care management team, translating strategic objectives into operational direction with clear performance, budgetary, and KPI targets.
- Ensured alignment with Ascension Care Management’s clinical strategy, delivering measurable value to members and stakeholders.
- Leveraged population health and quality data to identify gaps, design interventions, and launch programs that improve care outcomes and efficiency.
- Served as a subject matter expert on multiple EHR systems and care management platforms, supporting clinical documentation and data accuracy.
- Represented Ascension Care Management in local ministry committees to align regional operations with enterprise-wide initiatives.
- Promoted in-network care utilization and connected members with appropriate community resources to improve health outcomes and reduce costs.
- Coordinated care across provider networks to demonstrate financial stewardship and operational efficiency.
- Led initiatives to reduce health risks and preventable readmissions through targeted health coaching and care transition pathways.
- Applied risk stratification models to identify high-need members and prioritize care coordination efforts based on program objectives.
- Collaborated across Ascension’s network to ensure continuity of care and member engagement at all points of service delivery.
- Boosted employee satisfaction through regular performance reviews, constructive feedback, and personal development plans.
- Led employee relations through effective communication, coaching, training, and development.
- Enhanced team productivity by implementing efficient task delegation and time management strategies.
- Developed a high-performing team by recruiting top talent, providing ongoing training, and fostering a positive work environment.
RN Care Manager
Ascension Health
12.2014 - 04.2015
- Delivered comprehensive care coordination and management for patients with chronic conditions, ensuring continuity of care and optimal health outcomes.
- Assessed patient needs, developed personalized care plans, and monitored progress in collaboration with interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
- Educated patients and their families on disease management, self-care strategies, and treatment adherence to empower them in managing their health.
- Coordinated services across various healthcare settings, including inpatient, outpatient, and home care, ensuring timely and appropriate interventions.
- Utilized evidence-based practices to identify opportunities for improvement in care delivery, reducing hospital readmissions and improving patient satisfaction.
- Collaborated with physicians, specialists, and community resources to optimize care plans and address barriers to patient care.
- Managed complex cases, advocating for patient needs, navigating insurance and healthcare systems, and ensuring alignment with care goals.
- Collected and analyzed patient data to track outcomes, improve workflows, and participate in quality improvement initiatives.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care plans, resulting in better health outcomes.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
RN Supervisor
PSA Healthcare
01.2014 - 12.2014
- Managed 5 school health clinics, overseeing staff and ensuring efficient operation of clinic services.
- Led and mentored an interdisciplinary team, providing support and development to enhance service delivery and team performance.
- Delivered a range of health and psychosocial services to students, addressing both immediate and ongoing health needs.
- Participated in student health plan development meetings, ensuring individualized care plans and interventions.
- Provided on-site health interventions and triaged students, prioritizing care based on urgency and need.
- Enforced school board policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations and standards.
- Conducted hearing and vision screenings to identify potential health concerns and support early intervention.
- Maintained accurate and timely documentation of services provided, adhering to agency policies and regulatory requirements.
Field Case Manager
Intracorp
06.2005 - 12.2008
- Coordinated and developed vocational and medical case management services for workers' compensation and long-term disability clients, ensuring efficient and effective care.
- Designed and implemented cost-effective rehabilitation programs, offering vocational consultation and counseling to support client recovery and employment goals.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments, including medical, vocational, financial, and behavioral evaluations, to develop personalized rehabilitation plans.
- Collaborated with physicians, medical providers, claimants, and employers to create and execute mutually agreed-upon goals, ensuring a seamless return-to-work process.
- Managed the successful implementation of medical and vocational rehabilitation plans, ensuring completion on time and within budget while achieving desired outcomes.
- Facilitated access to appropriate community resources by maintaining up-to-date knowledge of available programs and services.
Field Case Manager
Gisclair and Associates
06.2003 - 06.2005
- Coordinated vocational and medical case management services for workers' compensation and long-term disability clients, ensuring comprehensive support for recovery and return to work.
- Conducted initial vocational assessments, vocational testing, and developed personalized rehabilitation plans to facilitate successful employment outcomes.
- Provided job-seeking assistance, including resume development, job search strategies, and labor market surveys, while offering vocational counseling and support to clients.
- Facilitated communication and collaboration with employers, insurance companies, and clients to ensure alignment of goals and successful claim resolutions.
- Managed medical case management activities, serving as a liaison between the insurance company and clients, conducting utilization reviews, and supporting discharge planning to ensure continuity of care.
- Monitored patient progress closely, adjusting case management plans as needed to achieve desired outcomes.
- Identified potential barriers to successful care plan implementation and developed innovative solutions to overcome these challenges.
- Maintained accurate and complete records in compliance with regulatory requirements and organizational policies.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for clients with complex needs.
- Mentored new Field Case Managers within the organization, sharing expertise and providing guidance as they acclimated to their roles.
Education
Master of Health Sciences - Rehabilitation Counseling
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
New Orleans, LA05.2003
Associate in Science Nursing - Associate Degree R.N.
Pensacola State College
Pensacola, FL05.2012
Bachelor of Health Sciences - Rehabilitation Services
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
New Orleans, LA08.2001
Skills
- Digital Health Operations
- Population Health Management
- Clinical Team Leadership
- Value-Based Care
- Program Design & Implementation
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Workflow Optimization
- Performance Improvement
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Customer service
- Team leadership
- Decision-making
- Complex Problem-solving
Certification
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- #9372841
Timeline
Manager, Clinical Care Operations
Verily Life Sciences (an Alphabet Company)
08.2021 - Current
National Director, Clinical Operations
Ascension
05.2018 - 06.2021
Regional Manager
Ascension
02.2017 - 05.2018
Care Team Manager
Ascension
04.2015 - 02.2017
RN Care Manager
Ascension Health
12.2014 - 04.2015
RN Supervisor
PSA Healthcare
01.2014 - 12.2014
Field Case Manager
Intracorp
06.2005 - 12.2008
Field Case Manager
Gisclair and Associates
06.2003 - 06.2005
Associate in Science Nursing - Associate Degree R.N.
Pensacola State College
Bachelor of Health Sciences - Rehabilitation Services
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
Master of Health Sciences - Rehabilitation Counseling
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
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