Abby Kay

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT ABBY KAY

From Child Therapist to Program Manager at a technology company, how did we get here? After completing my Masters in Social Work, I started in a dual role as a child therapist and program manager. I learned quickly that I love working on building systems and structures that make sense. I transitioned into a program manager role at a nonprofit where I was able to open a one-of-a-kind social determinants of health center within a pediatric clinic. In this role, I worked on integrating the new program into existing workflows, tracking project deliverables, and creating buy-in from key stakeholders. I was promoted into a Director level position and became responsible for 3 key healthcare programs within the agency. As a Director, I focused on optimizing technology for my team members in order to remove barriers to patient care and improve their satisfaction which sparked a passion for improving how healthcare workers interact with technology. As a Program Manager at Netsmart, I work with agencies to ensure their electronic health records (EHR) are working for their unique needs and serving as an aid to patient care rather than a barrier. I work with clients to track projects, implement and deliver solutions, and create clear expectations and understandings between all parties. The question I get asked often now is: do I regret my MSW since I am not using it in a traditional way? The answer is unequivocally no. Starting as a child therapist allowed me to develop strong communication skills - I am an expert at communicating complex topics, summarizing conversations and action steps, and navigating high stress environments. My experiences also gave me lived experience as a healthcare worker and an end user to products such as EHRs. This unique experience allows me to identify potential challenges in implementations and create a proactive plan to manage provider and patient reaction through education and partnership.