Ashley Kokales MSN, RN

Results-driven healthcare leader with progressive experience across public health, managed care, hospice leadership, and acute care. Recognized for expert clinical judgment, improving quality outcomes, regulatory compliance, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Demonstrated success leading infection prevention initiatives across more than 50 healthcare facilities, conducting complex clinical investigations, overseeing quality improvement efforts, and partnering with physicians, administrators, and multidisciplinary teams.

Experienced in utilization-focused clinical review, care coordination, hospital diversion, discharge planning, Medicare/CMS compliance, and evidence-based decision making.

Infection Prevention & Control RN at Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services (2024-12 – Present)

• Lead infection prevention initiatives supporting 50+ healthcare facilities including skilled nursing, assisted living, AFC homes, and congregate care settings.
• Managed 78 communicable disease investigations in 2025 and 43 investigations in 2026 using evidence-based clinical assessment.
• Conduct complex clinical documentation reviews, surveillance analyses, and regulatory audits supporting MDHHS compliance.
• Partner with physicians, healthcare leaders, hospitals, and community agencies to improve patient safety and quality outcomes.
• Deliver clinical education on outbreak response, infection prevention, and regulatory standards.

Interim Director of Nursing at Transitions Hospice (2024-06 – 2024-12)

• Directed hospice clinical operations overseeing 12 nurses and interdisciplinary clinicians.
• Reviewed complex clinical cases with physicians to determine appropriate levels of care.
• Led quality improvement initiatives and strengthened regulatory readiness through auditing and staff development.

Registered Nurse / Charge Nurse at Senior Care Partners PACE (2022-02 – 2024-06)

• Provided care coordination for 326 medically complex Medicare and Medicaid participants.
• Participated in hospitalization reviews focused on reducing avoidable admissions.
• Completed CMS documentation reviews, chart audits, and regulatory compliance activities.
• Coordinated care transitions and served as a clinical resource for staff.

Registered Nurse Case Manager at Elara Caring Hospice (2021-12 – 2022-02)

• Managed hospice caseloads through comprehensive assessment, interdisciplinary planning, and patient education.

Registered Nurse at Bronson Methodist Hospital (2020-08 – 2022-08)

• Delivered acute patient care, assessments, medication administration, and patient advocacy.

Master of Science in Nursing – Western Governors University

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Olivet College

Bachelor of in Healthcare Administration – Western Governors University

Registered Nurse – Kellogg Community College