Athena Rodriguez

Master's-prepared Registered Nurse with more than 18 years of progressive experience in nursing leadership, care management, clinical education, population health, and healthcare operations. Demonstrated success leading interdisciplinary teams, managing complex healthcare programs, improving patient outcomes, ensuring regulatory compliance, and developing staff. Extensive experience serving medically complex populations across managed care, foster care, home health, acute care, and community settings.

Manager, Service Coordination at Superior HealthPlan – STAR Health Foster Care (2023-01 – Present)

• Lead a team of approximately 10 RN Service Coordinators supporting medically fragile foster care members throughout Texas.
• Manage Personal Care Services (PCS) operations and coordinate assessment activities among more than 40 registered nurses statewide.
• Oversee staffing, productivity, performance monitoring, and compliance with state and organizational requirements.
• Collaborate with operational and clinical leadership to improve service delivery and member outcomes.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and performance management to nursing staff.

Senior Case Manager II at Superior HealthPlan – STAR Health Foster Care (2017-04 – 2023-01)

• Coordinated care for medically complex foster care members with significant medical, behavioral, and social needs.
• Conducted assessments and developed individualized service plans.
• Collaborated with DFPS caseworkers, medical consenters, healthcare providers, and community partners.
• Managed care gaps and facilitated access to appropriate healthcare and community resources.
• Maintained compliance with STAR Health care coordination requirements and documentation standards.

Regional Clinical Educator at UnitedHealth Group / WellMed (2013-12 – 2016-04)

• Diabetes Prevention
• Congestive Heart Failure
• Ischemic Heart Disease
• COPD
• Nutrition and Healthy Eating
• Sleep Health
• Preventive Care

Branch Supervisor at Santa Fe Home Health (2009-01 – 2017-12)

• Supervised clinical and administrative personnel across multiple South Texas locations.
• Managed staffing, employee evaluations, scheduling, and operational reporting.
• Ensured compliance with regulatory and organizational requirements.
• Supported branch operations while maintaining direct patient care responsibilities.

Case Manager at Santa Fe Home Health (2009-06 – 2017-02)

• Managed a caseload exceeding 120 patients.
• Supervised six Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs).
• Performed chart audits and quality assurance reviews.
• Coordinated authorizations through Medicare, Medicaid, and managed care organizations.
• Provided wound care and chronic disease management education.
• Achieved top organizational performance in reimbursement-related documentation and coding processes.
• Educated patients and families regarding: Diabetes Mellitus, Congestive Heart Failure, Hypertension, Chronic Kidney Disease, End-Stage Renal Disease, Post-surgical care

School Nurse at Santa Fe Home Health / Corpus Christi Independent School District (2011-09 – 2013-04)

• Delivered comprehensive nursing services to school-aged children.
• Administered medications and managed acute and chronic health conditions.
• Responded to medical emergencies and coordinated care with parents and providers.
• Conducted hearing and vision screenings.
• Provided health education to students and staff.
• Presented annual bloodborne pathogen education programs.

Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse at Santa Fe Home Health (2006-06 – 2009-09)

• Provided direct nursing care for acute medical-surgical patients.
• Managed patient assignments of up to six patients per shift.
• Obtained chemotherapy certification.
• Served as a preceptor and trainer for nursing assistants and new staff.
• Consistently achieved strong performance evaluations.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Leadership – Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi (2024-12)

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in Nursing – Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi (2008-05)