Carol Lagnese, Liac

Licensed Independent Addictions Counselor (LIAC) with more than 30 years of progressive experience in behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, and integrated care. Recognized for specialized expertise in gender-responsive, trauma-informed treatment for pregnant and parenting women, helping develop and sustain programs that improve health and recovery outcomes for women and their families. Brings more than 15 years of supervisory and clinical leadership experience overseeing multidisciplinary teams, providing clinical supervision, reviewing assessments and treatment plans, mentoring staff, and ensuring compliance with state, federal, and managed care requirements.

Extensive experience supporting behavioral health operations, quality improvement, medical records management, grant administration, and AHCCCS reporting.

Licensed Independent Addictions Counselor / Program Supervisor / Clinical & Administrative Operations - Arizona Women's Recovery Center (formerly National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence) - Phoenix, AZ

(2003-10)

Progressed through increasing clinical and operational leadership responsibilities over more than two decades with one of Arizona's premier behavioral health organizations serving women with substance use disorders.

• Specialized in gender-specific, trauma-informed treatment for pregnant and parenting women with substance use disorders.
• Supervised clinical staff and case managers while providing ongoing consultation and guidance regarding client care, documentation, and treatment planning.
• Reviewed and approved behavioral health assessments, individualized treatment plans, annual updates, and clinical documentation to ensure quality and regulatory compliance.
• Served as Program Supervisor for the Healthy Connections Program, providing oversight for intensive case management services supporting pregnant women in recovery.
• Managed medical records processes supporting integrated behavioral health and primary care services.
• Reviewed Health Information Exchange (HIE) and Primary Care Provider records to assist Nurse Practitioner coordination of care.
• Served as AHCCCS Portal Manager and completed required AHCCCS reporting and IAD submissions.
• Coordinated agency deliverables through Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) systems.
• Co-administered the Relias Learning Management System, supporting employee compliance and workforce development.
• Served as organizational Notary Public.
• Coordinated federal and state grant reporting activities.
• Collected, validated, and reported program outcome data for Substance Abuse Block Grants (SABG), GPRA, State Opioid Response (SOR/STR), and other RBHA-funded initiatives.

Case Manager / Crisis Line Counselor - ComCare / ValueOptions

(1993-01 - 2003-10)

Provided behavioral health case management and crisis intervention services for adults diagnosed with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) and General Mental Health (GMH) conditions.

• Conducted behavioral health assessments and developed individualized treatment plans.
• Coordinated community-based behavioral health services and referrals.
• Performed home visits and monitored treatment progress.
• Provided crisis intervention through the ValueOptions Crisis Line, assisting individuals experiencing suicidal ideation, psychiatric crises, substance use emergencies, and other behavioral health concerns.
• Connected callers with detoxification, psychiatric, and community support resources while maintaining calm, compassionate crisis management.

High School Diploma - Hicksville High School

Gateway Community College

Phoenix College