Karla Castro

Focused on ensuring regulatory compliance through extensive knowledge and experience across multiple organizations and agencies. Culturally bilingual in Spanish and English with extensive healthcare experience across all ages from pediatric to geriatric. Extremely organized with a strong attention to all of the details and moving parts in cases. Driven by developing and upholding policies and procedures while infusing empathy and care into all interactions.

Team Lead for Pinal County Foster Care/Recruiter at Intermountain Centers (2025-06 – 2026-05)

Supervised and oversaw the team of case managers and licensing specialist staff to ensure compliance with state regulations. Supported foster families, managed client caseloads, and coordinated with the Department of Child Safety and other agencies. Engaged with the community and local businesses to recruit and secure donations for foster families and children.

As a Foster Home Recruiter and Licensing Coordinator, I identified and recruited potential foster parent applicants, guided them through the licensing process, and conducted home studies. Collaborated with stakeholders, attended community events, and provided ongoing support to prospective foster families.

• Provided daily case consultation, clinical supervision, and support to social workers and case managers.
• Ensured all family homes, case plans, and agency practices align with state regulations and contractual obligations.
• Coordinated between the state's Department of Child Safety (DCS), foster parents, and birth families, while assisting with on-call crisis intervention.
• Increase community awareness by presenting to community groups regarding foster care programs and the need for foster parents.
• Develops and maintains professional relationships and collaborates with educational institutions, professional organizations, and community groups to identify potential foster care providers.
• Works directly with Statewide Manager of Foster Care Compliance in maintaining standardized recruitment list, noting progress, and updates for foster care team and leaders.
• Provided training and resources to staff and foster families, helping them understand the foster care system and their roles and responsibilities.
• Coordinates and/or presents specified Foster Care training curriculum modules, as needed, as well as CPI, Behavioral Concepts, TIC, CPR & First Aid, monthly provider meetings. Coordination for:
• REQ'D TRAININGS – DCS
• INTERNAL TRAININGS

Nondiscrimination Consultant at Braillet Corporation (2016-02 – 2024-12)

In contract role for Humana, provide telephonic counseling and support to Spanish-speaking members to ensure ADA regulations are being met by Medicare. Direct members to proper channels by providing directions on next steps. Support providers with ADA-compliant materials and documentation. Communicate with providers and Humana attorneys regarding ADA and Centers for Medicare and Medical Services (CMS) guidelines. Prioritize cases based on urgency.

• Mitigated potential lawsuits, which could be $1+ million, as liaison with CMS to ensure Medicare services were ADA compliant.
• Avoided possible civil rights violation by helping HIV-positive member find provider who could meet medical needs after another provider was unable to offer accommodations.
• Reduced or eliminated Medicare fines through member education on how to provide appropriate paperwork to illustrate compliance.

Personal Health Coach; Field Care Manager at Humana (2012-08 – 2017-02)

Personal Health Coach: Oct 2015 to Feb 2017; Field Care Manager: Aug 2012 to Oct 2015. Acted as member advocate for up to 50 members, educating them on guidelines and requirements. Visited homes twice monthly to provide resources on food and nutrition, medication, financial assistance, home health care, and medical devices. Goal was to avoid rehospitalization through follow-up care and education. Supported up to 800 members virtually as resource for healthcare referrals. Conducted research on claims to determine reasons for approval or denial. Trained new employees.

Enabled

Humana to secure additional Medicare funds by ensuring members completed preventive screenings through incentives and support.

• Reduced rehospitalization through alignment with Arizona Long-term Care Association to provide in-home care and housekeeping for members.
• Improved members’ peace of mind by negotiating payments for healthcare services, which helped avoid collections and fines.
• Encouraged members to build and continue positive health habits by introducing them to community resources, including Meals on Wheels, home modifications, and free medicine.

CPS Specialist III; CPS Specialist II; CPS Specialist I at Child Protective Services (2008-11 – 2012-07)

CPS Specialist III: Nov 2010 to July 2012; CPS Specialist II: Nov 2009 to Nov 2010; CPS Specialist I: Nov 2008 to Nov 2009. Supported children and families through increasing levels of responsibility and promotions. Managed all aspects of multiple cases, including site visits, educating parents, and collaborating with various community agencies to provide services.

Attended court hearings and met with childcare providers and schools. Participated in IEP, 504, and child-family treatment meetings. Conducted family visits and educated parents about CPS guidelines. Educated families on child development and childcare.

Mentored new employees, providing training on policies, systems, and documentation. Participated in forensic interviews as Spanish translator. Supported SWAT teams and police during highly volatile situations involving children.

Attended ongoing training about topics to provide optimal services.

• Recognized as #1 specialist at location for quality of reports and time management.
• Improved clients’ parenting skills by building supportive, empathetic relationships that transformed hostility and fear to understanding and planning next steps.

Nanny at Bailey Family

M.Ed. in Counseling & Human Relations – Northern Arizona University

B.S. in Sociology – Arizona State University