Nancy M Hartwell
Shreveport
Summary
Dedicated Peer Support Specialist experienced in mental health support and crisis intervention. Achieved client advocacy and community resilience through leadership in recovery-oriented peer support groups and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Focused on enhancing client recovery and improving outcomes through effective resource navigation and crisis management.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Recognized Peer Support Specialist
CADA Crisis Mobile Response Team
Shreveport, LA
01.2025 - Current
- Facilitated peer support groups, promoting shared experiences and recovery strategies.
- Provided emotional support and crisis intervention to individuals in distress.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop personalized care plans.
- Documented client interactions accurately to ensure continuity of care.
- Educated clients on coping strategies and available community resources.
- Assisted in de-escalating crisis situations through active listening and empathy.
- Trained new team members on best practices for peer support services.
- Advocated for clients' needs within healthcare systems to improve access to services.
- Served as a role model for clients, sharing personal experiences of recovery and resilience.
- Assessed client progress regularly, adjusting support strategies as needed to promote continued growth and success.
Direct Care Technician
CADA Bossier Treatment Center
Bossier City, LA
02.2023 - 01.2025
- Administered medication according to prescribed schedules, ensuring compliance with care plans.
- Monitored patient behavior and reported changes to healthcare team for timely intervention.
- Assisted patients with daily living activities to promote independence and improve quality of life.
- Documented patient progress accurately in electronic health records to maintain up-to-date information.
- Trained new staff on best practices for patient care and safety protocols, fostering a collaborative environment.
- Implemented feedback from supervisors to refine care approaches and improve service delivery standards.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families, fostering trust and open communication.
- Educated patients on self-care techniques, empowering them to take control of their health management.
- Demonstrated adaptability in diverse settings catering to different patient populations such as geriatric or pediatric clients.
- Increased overall effectiveness of the healthcare team by contributing valuable insights during case conferences or staff meetings.
- Ensured consistent quality of care by participating in ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Enhanced patient comfort by providing attentive and compassionate care in daily activities.
- Facilitated recreational activities for patients, enhancing their overall well-being through social engagement.
- Streamlined workflow efficiency by assisting colleagues with various tasks as needed.
- Provided timely support during medical emergencies, acting as an integral part of the response team.
- Improved patient satisfaction scores by consistently delivering high-quality care and support.
In-Home Caretaker
My Mother
Shreveport, LA
04.2015 - 11.2019
- Developed personalized care plans to address specific needs and preferences.
- Managed medication schedules to ensure adherence and safety.
- Assisted with daily living activities to enhance comfort and well-being.
- Performed light housekeeping duties, creating a clean and comfortable living environment for clients.
- Collaborated with family members and healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive care strategies for optimal client support.
- Implemented safety measures within the home environment to prevent accidents.
- Facilitated social interaction by arranging visits from friends or family members upon client request.
- Coordinated medical appointments for timely follow-ups, improving continuity of care between multiple healthcare providers.
Kennel Manager
Animal Control for Caddo Parish
Shreveport, LA
01.2015 - 04.2015
- Supervised daily operations of kennel, ensuring animal welfare and cleanliness standards were met.
- Developed and implemented training programs for staff on animal care protocols and safety procedures.
- Coordinated shelter intake processes, assessing animals for health and behavioral issues.
- Established partnerships with local veterinarians for routine health checks and emergency care services.
- Streamlined adoption processes, enhancing communication between potential adopters and staff.
- Led initiatives to improve kennel infrastructure, resulting in improved animal living conditions.
- Monitored inventory levels of supplies, ensuring adequate stock for operations without overages.
- Ensured cleanliness of facilities by establishing a rigorous cleaning schedule, improving overall hygiene levels.
- Managed inventory to ensure adequate supplies, effectively reducing costs and waste.
- Streamlined record keeping for better tracking of daily activities and animal health data.
- Developed schedule for kennel assistants to balance walking, feeding and socializing needs of animals in care.
- Collaborated with veterinarians to ensure proper medical care for all animals under the facility''s care.
Manager Morgue, Gross Lab, and Frozen Section
LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport
Shreveport, LA
02.2010 - 04.2015
- 444Developed strategic plans to optimize resource allocation and service delivery across departments.
- Led cross-functional teams to implement process improvements, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Mentored junior managers, fostering professional growth and improving team dynamics.
- Streamlined communication protocols between clinical and administrative staff, reducing response times.
- Facilitated training sessions on new healthcare technologies, increasing staff proficiency and adoption rates.
- Analyzed performance metrics to drive data-informed decisions and enhance patient care outcomes.
- Managed over 600 autopsies a year with over 1,400 death investigations
- Managed departmental budgets, ensuring financial accountability and effective use of resources.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Improved safety procedures to create safe working conditions for workers.
Deputy Coroner
Bossier Parish Coroner's Office
Bossier City, LA
09.2009 - 02.2010
- Conducted death investigations to determine cause and manner of death.
- Coordinated with medical examiners on complex forensic cases for enhanced accuracy.
- Collaborated with law enforcement to gather evidence and witness statements.
- Prepared thorough autopsy reports and maintained accurate case documentation.
- Streamlined investigation processes, improving overall workflow efficiency within the office.
- Provided guidance to junior staff on investigative protocols and best practices.
- Served as a liaison between families and legal entities during sensitive situations.
- Led training sessions for new deputies, fostering knowledge retention and skill development.
- Improved the accuracy of death investigations by meticulously gathering and analyzing evidence at crime scenes.
- Maintained professional knowledge through ongoing continuing education courses and certifications in relevant areas such as forensic pathology, death investigation techniques, or grief counseling.
- Maintained detailed records of each case, ensuring both accuracy and promptness in reporting to relevant parties.
- Prepared detailed reports and maintained accurate case documentation.
- Led interdisciplinary teams in complex death investigations, ensuring thorough analysis.
- Managed case loads efficiently, prioritizing tasks for timely resolution of investigations.
- Collaborated with law enforcement agencies to investigate suspicious deaths.
- Trained junior staff on evidence collection and procedural compliance.
- Implemented process improvements to enhance operational efficiency within the office.
- Worked closely with other Deputy Coroners to build a cohesive team capable of efficiently handling high caseloads.
- Provided expert testimony in court regarding findings from autopsy reports.
- Adhered strictly to safety protocols while working with hazardous materials or infectious diseases, minimizing risks for all involved parties.
- Assisted families in understanding the circumstances surrounding a loved one''s death by providing compassionate support and clear explanations.
- Conducted comprehensive witness interviews to gather essential information for ongoing investigations.
- Assisted in the development and implementation of office policies and procedures, contributing to overall efficiency and effectiveness.
- Provided expert testimony in court cases when required, presenting clear explanations of complex medical findings for legal proceedings.
- Conducted autopsies and forensic examinations to determine cause of death.
- Supported public health initiatives by identifying trends in local mortality data and reporting findings to appropriate agencies.
- Participated in professional development opportunities such as conferences, workshops, or seminars to stay current on best practices within the field of death investigation.
- Enhanced communication with law enforcement agencies by collaborating effectively during investigations and sharing crucial findings.
- Developed strong relationships with funeral homes to ensure proper handling of decedents'' remains throughout the process from removal to burial or cremation.
Autopsy Assistant
Bossier Parish Coroner's Office
Bossier City, LA
08.2004 - 09.2009
- Assisted in conducting autopsies, ensuring adherence to protocols and maintaining a sterile environment.
- Prepared and organized specimens for analysis, facilitating efficient workflow during autopsy procedures.
- Documented findings accurately, contributing to comprehensive reports for legal and medical purposes.
- Collaborated with forensic pathologists to enhance procedural accuracy and streamline operations.
- Trained new staff on autopsy techniques and safety standards, fostering team competency and efficiency.
- Implemented process improvements that reduced turnaround time for post-mortem examinations.
- Managed approximately 600 autopsies a year with over 1,400 death investigations.
- Led inventory management of tools and supplies, ensuring availability for uninterrupted autopsy services.
- Utilized advanced laboratory equipment for precise analysis of collected samples, supporting pathologists'' conclusions.
- Strengthened cross-disciplinary collaboration by actively participating in meetings with law enforcement, coroners, and other stakeholders as needed in specific cases.
- Assisted pathologists in determining cause of death through meticulous tissue sampling and data collection.
- Continuously improved knowledge in the field by attending relevant workshops, conferences, and training sessions.
- Facilitated timely transfer of bodies between morgue storage areas and examination rooms, maintaining respect for the deceased and their families.
- Established strong relationships with medical professionals for seamless coordination on complex cases requiring additional expertise.
- Preserved evidence integrity by following proper chain-of-custody protocols when handling specimens related to legal investigations.
- Enhanced autopsy process efficiency by maintaining a clean and organized workspace.
- Supported timely completion of autopsies by efficiently managing multiple cases simultaneously.
- Assisted in inventory management by tracking supplies and reordering necessary materials as needed, avoiding delays or interruptions in services.
- Sanitized, restocked, and organized exam rooms and medical equipment.
- Obtained client medical history, medication information, symptoms, and allergies.
- Prepared lab specimens for diagnostic evaluation.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
LSU Shreveport
Shreveport, LA05-2007
Associate of Science - Medicolegal Death Investigation
Bossier Parish Community College
Bossier City, LA09-2004
Skills
- Crisis management
- Substance abuse awareness
- Relapse prevention
- Dual diagnoses expert
- Intake interviewing
- Mental health services
- Stress reduction techniques
- Effective collaboration and interaction
- Leadership skills
- Decision-making
- Problem-solving skills
- Time management
- Multicultural sensitivity
- Exemplary communication
- Attention to detail
- Reliability
Accomplishments
- Achieved RPSS by completing on-line training with accuracy and efficiency.
- Achieved calculations of names, age, sex, race, and cause of death through effectively building a excel spreadsheet. This allowed statistics for trends in the death investigations as well as compiled information for Residents to gather the needed information writing medical papers for publications.
- Work with Dr. Wilson on identifying the 2nd case of Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the "brain-eating ameba, in the state of Louisiana.
Certification
Recognized Peer Support Specialist
American Boards of Medicolegal Death Investigators
Timeline
Recognized Peer Support Specialist
CADA Crisis Mobile Response Team
01.2025 - Current
Direct Care Technician
CADA Bossier Treatment Center
02.2023 - 01.2025
In-Home Caretaker
My Mother
04.2015 - 11.2019
Kennel Manager
Animal Control for Caddo Parish
01.2015 - 04.2015
Manager Morgue, Gross Lab, and Frozen Section
LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport
02.2010 - 04.2015
Deputy Coroner
Bossier Parish Coroner's Office
09.2009 - 02.2010
Autopsy Assistant
Bossier Parish Coroner's Office
08.2004 - 09.2009
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
LSU Shreveport
Associate of Science - Medicolegal Death Investigation
Bossier Parish Community College