Gina Dennis

I have worked in some form of healthcare for over 25 years, and I have the distinct certification of NBC-HWC (National Board Certification of Health and Wellness Coaching).  In addition, I am certified as a Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) through the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC).  My master’s degree is in Health Sciences, and I have worked as a health coach, health educator and health promotion and wellness consultant in private and public sectors, conducting population health management, employee and individual health, etc.  

I was the dedicated health promotion and wellness consultant for the state of Georgia employees (~600,000 employees) when I was employed by CIGNA Healthcare.  While employed there, I wrote the wellness programs and incentives for all of the state employees, and I did one-on-one coaching with them using Motivational Interviewing and Stages of Change techniques.  I oversaw health fairs and taught “Stress Management” group classes for them. 

I have over 15 years of health coaching/health educating experience as well as being a Certified Grief Support Specialist. I have experience in creating and designing wellness programs for employees, and health marketing materials.  I have analyzed health data and created wellness programs specific to each company's health assessment data and the distinct health issues of the company's employees.  

At CIGNA Healthcare, I created and implemented a "Know Your Numbers" workbook for training that was utilized throughout the state of Georgia.  This workbook was then implemented across all of CIGNA for my fellow health promotion and wellness consultants to use with their clients.  I have experience in working with all ages in my roles as a health coach, health educator, health promotion and wellness consultant and home healthcare branch manager.  I have taught health and wellness undergraduate classes such as “Aging Well, Stress Management,” “Life Skills” and “Medical Terminology” while I was in graduate school.  

Helping people to live happier, healthier lives has always been a passion of mine!  Lastly, I have my own personal story and journey of living a better, healthier and more peaceful life through behavior and lifestyle changes. 

Gina L. Dennis

Summary and Skills

• Talented Health and Wellness Coach and Health Educator with 27 years of experience in health care and successful career in planning, developing and implementing health strategies and initiatives to achieve maximum potential.
• Creative and highly strategic with excellent leadership and client relations abilities. 
• Successful in building relationships and attracting new clients. 
• Broad healthcare and health and wellness experience in coaching, education, individual and corporate environments with management, training, consulting and marketing experience. 
• Experience in Motivational Interviewing, Stages of Change theory and other health coaching theories to motivate people toward behavior change.

Certifications 

Experience

Pro Bono Health Coach/Health Educator                                                                                         January 2004 to Current                                                                                    

• Delivered one-on-one coaching sessions to individuals seeking guidance on healthy eating, physical activity, stress management and overall wellness.
• Developed personalized wellness plans based on individual goals and needs, providing ongoing support and accountability.
• Provided emotional support and motivation to empower clients in making sustainable lifestyle changes.

Fulton County Schools                                              August 2016 to Current 

PTO Committee Chair and Volunteer
Johns Creek, GA 

• Coordinated special events, meetings and workshops and effectively collaborated with other volunteers for a positive working environment.
• Identified key partnership opportunities and market segments to successfully execute volunteer efforts.

CIGNA Healthcare                                       October 2008 to February 2013 

Health Promotion and Wellness Consultant
Atlanta, GA 

• Dedicated Health Promotion and Wellness Consultant for CIGNA Health Care for the State of Georgia (~600,000 employees).
• Managed program strategy design, implementation, evaluation and outcomes.
• Successful planning and execution of health events, onsite biometric screenings and health initiatives.
• Managed a $500,000 wellness budget.
• Provided guidance, decision-making and professional expertise for program planning for successful execution to produce positive outcomes, including reduction in overall healthcare costs and improved employee health.
• Oversaw continual data analysis for clinical and behavioral onsite meetings with client including health assessments, health coaching and biometric screenings.
• Created and implemented a "Know Your Numbers" biometric workbook for client and introduced it internally across the CIGNA organization for other CIGNA employees and their clients' populations.
• Designed incentive programs for employees.
• Created marketing campaigns that highlighted the benefits of participating in a corporate wellness program.
• Led and managed various conferences and worksites on health topics such as: Stress Management, Know Your (Biometric) Numbers, How to Implement Worksite Wellness Programs, How to Establish Wellness Champions/Committees, Getting More Out of Your Health Benefits.

Matria/Alere HealthCare                               August 2005 to October 2008 

Wellness Consultant
Dallas, TX 

• Administered tailored population health management programs including development and implementation of health risk assessments, health coaching, behavior change, decision support, self-directed (web-based) health programs, incentive strategies, nutrition awareness and self-awareness/health campaigns.
• Implemented strategies for improving employee health status identified through claims analysis targeting health promotion and behavioral change programs, health risk assessments and medical self-care programs.
• Provided strategy for at-risk populations while maintaining HIPAA compliance.
• Monitored continual data analysis to redesign and evaluate health management programs and communication strategies.
• Utilized health management evaluation models and reporting system for tracking employee health outcomes and program utilization.
• Designed and implemented communication plans to enhance employee program participation, engagement and satisfaction.
• Successfully managed 12+ clients nationwide resulting in productive, positive outcomes.

University of North Texas/Texas Women's University    January 2003 to May 2005 

Adjunct Faculty in Health Studies
Denton, TX 

• Instructed health sciences content in classroom-based and online undergraduate environment.
• Managed and designed curriculum and course development for undergraduate level classes.
• Developed syllabus, lesson plans and course materials for each class taught.
• Conducted research on current trends in education and incorporated them into curriculum design.
• Designed, prepared, administered and graded exams and assignments to evaluate student progress.
• Designed exams, lecture material and writing assignments.
• Tutored and coached students to help achieve personal and academic success.
• Participated in continuous development and training to bolster professional teaching skills.

SCMS                                                        February 2001 to September 2002 

Business Unit Manager
Irving, TX 

• Effectively hired and managed 20 clinical and non-clinical case managers handling physical and mental disability claims.
• Reviewed employee performance and provided ongoing feedback, coaching and support to drive performance improvement.
• Analyzed and directed the allocation of short-term disability claims for Fortune 500 companies such as SBC Communications, Pacific Bell and Southwestern Bell.
• Directed training, implementation and instruction on policy and procedures for the consumer market business units to ensure profitability, decreased disability-based duration days and increased profitability and activity goals.
• Conducted team meetings to review objectives and ensure they were met on a timely basis.
• Developed training materials for all business unit staff to ensure team members had a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities within the business unit.
• Facilitated additional new hire training, ongoing training with existing employees, employee performance reviews, activity reports, and resolution and conflict management with internal and external customers.
• Managed and established ongoing relationships with SBC infrastructure and union leaders to discuss all new policies and procedures to ensure target goals and to allow for one single point of contact for all questions or concerns.

Advanced Home Care                               January 1997 to November 2000 

Home Healthcare Branch Manager
High Point, NC 

• Managed all operational, administrative and financial management duties in the home health equipment and services industry.
• Supervised 20 employees including patient account representatives and patient service technicians.
• Managed the sale of healthcare services and equipment to physicians, hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, and free-standing health agencies throughout the triad area. 
• Increased business revenue over 130% while averaging sales in excess of $5 million dollars.
• Monitored sales and increased company visibility while working with specific regional accounts and marketing home care services throughout North Carolina.
• Successfully prepared for organizational proficiency and compliance with all state and federal domestic in-home care regulations including JCAHO, OSHA, and NC Board of Pharmacy.

Education and Certifications

Texas Woman's University                                                                          

Master of Science: Health Sciences and Health and Wellness Promotion

Denton, TX 

• C.H.E.S. certified (Certified Health Education Specialist)
• Academic Honor of Eta Sigma Gamma Society Recipient
• Kitty Magee Outstanding Student Award Recipient
• GPA throughout graduate school: 4.0

University of North Carolina At Greensboro                                       

Bachelor of Arts: Psychology and Sociology

Greensboro, NC 

Bachelor's of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology

Master's of Science degree in Health Sciences/Health Promotion