Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Qualification Profile
Languages
Timeline
Generic

TaHysha McClain

Charlotte,NC

Summary

Experienced and skilled healthcare professional with over 10 years of expertise in supporting mothers and infants during the postpartum stage, specifically focusing on lactation. Provides comprehensive assistance to moms and babies in both hospital and community settings. Co-founder member of QC Cocoa BEANS, a local nonprofit maternal organization, actively advocating for community breastfeeding by facilitating monthly support groups in Mecklenburg and surrounding counties. Excels in decision-making, problem-solving, time management, data analysis, academic research, and situation analysis. Successfully trained employees on departmental procedures and network-based data systems. Recognized as a top performer within the department, received multiple quarterly awards, and honored as the 2018 Employee of the Year at Atrium Health Levine's Children's Hospital. Currently serves as the collegiate Program Director for the first Pathway 2 lactation consultant training program at Johnson C. Smith University, a historically black university and college (HBCU). Aims to promote diversity within the field of lactation.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Lactation Consultant Ambulatory Outpatient

Atrium Health/ Levine’s Children
05.2022 - Current
  • Provides guidance to patients, families, staff, and community in delivering education, information and training that responds to individualized needs in accordance with the current policies and procedures
  • Evaluates maternal history, and patient medical and clinical information, and assesses patient/parent needs to develop and implement the most appropriate lactation plan of care
  • Applies scientific knowledge to the process of diagnosis and treatment
  • Instruct patients and caregivers on lactation plan
  • Serves as a clinical resource person for physicians, nurses and other healthcare providers in order to promote optimal patient care and assists in the marketing of lactation services to professional and non-professional consumers
  • Promote teamwork, among team members and engage in community involvement
  • Assisted healthcare professionals in developing breastfeeding policies and protocols for optimal infant nutrition.
  • Promoted breastfeeding awareness through community outreach events, increasing public understanding of the benefits for both mother and infant.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure seamless delivery of lactation services across various hospital departments.
  • Served as a resource for nursing staff by providing ongoing education on lactation topics, fostering a knowledgeable workforce.
  • Reduced instances of formula supplementation by advocating for early breastfeeding initiation and skin-to-skin contact post delivery.
  • Increased breastfeeding success rates through one-on-one consultations, addressing individual concerns and challenges.
  • Maintained professional growth by attending conferences and workshops focused on current trends in lactation care practices.
  • Evaluated the effectiveness of implemented interventions, adjusting care plans as needed based on progress toward desired goals.
  • Developed strong relationships with local community organizations, facilitating referrals to additional resources when necessary for continued breastfeeding success beyond hospital discharge.
  • Mentored new lactation consultants by providing guidance on best practices and sharing valuable experiences from years of professional practice.
  • Developed and implemented over 250 individual breastfeeding plans in 2024.

Clinical Coordinator-Professor (part-time)

Johnson C. Smith University
08.2022 - Current
  • Mentored new clinical staff members for proper onboarding and orientation processes.
  • Worked closely with clinic administrators to maintain a safe, clean and well-organized environment in which patients could receive care.
  • Enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration through effective communication and coordination among healthcare team members.
  • Developed strong relationships with community partners to enhance support services available for patients beyond the clinical setting.
  • Ensured compliance with regulatory standards and best practices through diligent oversight of clinical procedures, documentation, and staff training.
  • Identified areas of opportunity for process improvements, leading efforts to implement changes that resulted in enhanced operational efficiency across all aspects of the clinic''s function.
  • Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
  • Enhanced student understanding by designing interactive and engaging lectures.
  • Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills, resulting in clear subject matter discussion with students.
  • Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
  • Evaluated student progress using both formative and summative assessments to provide targeted feedback for continuous improvement.
  • Maintained regular office hours to provide struggling students with additional course help.
  • Developed diversified course curriculum to meet regulatory standards and support learning objectives.
  • Assisted in accreditation processes by gathering necessary documentation, preparing reports, and participating in site visits as needed.
  • Created excitement and enthusiasm in classroom by delivering engaging subject matter.

Lactation Program Director (Part-time)

Johnson C. Smith University
02.2021 - Current

Ensure the lactation program to meet all national standards and requirements of accrediting organizations

  • Oversee the organization, administration, review, and planning, and development of processes that assure general effectiveness of the program
  • Ensures the effectiveness of the program, including instruction and faculty, with systems in place to demonstrate the effectiveness of the program
  • Develop marketing strategies to promote the program, ensure the effectiveness of the program, and collaborate with other program staff to ensure effective and accurate program marketing
  • Assist with securing funding opportunities that will sustain the program’s development and growth
  • Serve as the program representative at meetings, and university and community events
  • Conduct program evaluation and provide reports as designated
  • Scheduled and supervised staff meetings to discuss new ideas and update participants on program details and milestones.
  • Provided ongoing direction and leadership for program operations.
  • Collaborated closely with executive leadership to develop strategic plans for long-term growth.
  • Monitored program performance to identify areas for improvement.
  • Developed and implemented marketing strategies to promote program awareness and participation.
  • Established program policies and procedures to comply with regulatory requirements.
  • Developed and implemented program goals and objectives, establishing specific and measurable outcomes aligned with the organization's overall mission.
  • Developed and implemented program evaluation systems to assess program impact.
  • Increased stakeholder satisfaction with proactive communication and timely issue resolution.
  • Established and maintained effective working relationships with stakeholders, enhancing collaboration and support.
  • Bolstered program sustainability by securing grants and developing partnerships with external organizations.
  • Have graduated over 20 students, of which 18 have become International board-certified lactation consultants.

Lactation Consultant (NICU)

Atrium Levine’s Children
03.2019 - 05.2022
  • Demonstrates specialized knowledge and clinical expertise in breastfeeding and human lactation
  • Serves as an expert resource to departments and staff throughout the facility to ensure knowledge of, and adherence to, hospital policies and procedures related to human milk collection, storage, transport, and feeding
  • Responsible for assessment, planning, education, and discharge planning for lactation needs
  • Educates staff on complex breastfeeding management
  • Collaborates with the interdisciplinary care team in monitoring the breastfeeding progress of mothers and babies modifying the plan of care to promote optimal outcomes
  • Develops policies and procedures as needed for Lactation Consultant services, breastfeeding equipment and resources and participates in performance and quality improvement activities and outcomes projects
  • Managed scheduling and coordinated appointments effectively, ensuring timely access to lactation support services for patients in need.
  • Conducted group classes on breastfeeding techniques and benefits, leading to a more informed patient population.
  • Reduced instances of formula supplementation by advocating for early initiation of breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact post delivery.
  • Maintained professional growth by attending conferences and workshops focused on current trends in lactation care practices.
  • Evaluated the effectiveness of implemented interventions, adjusting care plans as needed based on progress toward desired goals.
  • Performed daily hospital rounds for all healthcare system maternity wards and facilities.
  • Served as a resource for nursing staff by providing ongoing education on lactation topics, and fostering a knowledgeable workforce.
  • Worked closely with neonatologists and pediatricians to address complex feeding issues in premature and medically fragile infants.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction by creating a welcoming and supportive environment for breastfeeding consultations.
  • Improved patient outcomes by providing comprehensive lactation support and education to new mothers.
  • Provided emotional support to families experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding, contributing to increased resilience during the postpartum period.
  • Promoted available resources and connected individuals with services.

Lactation Consultant

Novant Health
03.2019 - 11.2019
  • Responsible for providing safe, family centered patient care by assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating lactation plans for the mother-infant breastfeeding dyad, as well as for the pumping mother
  • Collaborates with the interdisciplinary care team in monitoring breastfeeding progress of mothers and babies modifying the plan of care to promote optimal outcomes
  • Demonstrates specialized knowledge and clinical expertise in breastfeeding and human lactation
  • Instructs mothers (adolescents and adults) on all tasks necessary to initiate and maintain lactation during the infant’s hospitalization; may include prenatal instruction and post-discharge follow-up
  • Evaluates breastfeeding oral motor mechanics of infants and milk transfer making appropriate recommendations and management strategies
  • Identifies patient response to care provided and collaborates with health care team to assure achievement of desired patient outcome
  • Serves as an expert resource to departments and staff throughout the facility to ensure knowledge of, and adherence to, hospital policies and procedures related to human milk collection, storage, transport and feeding
  • Represents department and self as a liaison to patients/families, visitors
  • Improved patient outcomes by providing comprehensive lactation support and education to new mothers.
  • Evaluated the effectiveness of implemented interventions, adjusting care plans as needed based on progress toward desired goals.
  • Maintained professional growth by attending conferences and workshops focused on current trends in lactation care practices.
  • Performed daily hospital rounds for all healthcare system maternity wards and facilities.
  • Utilized evidence-based practices to develop personalized care plans for each mother-infant dyad, promoting optimal health outcomes.
  • Provided emotional support to families experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding, contributing to increased resilience during the postpartum period.

Pediatric Enteral Feeding Tech

Levine’s Children’s Hospital
02.2016 - 03.2019
  • Calculate, prepare, delivery and monitors specialized infant formula, modulated infant or pediatric formulas, human milk and medical nutrition supplements
  • Maintained all sanitary regulations and standards/best practices established by regulating agencies and the health care facility
  • Efficiently operate formula preparation equipment and perform quality improvement activities
  • Performed inventory management daily with the completion of daily census sheets, unpacking and stocking of formulas, donor milk, supplements, and room supplies
  • Primary trainer for all new hires within department to orient them within our team
  • Provide new hires with education and skills to masterfully perform daily task within the prep room and how to effectively and efficiently prepare patient’s breast milk or formula feeds
  • Communicate effectively with allied healthcare team members regarding formula/ human milk orders through various telecommunication modes
  • Maintained a safe work environment by strictly adhering to established safety protocols and guidelines.
  • Trained new technicians on standard operating procedures, ensuring consistency across the team.
  • Streamlined processes by implementing efficient workflows and improving technician training programs.

Telerecruiter Customer Support

American Red Cross
10.2010 - 06.2011
  • Contacted active, lapsed, and occasional, blood donors to increase number of donors at fixed site or meet collection goals
  • Recruit prospective blood donor from a variety of sources by phoning individuals to set appointments
  • Coordinate reminder calls and follow up calls of scheduled appointments
  • Maintain daily production standards of outbound and inbound calls, appointment per hour to meet established collection goals
  • Developed a working knowledge of donor criteria to inform donors of eligibility and reduce onsite deferral rates
  • Maintain accurate records of donors/groups contacted and appointments scheduled to avoid errors, poor customer relations and to ensure sufficient donor availability
  • Maintain a positive image and stellar customer service of the American Red Cross brand
  • Demonstrated resilience in overcoming obstacles during the recruitment process by utilizing creative problem-solving techniques and maintaining a positive attitude.
  • Actively participated in weekly team meetings to discuss progress updates, share best practices, and address any challenges encountered during the recruiting process.
  • Managed a high volume of inbound calls efficiently and professionally while remaining focused on the primary goal of identifying qualified candidates.

Education

Master’s - Health and Wellness concentration in Lactation

Union Institute And University
Cincinnati, OH
08.2015

B.A. - Psychology Minor in Human Development Family Studies

University of North Carolina At Greensboro
Greensboro, NC
05.2001

Skills

  • Microsoft Office - Word, Excel, Access, Publisher, Outlook, Team Approach, Raiser’s Edge, Power Point
  • Clinical leadership
  • Clinical documentation
  • Clinical supervision
  • Patient care
  • Multidisciplinary team collaboration
  • Patient health education
  • HIPAA compliance
  • Direct patient care
  • Compliance with regulatory guidelines
  • Critical thinking
  • Patient education and counseling
  • Decision-making
  • Basic life support for health care providers (BLS)
  • Certified in CPR/AED

Accomplishments

  • Participated in the Atrium Health Doula program as a stakeholder.
  • Educated over 23 students who have become Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultants.
  • Co-founder member of Queen City Cocoa B.E.A.N.S, a local maternal health non-profit in the Charlotte area.

Certification

  • BLS Certificate, 09/11/23
  • International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, 12/01/23
  • WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, 02/01/13

Qualification Profile

Knowledgeable, articulate, and effective communicator with more than 10 years of healthcare experience supporting moms and babies during the maternal postpartum stage, specifically targeting lactation. Provide support to moms and babies within hospital and community settings. Community breastfeeding advocates as a co-founder member of QC Cocoa BEANS, a local nonprofit maternal organization, facilitating monthly breastfeeding support groups in Mecklenburg and surrounding counties. In addition to supporting families in our lactation clinic. Maintain strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities. Demonstrates excellent time management, data and academic research, and situation analysis proficiencies. Effectively trained employees on departmental procedures and in network-based data systems. Overall top performer within the department, recipient of several quarterly awards, and recognized as the 2018 Employee of the Year Award for Atrium Health Levine’s Children's Hospital. I am the collegiate Program Director for the first Pathway 2 lactation consultant training program located at Johnson C. Smith University a historically black university and college (HBCU). This program is to aid in diversifying the field of lactation.

Languages

English

Timeline

Clinical Coordinator-Professor (part-time)

Johnson C. Smith University
08.2022 - Current

Lactation Consultant Ambulatory Outpatient

Atrium Health/ Levine’s Children
05.2022 - Current

Lactation Program Director (Part-time)

Johnson C. Smith University
02.2021 - Current

Lactation Consultant (NICU)

Atrium Levine’s Children
03.2019 - 05.2022

Lactation Consultant

Novant Health
03.2019 - 11.2019

Pediatric Enteral Feeding Tech

Levine’s Children’s Hospital
02.2016 - 03.2019

Telerecruiter Customer Support

American Red Cross
10.2010 - 06.2011

Master’s - Health and Wellness concentration in Lactation

Union Institute And University

B.A. - Psychology Minor in Human Development Family Studies

University of North Carolina At Greensboro
TaHysha McClain