Hello
Carmen Plaja-Cordero, MHA, is the Founder & Principal of Placord Healthcare Consulting, LLC. She is a highly accomplished professional with over 20 years of extensive experience in healthcare and social services.
About Me
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Carmen has held administrative and senior leadership roles, managed a multi-million-dollar state-funded program and overseen daily operations. Working closely with NYS DOH Health Home Program and Managed Care Organizations contracts.
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She has worked with various agencies, including Federally Qualified Health Centers, hospitals, domestic violence organizations, substance use disorder centers, and criminal justice-focused organizations.
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Carmen is a subject matter expert consultant on healthcare-related programs. She has extensive experience in operations, project management, team development, change management, and consulting on program start-ups.
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Carmen has implemented effective strategies that have strengthened community relations and healthcare systems. She led a successful campaign to gain trusted approval for an Outpatient Substance Use Disorder & Primary Care clinic in the South Bronx from a Community Board and neighborhood constituents.
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Carmen is inspired by cultural diversity and leads with positive change. She firmly believes in healthcare equality and the right to care accessibility for all in need.
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Carmen has a Bachelor's in Psychology from Lehman College and a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from Seton Hall University.
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Former: Bronx Community Board 7 Member and Co-Chair NYC Regional Planning Consortium (RPC) Advisory Board
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What About Me? I'M AN ORIGINAL!
As a seasoned Healthcare Consultant, bringing a wealth of experience guiding growing organizations and start-ups, integrating Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), Medical & Behavioral Health, and Care Coordination into their programs. Experience crafting strategic plans that enhance services and bridge critical gaps, thereby improving health outcomes. Proficient in developing and implementing evidence-based programs tailored to community needs while navigating the complexities of NYS program policies and requirements. Assist in identifying viable funding opportunities and spearheading quality improvement initiatives, with a strong emphasis on patient-centered care and advocacy for sustainable care models, providing comprehensive technical support in these areas. Track record forging successful internal and external partnerships to address the social determinants of health needs. Well-versed in managing budget operations and resource allocation, ensuring the efficient use of resources. As a subject matter expert in Health Home Care Management, knowledgeable about program operations, policies, and procedures. Contributions to the field include developing training programs, webinars, and conferences focused on SDOH, trauma-informed care, and care coordination. Being Fluent in Spanish enhances the ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations.
Life Balance
Carmen is the founder of the Women-4-Coffee.com blog, where she shares coffee and travel experiences while highlighting the work of coffee farming.​​ Carmen was born in Brooklyn, NY, and grew up in the Inwood area of NYC. The proud daughter of Puerto Rican parents. Carmen is happily married and has a loving dog named Boomer. Every morning Boomer is drawn into the kitchen by the aroma of coffee.
