Peak Performer: Kendra Allen

Kendra is approaching her two year anniversary with Cook Children’s Health Plan (CCHP). Kendra came to CCHP with previous experience in managed care, but did not have a background in utilization management. Kendra has put in countless hours to learn and understand rules related to utilization management, denials, appeals, and fair hearing since joining the Health Plan.

In March 2022, we went through a Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Readiness related to a new process taking effect in May. Not only did Kendra play a key role in preparing Tapestry for the project, but she took over developing our slides for readiness review and presented to HHSC. Kendra also helped to prepare front-line staff from Member Services in addition to her own department for interviews. Kendra was very confident in her presentation and represented CCHP and Cook Children’s Health System to the highest extent possible. HHSC was very complimentary of her knowledge.

Webster’s dictionary should put a photo of Kendra by the word multitask for all she can achieve in one day. Kendra recently onboarded five new hires, which involves developing training schedules, 1:1 follow-ups, and supporting staff daily until they are settled in their new role. While this is challenging, she is doing a great job at this. To make her light shine even brighter, these new hires were added to her team to support Behavioral Health (BH) insourcing. Not only is she helping her staff learn, but she is also learning BH as this is a new venture for CCHP.