ABOUT ERIKA SESSIONS, MS

Healthcare Innovation and Policy Consultant
Helping health tech innovators and care providers build scalable, compliant, and workforce-driven solutions.

Mission-Driven.  Industry-Tested. Workforce-Focused.

With over a decade of experience spanning policy, compliance, and caregiver workforce development, I partner with companies committed to delivering quality care and building sustainable systems for older adults and individuals with disabilities. Whether you're a growing health tech company or a senior care agency or facility, I help you align your business strategy with the complex regulatory landscape—and design innovative solutions that work in the real world.

I specialize in

  • Direct care workforce solutions: recruitment, retention, and career pathways

  • Training program development: regulatory alignment, upskilling, and compliance

  • Policy and regulatory analysis: federal and state-specific frameworks

  • Strategic implementation: supporting scale, change leadership, and operational growth

MY APPROACH

I integrate deep regulatory expertise with strategic foresight to deliver measurable impact. My background in long-term care and community-based services allows me to anticipate changes, close compliance gaps, and empower my clients to build with confidence.

I believe the health of our workforce is inseparable from the health of our care system. That’s why my work always centers on improving outcomes—for care providers, caregivers, and the individuals they support.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF COMPLIANCE AND POLICY DEVELOPMENT

CareAcademy

  • Created employer-driven training programs reaching 500,000+ direct care workers

  • Researched and documented nearly 600 provider types to guide product innovation

  • Built a custom database and implemented legislative tracking, safeguarding $1.4M ARR

  • Secured 34x growth in approvals and accreditations for senior care training programs

  • Applied AI tools to accelerate development, achieving 97.5% efficiency gains

  • Developed and scaled state-specific training solutions, increasing program reach tenfold

  • Partnered with Southern New Hampshire University to create career advancement pathways

SALES AND MARKETING PROJECT MANAGER

Planar Systems

  • Led strategic partnerships and brand-building initiatives through roadshows, corporate training events, and sponsorships

  • Managed cross-functional project teams, consistently delivering complex projects on time and within budget

  • Elevated brand visibility and client engagement through targeted experiential marketing campaigns

REGUATIONS AND COMPLIANCE MANAGER

Institute for Professional Care Education (IPCed)

  • Developed state-compliant training programs tailored for senior care providers across regulatory environments

  • Streamlined operational workflows and internal systems to enhance performance, customer satisfaction, and scalability

  • Delivered compliance solutions that aligned business growth with evolving state-specific requirements

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP IN ACTION

As a cross-functional leader, I’ve helped organizations navigate regulatory complexity, align stakeholders, and drive strategic growth. I collaborate closely with executives, care providers, vendors, and policymakers to ensure teams stay aligned on compliance, innovation, and mission delivery.

Notable Achievements:

  • Secured a $1.5M CalGrows Grant to enhance caregiver training in California

  • Spearheaded new programs linking workforce development with recruitment and retention

  • Led initiatives that transformed unregulated care spaces into structured career pathways

  • Presented industry insights through webinars, public speaking, and legislative briefings

EDUCATION

M.S. Healthcare Management
Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)

  • Specialized in operations, systems improvement, and American healthcare policy

  • Led my graduate capstone team, presenting strategic recommendations to academic leaders

B.A. Environmental Science
University of Denver

  • Minors in Spanish and Geology, with immersive field and global studies

  • Developed adaptable leadership and communications skills rooted in cross-cultural understanding

EXPERTISE AND SKILLS

Healthcare Compliance | Senior care regulation, workforce policy, Medicare & Medicaid

Training Design & Public Speaking | Custom training programs, speaking to stakeholder audiences

Data-Driven Decision-Making | Performance analytics, legislative tracking, market feedback

Process & Operational Integrity | Scalable systems, change management, cross-functional delivery

Technical Tools | AI, Quickbase, Salesforce, FiscalNote, Asana, Microsoft Suite

MY VALUES

INTEGRITY
In every decision and partnership

CURIOSITY
As a driving force for problem-solving

COLLABORATION
To build and deliver better solutions

ADAPTABILITY
To lead in complex and changing systems

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

I live in California’s high desert where I restore native landscapes and contribute to the art community. When I’m not gardening or reading, I’m traveling with my husband, Joe—an explorer of points-based luxury travel. I find inspiration in nature, great books, and meaningful conversations with people trying to change the system for the better.

QUESTIONS? LET’S Talk.

HAVE QUESTIONS OR JUST WANT TO CONNECT?