Rita Samaras

Rita Samaras

Family Educator

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location of Rita SamarasSmiths Grove, Kentucky, United States

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  • Timeline

  • About me

    Manager, Budgets and Resources/Manager, Visiting Scholar Residences for Global Learning and International Affairs WKU

  • Education

    • SouthCentral Community and Technical College

      -
      Associates in Applied Science Medical Administrative/Executive Assistant and Medical Secretary
    • Western Kentucky University

      2002 - 2008
      BIS Business
    • Bowling Green Technical College, Bowling Green, KY

      2002 - 2004
      AAS Medical Administrative Assistant
    • Western Kentucky University

      2014 - 2017
      Master of Arts (M.A.) Organizational Leadership
  • Experience

    • Ohio Valley Education Coop.

      Apr 2006 - Jun 2008
      Family Educator

      As a Family Educator I built relationships with the families in the program through home and school visits. I recruited families at risk that would benefit from program services. I introduced parenting skills that promoted interest in children’s development and education. I encouraged and assisted parents in obtaining a GED, post secondary education, or employability skills through collaboration with the local adult education programs. I conducted early childhood assessments in accordance with program guidelines. I arranged and provided transportation for children and families to and from needed services. I acted as liaison between parents and the school. I collected and prepared data for end of month reports. I maintained documentation to support family participation as well as other administrative tasks. I ensured compliance with confidentiality guidelines Show less

    • Primitive Gatherings

      Aug 2008 - now
      Owner

      Tax preparation and reporting, License compliance, sales, inventory control, marketing, event planning, customer service, store front appeal, floor displays, staffing, crafting and creation, database management, accounts payable and receivables.

    • Elkins Chiropractic

      Sept 2009 - Sept 2010
      Receptionist/Scheduler/Office Manager

      As a cross trained office professional, I prepared patient intake forms and histories. I maintained physician and appointment schedules. I answered a multi¬line telephone system, received daily payments, posted charges and payments, and reconciled the cash drawer daily. I collected and compiled data for financial records. I verified insurance, prepared and performed patient education, written correspondence, and maintained follow-up records. I controlled inventory and ordered supplies to function within budget. I participated in the development of office policies and procedures. I performed Medical Assistant duties as well as assisted in Physical Therapy. I acted as time keeper and reporter. I tracked and prepared reporting documentation for vacation and sick leave balances. I acted as benefits coordinator for life, health, and dental insurances. I prepared personnel documentation which included the W-2, W-4, and I-9. I ensured compliance with Workers Compensation guidelines. I ensured compliance with HIPPA guidelines regarding confidential patient and staff information. I maintained databases, for clients and for staff. I participated in the selection and interview process for new hires. I reconciled financial reports for accounts payable and receivable. I supervised 3 to 4 staff. Show less

    • Commonwealth of Kentucky

      Nov 2010 - Dec 2013
      Administrative Specialist II

      As Administrative Specialist II to Nursing Services, I assist with planning and organizing training material and implementation of HIPPA guidelines for handling of confidential information. I conduct the new staff orientation. I establish, organize, and participate in performance improvement teams and workgroups. I participate and track revisions and updates to policies and procedures. I organize and keep policy manuals current. I perform research for various program topics preparing complex reports for the Director of Nursing to present. I provide administrative support to the Director of Nursing by utilizing organization, prioritization and written/verbal communication skills. I participate as lead panel member of nursing interviews. I prepare personnel documents as related to the selection, interviewing, and hiring process. I collect, tabulate and enter data to maintain multiple nursing department databases. I prepare and edit complex reports and audits, for completeness and accuracy. I provide facility support as Certified Investigator. I collect and track physical and testimonial evidence. I prepare and maintain investigation report data. I perform several databases audits on a monthly basis. I ensure compliance with employee infection control guidelines. I am responsible for interpreting and following state guidelines in regard to records retention for the Nursing Department. I am responsible for Director of Nursing’s calendar of events and schedule. I perform complex duties in a fast paced environment while prioritizing ever changing task with great attention to detail and accuracy. I use Microsoft Office applications with proficiency along with facility specific software applications to perform a majority of job duties. Show less

    • Western Kentucky University

      Jan 2014 - now

      I manage unit budgets and accounts to fulfill Global Learning and International Affairs (GLIA) role in the WKU strategic plan.I prepare analysis and report related to budget and fiance to enable leadership to make informed decisions.I supervise the general business, office, and human resource administration for the unit.I manage the Associate Provost's calendar to coordinate meetings and events with various stakeholders internal and external to campus. I provide administrative support to the Associate Provost to ensure designated tasks are performed in a timely and accurate fashion.I act as proxy for the Associate Provost as relates to budget and human resource approvals.I prepare complex international and domestic travel vouchers, and itineraries in accordance with University policies for the Associate Provost.I create reports, files, formal correspondences, and official documents in proofed finalized format. I transcribe documents and prepare meeting minutes.I handle highly confidential matters with appropriate tact, courtesy, sensitivity, and professionalism.I plan, schedule, and prioritize work activities and assignments to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in meeting required deadlines.I interact professionally with a wide spectrum of individuals to include faculty, staff, administration, students, and vendors.I supervise the front office staff, encouraging goal planning , time management and customer service skills to facilitate professional growth.While maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, accountability, and cooperation I perform in a highly organized and efficient manner with the ability to multi-task while paying attention to details. I utilize strong decision making, problem solving, organization, and interpersonal communication skills while working with a wide spectrum of individuals in a diverse setting to align with departmental and University mission and values. Show less I manage comprehensive calendars for the CIO, coordinate and schedule meetings and event with various individuals and groups, internal and external to campus. I manage the International Enrollment Management (IEM) and the International Student Office (ISO) budgets and other financial related activities for the department including accounts payable and receivable. I perform data entry of requisitions and purchase orders for approval and payment.I provide administrative support to the CIO and take action to ensure designated tasks are performed in a timely fashion with necessary resources and data.I research and complete complex international and domestic travel arrangements, travel vouchers, and itineraries in accordance with University policies for the CIO.I create documents, reports, files, a variety of correspondences, and official documents in proofed finalized format. I transcribe documents and prepare meeting minutes.I handle highly confidential matters with appropriate tact, courtesy, sensitivity, and professionalism.I plan, schedule, and prioritize work activities and assignments to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of assigned duties in meeting required deadlines.I interact professionally with a wide spectrum of individuals to include faculty, staff, administration, students, and vendors.I supervise the front office staff, encouraging goal planning , time management and customer service skills to facilitate professional growth.While maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, accountability, and cooperation I perform in a highly organized and efficient manner with the ability to multi-task while paying attention to details. I utilize strong decision making, problem solving, organization, and interpersonal communication skills while working with a wide spectrum of individuals in a diverse setting to align with departmental and University mission and values. Show less As Distance Learning Specialist I over see State Authorization, Copyright, and ADA compliance related to the delivery of distance education options. I also function as a resource for faculty. I maintain up to date information on the distance learning website related to compliance issues. I provide information trainings to enhance compliance and awareness of state authorization and copyright related topics, policies, or procedures.I prepare progress and potential risk factor reports for upper-level administrators regarding compliance.I verify that all pertinent federal and state standards for distance course delivery have been documented, implemented, and communicated to appropriate WKU employees.I assist with investigations of alleged noncompliance as assigned. I work with various campus office compliance representatives on current and emerging issues.I conduct periodic internal program and operating procedures reviews to ensure adherence to federal and state regulations and standards.I collaborate with academic departments to assists with the development, implementation, and revision of compliance procedures for WKU distance education degree offerings.I file appropriate state authorization applications and reports with regulatory agencies for WKU degree and certification offerings.I receive and process copyright permission requests and payments as needed for distance courses.I respond to and review student concerns and complaint procedures regarding state authorization.I consults with agency representatives as necessary to address legal compliance issues.I strive to be informed regarding pending industry changes, trends, and best practices, and assesses the potential impact of these changes on internal processes. Show less

      • Manager, Budgets and Resouces/Manager, Visiting Scholar Residences

        Aug 2018 - now
      • Assistant to Chief International Officer

        Mar 2015 - now
      • Distance Learning Specialist

        Jan 2014 - now
  • Licenses & Certifications

    • Investigator 1

      Facility Investigator 1
      Oct 2011