Heather Ford joined Sunshine Health in August 2013 and transitioned to Centene Corporation in January 2019 joining the Child Welfare Education and Training team. Her career began with The Mentor Network in Child Welfare, providing direct oversight of care, credentialing packets and facilitating MAPP Certification Trainings for potential foster families. She has spent the majority of her career working directly within the community as a case manager and therapist in outpatient and school based programs to at-risk youth ranging from infant mental health, 0-3 to teens transitioning to independent living. Heather also managed the Family Preservation Program with Children’s Home Society for 5 years. This program collaborated with Department of Juvenile Justice, Broward Sheriff’s Office, and ChildNet. She was also responsible for the oversight of the crisis intervention team. Heather is currently a Clinical Provider Trainer serving the Sunshine Health Plan in Florida & Centene Corporation Her outreach spans from local to national audiences.

Heather is a liaison in the community collaborating with providers, community based care agencies, local advocate groups as well as caregivers and families involved in the Child Welfare system. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College in Psychology, and her Masters in Social Work from Barry University. Heather also holds a Master’s degree in Health Administration and her Six Sigma Green Belt. She is a certified Adoption Competency trainer. Heather has over 20 years of experience working with youth across the spectrum of mental health and behavioral challenges.

In her work life balance time you will find Heather engaged in multiple recreational activities from taking a brisk run, attending a jazz concert, going to a tea party to name a few. She has two daughters Skye and Shaye and claims all bragging rights for both! Running about each day are her two adorable puppies Teddy a Yorkie and Tracee an Aussiepoo. Their total weight together is 9 pounds wet.