Kari M. Howard, MSN, RN

I’m Kari Howard, a healthcare executive, consultant, and strategist dedicated to transforming care delivery. With over 17 years of leadership experience spanning medical and behavioral health, I specialize in driving operational excellence, championing trauma-informed care, and leading organizations through change.

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Through LightGrove Consulting, I help healthcare teams streamline operations, strengthen leadership, and create high-quality, sustainable care models—all while prioritizing human connection and equity.

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Leadership & Expertise

✔ Executive Leadership & Operations – As Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Unity Center for Behavioral Health, I led strategic initiatives that revitalized employee engagement, reduced medication errors by 80%, and decreased medical emergencies by 75%. I’ve overseen multi-million-dollar budgets, restructured staffing models, and improved financial performance across organizations.

✔ Regulatory & Quality Improvement – I have deep expertise in navigating complex regulatory landscapes and aligning healthcare operations with CMS, TJC, and state regulations. My leadership helped improve emergency department protocols, enhance patient safety, and implement continuous quality improvement systems.

✔ Trauma-Informed & Behavioral Health Care – I’ve built and led innovative models for behavioral health, ensuring safe, compassionate, and evidence-based approaches to care. My expertise in trauma-informed care, DEI, and staff well-being allows me to create cultures of safety, trust, and resilience.

✔ Innovation & New Ventures – I have successfully launched a new hospital, patient care units, and an outpatient residential facility, managing everything from strategy and regulatory compliance to staffing and financial oversight. I thrive in building from the ground up and optimizing existing structures for efficiency and impact.

 

Why LightGrove Consulting?

I partner with healthcare organizations ready to embrace change, optimize operations, and lead with empathy. Whether you're navigating leadership transitions, improving clinical workflows, or driving cultural transformation, I bring data-driven insights and a human-centered approach to help you achieve sustainable success.

Let’s work together to build a stronger, more equitable future in healthcare.