About Us
“Why a Fly?”
Quite simply, the surname “Mucha” means “fly” in Polish. Not the act of flying – it means a housefly!
“The fly, often overlooked or dismissed, is a creature of profound symbolic meaning. The fly teaches us that no matter how small or insignificant we may feel, our actions and presence can have a meaningful impact on the world around us. Through its constant movement and ability to thrive in the most unlikely of places, the fly reminds us to embrace change, to adapt to our surroundings, and to persist even when the odds seem against us.”
ourspiritanimal.com
About Stephanie
In addition to consulting work, Stephanie (“Steph”) – founder and principal of Stephanie Mucha Consulting, LLC has dedicated her career to accessible, inclusive, comprehensive healthcare for all. Stephanie holds a MPH from Northwestern University with experience in executing programs aligned with organizational goals. She’s a consensus builder who has successfully engaged local advocates, national organizations, and international agencies to champion equitable healthcare and social services. Steph is a versatile communicator and public speaker adept at distilling complex health information to diverse audiences.
Steph is a proud native Chicagoan, partner, mom, stepmom, cat mom, and a breast cancer survivor.
Steph has had the pleasure of working with the following organizations listed below. Click the arrows for specific responsibilities and noteworthy accomplishments.
Autism Society of America; Rockville, MD | Director, Vaccine Equity Project
Directed the 15-month, $3.9M Administration for Community Living/USAging Aging and Disability Vaccination Collaborative (ADVC) grant focused on the increase of older adults and people with disabilities receiving COVID and flu vaccines. Leveraged over 400 new partnerships across aging and disability networks to host community vaccine clinics, provide in-home vaccinations, and conduct outreach and education. Guided implementation of the ADVC grant deliverables with 19 sites from Autism Society’s national affiliate network. Developed training and advocacy materials, used by 6,500 healthcare professionals and public health partners, outlining the accessible vaccination delivery model. Presented at local and national conferences, highlighting project execution and success. Responsible for allowable budget expenditures and reporting. Supervised 3 Regional Project Coordinators.
Significantly exceeded all qualitative project goals, including:
– 63K COVID and flu vaccinations administered nationally. (Grantor goal: 10K)
– 77K individuals connected to support services to ensure better access to vaccinations. (Grantor goal: 50K)
– 12M outreach impressions, from traditional flyers to media events to exposure at national sporting events. (Grantor goal: 650K)
Suburban Primary Health Care Council; Westchester, IL | Director, Community Outreach and Public Relations
Developed multi-platform communication, promotion, and outreach efforts for the Access to Care (ATC) program, primarily serving communities of color in under-resourced areas. Programmatic lead on county, federal, and private foundation grants to build healthier communities through initiatives specific to equity and trusted messaging. Cultivated relationships with clinicians, civic leaders, funders, media, and community-based organizations to elevate exposure of ATC’s healthcare services. Crafted plain language public health materials, interwoven with member stories, as examples of impact. Supervised all activities of external contractors and vendors.
– Led hyperlocal mobilization efforts that gave access to initial COVID vaccines to thousands of Illinois residents.
– Created an online application to ensure access during the pandemic. 75% of applications now received digitally.
– Established a digital network of 5K+ partners that served as a source of capacity-building champions.
– Reached 3M+ individuals through digital and print ad campaigns (English and Spanish) in the Chicago Tribune.
Child Neurology Foundation; Lexington, KY | Director, Collaborative Programs and Initiatives
Led organization’s largest programs, while simultaneously establishing the foundation as a hub of education and support. Elevated foundational priorities by creating tools and educational offerings, cementing partnerships, and building market presence. Boosted operational workflows through leader cultivation, strategic planning, fiscal management, and goal setting. Created digital and print campaigns tailored for professional and public audiences. Engaged new stakeholders in organizational opportunities through local and national speaking engagements. Supervised external contractors and consultants.
– Assembled national and international entities to craft an awareness campaign, earning 194M+ media impressions.
– Connected peer supporters to families and clinicians in 50 states and 53 countries through a virtual program.
– Developed the digital Respite Care Notebook tool. Nominated for an EyeforPharma National Award.
American Academy of Pediatrics; Itasca, IL | Manager, Division of Children with Special Needs
Led children with special health care needs (CSHCN) and medical home initiatives, including both academy- and grant-funded projects. Directed communication, education, membership, and implementation efforts for 500+ volunteer members of the Council on Children with Disabilities and the Autism Subcommittee. Organizational lead, in collaboration with the CDC, in crafting autism prevalence rate messaging and combating anti-vaccine claims. Subject matter expert on diagnosis-specific and system-based CSHCN industry trends. Provided technical assistance to clinicians, agencies, and organizations interested in establishing family partnership models. Supervised staff assigned to a supplementary CDC agreement.
– Key contributor to the award-winning book, Autism Spectrum Disorder: What Every Parent Needs to Know.
– Designed and implemented creative efforts to highlight Autism Awareness Month, resulting in increased sales of educational materials. Most notably, sales of a digital toolkit increased by 500%.
– Principal contributor to Senate testimony supporting autism therapy services under TRICARE.
– Credited as lead staff on 50+ clinical policies published in the Pediatrics journal.
Also in our logo, you’ll notice 2 white lines in the fly’s top wing, that represents the Gemini symbol. In March 2024, I lost my Dad – my rock, my friend, and my fellow Gemini. I wanted my new venture to honor my Dad’s lifetime of hard work, sacrifice, strength, and unwavering support.
