Nina Underman

MBA Candidate at The Wharton School

Nina Underman is the Vice President of Strategic Operations at Aware Recovery Care, where she plays a crucial role in enhancing the execution of care models and expanding services for in-home substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Her work is centered on addressing significant barriers in addiction recovery, such as accessibility, continuity of care, and long-term support for individuals in recovery.1 2

Background and Education

Nina holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Neuroscience from Bowdoin College and an MBA in Healthcare Management from The Wharton School. Her educational background has equipped her with a strong foundation in both the scientific and business aspects of healthcare.1 3

Professional Experience

Before joining Aware Recovery Care in October 2022, Nina had a diverse career in healthcare operations. She served as the Head of Clinical Strategy at Author Health, a startup backed by Humana, and held various roles at MaineHealth and Optum, focusing on care delivery strategies. Her experience spans rural healthcare systems, national provider groups, and corporate-backed startups.1 3

At Aware Recovery Care, Nina oversees a team that includes 300 peer coaches who provide weekly support to clients in their homes. This model emphasizes personalized care tailored to individual recovery journeys, which Nina believes is essential for effective long-term recovery from addiction.1 2 3

Vision and Goals

Nina's strategic focus at Aware includes developing partnerships and new products aimed at increasing access to addiction treatment for underserved populations, particularly within the Medicaid demographic. She is committed to innovating care delivery methods that meet clients where they are—both physically and emotionally—by providing comprehensive support that includes family therapy and individualized care plans.1 2

Through her leadership, Aware Recovery Care aims to redefine addiction treatment by fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for recovery, addressing the unique needs of each client.1 2