Ariel Ghanayem is a clinical services program manager with expertise in behavioral health assessments and care setting determinations for Medicaid populations. She leads multi-state Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) programs, supporting clinical operations, program performance, and financial oversight while helping states deliver timely, accurate, and person-centered assessments.
Ariel partners closely with state agencies and program stakeholders to strengthen assessment quality, improve consistency in clinical decisions, and support individuals’ access to the most appropriate care settings. She brings experience across PASRR processes, including Level I screens, Level II evaluations, reconsiderations, and appeals, and is committed to advancing person-centered practices that improve outcomes for individuals with complex behavioral health needs.
As an operations and quality leader at Maximus, she previously supported PASRR program delivery through billing and reporting, system implementation, provider education, and state communication. She collaborated with internal and external partners on hearings and appeals and contributed to process improvements that enhanced consistency, accuracy, and compliance across programs.
Before joining Maximus, Ariel worked in outpatient and residential behavioral health settings, serving individuals with mental health, developmental disability, and substance use needs.
Ariel holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology and sociology and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She is a licensed master social worker.
