Member Spotlight 

Name: Deborah Leopold

Location: Massachusetts 

Member since: 1991

Employment: 
Senior Program Manager for Developmental Services at Behavioral Health Network, Inc. which is based in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Why did you join AAIDD? 
It is the pre-eminent organization on intellectual and developmental disabilities

Why did you choose the field of intellectual disability? 
It began with a job ad in the Boston Globe for a residential position with the then North Shore Arc in Salem, Massachusetts. I lived in a group home and fell in love with the people we served and it has never stopped. I am retiring in February. I’ve been inspired by my staff, enjoyed collaborating with funding sources, but my favorite part of my career remains living in the group home and now being very happy when someone we serve stops by the office because those visits are so worthwhile.