STATEMENT OF GOALS
It would be an honor to serve as a Member at Large for AAIDD’s Board of Directors. Throughout my time as a member of the Association, I have always been impressed by the diversity of the membership. The organization attracts and retains an amazing blend of individuals interested in academia, policy, practice, and advocacy. If elected to this position, my primary goal would be to continue bridging these interests around our common mission supporting individuals with IDD. As a second goal, I would draw upon my own expertise regarding crisis intervention services and the co-occurrence of mental illness among individuals with IDD. These are issues in the field that require ongoing attention, which I would promote through my involvement with the board. As a third goal, I would maintain strong support for the Student and Early Career Professionals Interest Network. In my current role as Director of Professional Training Programs overseeing internship and practicum opportunities in Milwaukee County, I strongly believe in fostering the development of the next generation of professionals in the field.
BRIEF BIOGRAPHY:
Current Position:
As the Director of Professional Training Programs at the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services, I oversee the development and maintenance of all internship and practicum opportunities throughout the organization. As a licensed Clinical Psychologist, I also continue to provide crisis intervention services that can include individuals with IDD.
Previous Positions:
As the Chief Psychologist at the Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division (2015-2022), I offered supervisory and clinical leadership for a team of professionals who provided crisis intervention services for individuals with IDD.
As an Attending Psychologist at the Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division (2006-2015), I provided crisis intervention services within a hospital setting. Within that role, I was able to develop specialized expertise in the assessment, crisis stabilization, and coordination of outpatient services for individuals with IDD.
Education:
PsyD - Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology, Argosy University
MA - Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, Argosy University
BA - Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Criminology/Law Studies, Marquette University
AAIDD Participation:
- Currently serving as the Psychology Interest Network (PIN) Award Committee Chair
- Continuous service since 2008 to the AAIDD-WI Chapter Executive Board in multiple leadership roles:
- AAIDD Region 6 Co-Chair (2017-2020)
- President Elect (2011-2013), President (2013-2015), & Immediate Past President (2015-2017)
- Member-at-Large (2008-2011 & 2023-Present)
- Continuous service since 2007 to the AAIDD-WI Chapter’s Training Committee
- Served as the Local Arrangements Committee Co-Chair for the 2019 AAIDD Annual Meeting in St. Paul, MN
- Presented/co-presented at multiple AAIDD Annual Meetings
Activities/Awards:
- I authored a chapter in a new book, Emergency Psychiatry, that was published by the Oxford University Press in June 2023. The chapter is titled, “Developmental Disabilities” and it addresses the unique needs of individuals with IDD.”
- Board member, Bread of Healing Clinic 2023-present
- Board member, Wisconsin Psychological Association's Advocacy Cabinet 2010-2015