Stay Connected
Follow us on Facebook Twitter YouTubeRSS Feed Email

No matter what may be your lot in life, build something on it.

Faculty & Staff

IOD Leadership

  • Charles E. Drum - Director & Professor

    Charles Drum

    PHONE: 603-862-4320
    FAX: 603-862-0555
    E-MAIL

    Education & Awards

    • Excellence in Service Faculty Award, Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, 2010
    • Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1994-1996
    • Ph.D., Social Policy, Brandeis University, 1994
    • Mary Switzer Merit Fellow, National Institute on Disability & Rehabilitation Research, 1992-1993
    • J.D., University of Oregon, 1988
    • M.S., Public Adminstration, University of Oregon, 1985
    • B.S., Political Science, University of Oregon, 1983
    Professional Background
    Dr. Charles Drum is the Director of the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire and a Professor of Health Management and Policy. He is a nationally recognized expert in disability and health, community participation, outcome evaluation, and he has also participated in disability projects in areas such as knowledge translation, accessibility, and employment. He is the author of more than 60 articles, reports, and chapters on disability issues, eight training curricula, and he is the lead editor of the first text book on disability and public health, which was co-published by the American Public Health Association and the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Among other honors and awards, he received the 2009 National Distinguished Disability Research Award at the Southwest Conference on Disabilities in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the 2008 Distinguished Faculty Award for Collaboration from Oregon Health & Science University.

    Projects

    Health Disparities Disability and Rehabilitation Research: A growing body of research has documented that persons with disabilities are more likely to experience health disparities compared to the general population. The Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project: Health and Health Care Disparities Among Individuals with Disabilities project will extend this research by determining what factors relate to or explain health outcomes and health care access among the diverse populations of individuals with disabilities.

    The New Hampshire Disability & Public Health project aims to promote and maximize health, prevent chronic disease, and improve emergency preparedness in order to increase the quality of life among people with disabilities.

    The Health Disparities & Intellectual Disability project will inform efforts to (a) improve the capacity of current health surveillance systems to track the health and healthcare of people with intellectual disabilities and (b) increase the effectiveness of health-related practices, services, and programs that influence the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.

    The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Community Living (RRTC-CL) develops evidence-based programs, policies and practices that further community living and participation among people with disabilities. The goal of the RRTC-CL is to increase the interdependence and full community participation of people with disabilities through the development and implementation of scientifically sound, theoretically driven and evidence-based interventions.

  • Susan Fox – Associate Director

    Sue Fox

    PHONE: 603-228-2084
    FAX: 603-228-3270
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • Doctoral Candidate, Sociology, University of New Hampshire
    • M.A., Sociology, University of New Hampshire, 2006
    • M.S., Educational Leadership, Lesley University, 1981
    • B.S., Education, University of Massachusetts, 1977
    Professional Background
    Susan Fox is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Institute on Disability at the University of NH and Director of the Center for Aging and Community Living. A key aspect of her work is the development of person-centered home and community based services for older adults and adults with disabilities to prevent unnecessary institutionalization and to support all citizens to live within their home communities. Prior to this, she served for five years as the State Director of the Division of Developmental Services. She managed services in a community agency serving persons with mental illness and developmental disabilities for over ten years. Including her years working in special education, she has been active in regional and statewide initiatives involving older adults and persons with disabilities for over 30 years. She is the recipient of numerous awards including the Easter Seals NH Service Award and the Granite State Independent Living Community Partner Award.

    Projects

    The Center on Aging and Community Living (CACL) is a collaboration between The Institute on Disability (IOD) and The Institute for Health Policy and Practice (IHPP) at The University of New Hampshire (UNH). These two institutes have been actively engaged in projects related to aging and long term care for many years. Jointly, the IOD and IHPP provide ongoing support to the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services, the ServiceLink Resource Center Network, and various other partners in the Aging Network, in designing, implementing, and evaluating systems change initiatives. In light of these efforts and the need to assure that the state will benefit from an integrated center for applied research, evaluation, and training on issues related to aging and long term care, the CACL was established to coordinate the work of both institutes, maximize the resources available, and provide optimal benefit to the state of NH.

    DirectConnect: With a population aging faster than the national average, the state of New Hampshire can anticipate an increasing demand for health care and support services and a heavier reliance on home and community-based services for long term care. It is projected that the need for direct care workers in home and community-based services will increase in the near future and demand will rapidly outpace supply. The Institute on Disability will address this growing need throughDirectConnect, a new project funded by a three-year, $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. As part of the project, DirectConnect will recruit, train, and place 200 new hires in home and community-based direct care jobs. To reach this goal,DirectConnect plans to implement statewide training programs which will include agency-based orientation and training, national best practice curriculums, professional credentialing processes, and established degree programs to prepare workers for placement and advancement. The project also will establish a tuition scholarship program, providing partner agencies with support to cover wages for workers who attend qualified trainings.

  • Jennifer Donahue - Director of Finance

    Jenn Donahue

    PHONE: 603-862-0321
    FAX: 603-862-0555
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • B.S., Business Studies, Southern New Hampshire University
    Professional Background
    Jennifer has been with the Institute on Disability since 2006. Jennifer currently assists in managing the business and service operations of the IOD as Director of Finance. She is responsible for the preparation and management of grant and contract funds. Prior to joining the IOD, Jennifer was the finance manager for a global media intelligence firm.

  • Matthew Gianino – Director of Communications

    Matt Gianino

    PHONE: 603-862-2300
    FAX: 603-862-0555
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • B.A., Theatre, University of Massachusetts
    Professional Background
    Since 2002, Matthew Gianino has been actively involved in the development and execution of comprehensive marketing and communications strategies and campaigns for both for-profit and non-profit organizations. In both leadership and hands-on roles, he has been instrumental in the deployment of countless successful public-oriented promotions and communication initiatives. With a background in the arts and writing, Matthew has been able to apply his eye for detail and his creative disposition along with 13 years of professional relationship building experience to encourage discourse and nurture relationships with targeted audiences, the press and strategic organizational partners. Since joining the Institute on Disability in January 2006, Matthew has spent much of his time evaluating and improving upon existing communications and marketing strategies as well as incorporating new initiatives in order to develop a comprehensive marketing plan for the organization. In addition to his expertise in communications and marketing, he is also well versed in graphic design, photography, social media and video production.

  • Andrew Houtenville – Director of Research

    Andrew Houtenville

    PHONE: 603-862-4004
    FAX: 603-862-0555
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, National Institute on Aging, Syracuse University, 1998-99
    • Ph.D., Economics, University of New Hampshire, 1997
    • M.A., Economics, University of New Hampshire, 1991
    Professional Background
    Dr. Andrew Houtenville is an Associate Professor of Economics and Research Director of the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire. He is extensively involved disability statistics and employment policy research. He has published widely in the areas of disability statistics and the economic status of people with disabilities. Dr. Houtenville received his Ph.D. in Economics from the University of New Hampshire in 1997 and was a National Institute on Aging Post-Doctoral Fellow at Syracuse University in 1998/1999.  He was also a Senior Research Associate at Cornell University and New Editions Consulting in McLean, Virginia.

    Projects

    The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Employment Policy and Measurement (EPM-RRTC) will (a) investigate the impact of government policies and programs on employment, with particular attention to the effects of program interactions, (b) examine new ways of measuring employment outcomes, and (c) facilitate the translation of research findings into policymaking and program administration. The EPM-RRTC generates new knowledge and techniques to move the field of disability policy studies forward and facilitate the utilization of this knowledge among key stakeholders. In doing so, the EPM-RRTC looks to positively influence the integration of government programs, and ultimately increase the employment and social participation of people with disabilities.

    The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Individual-Level Characteristics Related to Employment Among Individuals with Disabilities (IC-RRTC) is generating new knowledge about the role of individual characteristics on employment outcomes. Despite the ADA and advances in medicine and technology, people with disabilities, as a group, have become economically less self-sufficient over the last few decades. For people with disabilities, employment rates have declined, reliance on public benefits has increased, and household incomes have fallen further behind those of other households. In addition, there are substantial disparities in employment outcomes within the population with disabilities. The IC-RRTC will work toward improving strategies and interventions designed to foster better employment outcomes for the various subpopulations of people with disabilities.

    The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Statistics and Demographics (StatsRRTC) aims to improve knowledge about and access to existing data, and generate the knowledge needed to improve future disability data collection and dissemination. It is our goal to foster evidence-based decision making by people with disabilities and their families, advocates, policymakers, program administrators, service providers, and researchers by making data widely available and accessible.

    The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Community Living (RRTC-CL) develops evidence-based programs, policies and practices that further community living and participation among people with disabilities. The goal of the RRTC-CL is to increase the interdependence and full community participation of people with disabilities through the development and implementation of scientifically sound, theoretically driven and evidence-based interventions.

    Health Disparities Disability and Rehabilitation Research: A growing body of research has documented that persons with disabilities are more likely to experience health disparities compared to the general population. The Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project: Health and Health Care Disparities Among Individuals with Disabilities project will extend this research by determining what factors relate to or explain health outcomes and health care access among the diverse populations of individuals with disabilities.

    The Health Disparities & Intellectual Disability project will inform efforts to (a) improve the capacity of current health surveillance systems to track the health and healthcare of people with intellectual disabilities and (b) increase the effectiveness of health-related practices, services, and programs that influence the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.

  • Mary Schuh – Director of Development and Consumer Affairs

    Mary Schuh

    PHONE: 603-228-2084
    FAX: 603-228-3270
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • Ph.D., Education, University of New Hampshire, 2002
    • M.S., Special Education, Syracuse University, 1987
    • B.S., Special Education, State University of New York at Geneseo, 1984
    Professional Background
    Dr. Mary Schuh has been with the Institute on Disability since its inception in 1987, working to coordinate family and consumer leadership development and educational systems change activities in the areas of: preschool, students with emotional and behavioral disabilities, higher education, and students with complex medical issues. Dr. Schuh has more than 20 years of experience in inclusive schools and communities and project management. She is currently working on systems change in the areas of personnel preparation, leadership development, and inclusive education. She teaches a course on Introduction to Exceptionality and Educating Students with Disabilities in High School at the University of New Hampshire. Dr. Schuh has consulted extensively in the United States, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and the United Kingdom on issues related to supporting students with disabilities and their families in typical school and community environments. Among her many projects, Dr. Schuh is the Principal Investigator for the National Inclusive Education Initiative (NIEI) and the Special Education Teacher Certification in Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities academic program. She continues in the role of advisor on the award-winning documentary, Including Samuel, and is the author and co-author of a variety of books and other publications related to inclusive schooling.

    Projects
    The National Center on Inclusive Education (NCIE) at the University of New Hampshire's Institute on Disability is a leader in the transformation of schools so that students of all abilities are successfully learning in their home schools within general education settings.

    Including Samuel: Dan Habib's new award-winning documentary film Including Samuel examines the educational and social inclusion of youth with disabilities. The film is built on the Habib family's efforts to include Samuel, 11, in all facets of their lives, a journey that transforms each of them. Including Samuel also features four other families with varied inclusion experiences, plus interviews with teachers, parents, students, and disability rights experts.

    The New Hampshire Leadership Series is a seven-month training session for adults with disabilities, parents or family members of children with disabilities, and LEND Trainees. It is based on the national Partners in Policymaking model. The Series is funded by the NH Department of Education, NH Developmental Disabilities Council, NH Bureau of Developmental Services, NH Area Agencies, many public and private foundations statewide, as well as the Friends of Leadership fundraising events, and donations from NH Leadership graduates.

    The Schoolwide Integrated Framework for Transformation (SWIFT) Center offers school, states and districts the ability to build capacity to scale up and sustain new practices for schoolwide inclusive reform in urban, rural and high-need schools in grades K-8 for students with disabilities. The SWIFT Center focuses on improving the knowledge and skills of classroom educators to implement inclusive schoolwide reform; increases the capacity of schools to implement fully inclusive reform in academic, extracurricular, and school-based settings; and increases family and community engagement in schoolwide reform.

Faculty & Staff

  • Derek Ahl – APEX III Project Facilitator

    Derek Ahl

    PHONE: 207-752-4169
    FAX: 603-228-3270
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • B.A., Psychology, University of New Hampshire
    • B.S., Outdoor Education, University of New Hampshire
    Professional Background
    Derek is an Educational Consultant on the APEX III (Achievement in Dropout Prevention and Excellence) project. Prior to joining the IOD in 2010, he served as the Associate Education Director at The Browne Center for Innovative Learning, working with organizations throughout the Northeast to implement experiential and adventure-based learning strategies. Derek also works nationally as a trainer, facilitator, and coach with organizations in performance improvement and leadership development. He is actively pursuing a graduate degree and anticipates completion in May 2011. Currently Derek is working with high schools in Manchester and Derry, NH.

    Projects

    The National Center on Inclusive Education (NCIE) at the University of New Hampshire's Institute on Disability is a leader in the transformation of schools so that students of all abilities are successfully learning in their home schools within general education settings.

    APEX:     The Achievement in Dropout Prevention and Excellence (APEX) project provides training, technical assistance and staff resources to implement a comprehensive drop-out prevention model in high schools that have higher-than-average dropout rates.

    RENEW is a structured school-to-career transition planning and individualized wraparound process for youth with emotional and behavioral challenges. Developed in 1996 by staff at the Institute on Disability (IOD), RENEW is being provided by schools, community mental health centers, community-based providers, and IOD staff members to youth. The model focuses on supporting each youth to design and pursue a plan for the transition from school to adult life. RENEW has substantially increased the high school completion, employment, and post-secondary education participation rates among our most vulnerable youth.

  • Mary Ann Allsop – Training Coordinator, AT Projects

    Mary Ann Allsop

    PHONE: 603-228-2084
    FAX: 603-228-3270
    E-MAIL

    Professional Background
    Mary Ann has been with the IOD since 2004, first serving as Conference Coordinator and now as the Training Coordinator for the Assistive Technology projects. Prior to coming to the Institute, Mary Ann worked as a paraprofessional for 13 years. She is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree through Granite State College.

  • Peter Antal - Research Associate

    Peter Antal

    PHONE: 603-617-2539
    FAX: 603-228-3270
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • Ph.D., Urban Affairs and Public Policy, University of Delaware, 2005
    • Master's in Public Administration, University of Delaware, 1998
    • Bachelor's in Psychology and Human Development, University of Delaware, 1995
    Professional Background
    Peter Antal, Ph.D. joined the Institute on Disability in 2004 with a focus on providing a diverse range of evaluation and research support to the organization. Current areas of focus include: supporting improvements in the fields of mental health, genetics, leadership, staff competencies, early care and education, youth development, and transportation. Since 2007, he has led the implementation of New Hampshire's public mental health survey, resulting in heightened public awareness of mental health issues, improvements in strategic planning efforts among state and center staff, improved oversight of center contracts, and changes in how some services are offered. Across his projects, Dr. Antal adopts a collaborative approach which brings together the perspectives of multiple stakeholders (both organizations and individuals) to share ideas, develop consensus, and to collaborate resources to ensure that the mission and objectives of each endeavor are met to the fullest extent possible.

    Projects

    New Hampshire Public Mental Health Consumer Survey: In fall of 2007 the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Behavioral Health contracted with the Institute on Disability (IOD) at the University of New Hampshire to conduct the New Hampshire Public Mental Health Consumer Survey Project. The project is part of a federally mandated annual survey of the nation’s Community Mental Health Centers (CMHC). With support by the project’s advisory board, the IOD and the UNH Survey Center conducted and analyzed findings for a consumer satisfaction survey of adults, youth, and family members of youth receiving services from New Hampshire’s 10 community mental health centers. Individuals were asked for feedback in a number of areas, including: general satisfaction with services, access to services, participation in treatment, quality of treatment received, cultural sensitivity, and outcomes.

    The New England Genetics Collaborative (NEGC) is a federally-funded cooperative agreement by the Health Resources and Services Administration – Maternal and Child Health Bureau. The NEGC was established to assure that individuals with genetic disorders and their families have access to quality care and appropriate genetic expertise and information in the context of a medical home that provides accessible, family-centered, continuous, comprehensive, coordinated, compassionate, and culturally effective care.

    NH LEND: The NH Leadership in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Program (NH LEND) is a collaboration between the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and the College of Health and Human Services at the University of New Hampshire. NH LEND has provided graduate level interdisciplinary training in maternal and child health/developmental disabilities for students and professionals at UNH since 1993. In 2011, NH LEND began a partnership with the Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies/UCED at the University of Maine to serve an area that is not currently served by a LEND training program. Through this partnership, NH LEND assists in developing infrastructure and addressing regional needs, particularly in rural underserved regions of Maine. The purpose of NH LEND is to improve the health of children and youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities by preparing leaders to enter the field of maternal and child health. Trainees from a wide variety of professional disciplines engage in 300 hours of training related to interdisciplinary, family-centered, culturally competent systems of care for children and youth with developmental disabilities and their families.

    RENEW is a structured school-to-career transition planning and individualized wraparound process for youth with emotional and behavioral challenges. Developed in 1996 by staff at the Institute on Disability (IOD), RENEW is being provided by schools, community mental health centers, community-based providers, and IOD staff members to youth. The model focuses on supporting each youth to design and pursue a plan for the transition from school to adult life. RENEW has substantially increased the high school completion, employment, and post-secondary education participation rates among our most vulnerable youth.

    The New Hampshire Children's Mental Health Competencies project is designed to assist New Hampshire’s community mental health center children’s directors, family organizations, and the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a set of core competencies for direct service staffs in the children’s programs.

    The New Hampshire Leadership Series is a seven-month training session for adults with disabilities, parents or family members of children with disabilities, and LEND Trainees. It is based on the national Partners in Policymaking model. The Series is funded by the NH Department of Education, NH Developmental Disabilities Council, NH Bureau of Developmental Services, NH Area Agencies, many public and private foundations statewide, as well as the Friends of Leadership fundraising events, and donations from NH Leadership graduates.

  • Joan Beasley – Director of START Services

    PHONE: 617-469-7391
    FAX: 603-228-3270
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • Ph.D., Public Policy, The Heller School at Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, 2000
    • M.Ed., Community Mental Health Counseling, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 1981
    Professional Background
    Dr. Joan Beasley is a licensed mental health counselor and holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy from the Heller School at Brandeis University. Dr. Beasley has worked to promote the development of effective services for people with disabilities and their families for more than 30 years, and is the recipient of the 2010 Frank J. Menolascino Award for Excellence from the NADD.

    She is the author and co-founder of the START program, first developed in 1989. In 2001, START was identified in the US Surgeon General's report as a national model. She currently serves as the Director of the Center for START Services at the University of New Hampshire's Institute on Disability. The Center is dedicated to evidenced based development and implementation of effective services and supports to individuals with developmental/intellectual disabilities and behavioral health care needs and their families. 

    Current efforts include national training and consultation to states throughout the U.S., development and technical assistance for New Hampshire START, NC START in North Carolina, two pilot START programs in Butler and Hamilton Counties in Ohio for children and adolescents, a Children's program in development in Connecticut, the Arkansas START pilot in Little Rock, and statewide implementation of Virginia START. In addition, Dr. Beasley continues her work in the state of Connecticut where she has worked for more than10 years for the Commissioner's office as a consultant to the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services. 

    Dr. Beasley has published numerous peer reviewed articles and book chapters, and has provided training through the US and Canada. She serves on the National Board of Directors of NADD, and was Chair of the NADD U.S. Public Policy Committee from 2002-2008. She has served as the editor of "The US Public Policy Update" an ongoing contribution to the NADD Bulletin, since 2003..

    Projects

    The Center for START Services:     The mission of the Center for START Services is to enhance local capacity and provide collaborative, cost-effective support to individuals and their families through exemplary clinical services, education and training, with close attention to service outcomes.

  • Linda Bimbo - Director of Program Operations, Center for START Services

    Linda Bimbo

    PHONE: 603-228-2084
    FAX: 603-228-3270
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • M.S., Management, Lesley University, Cambridge, MA, 1977
    • B.S., Recreation Therapy, Springfield College, Springfield, MA, 1987
    Professional Background
    Linda joined the Institute in 2003 bringing with her over 20 years of experience in providing direction and support to people with developmental and psychiatric disabilities in the community. Working for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Departments of Mental Health and Mental Retardation (now Developmental Services), and later with non-profit organizations, Linda has provided leadership and vision in the establishment of homes and employment opportunities for people with disabilities. She is a creative thinker, disciplined analyst, and forward-moving manager who can mobilize resources, mediate conflicting interests and achieve strategic visions of organizations and the constituencies they serve. As Project Coordinator she implemented the Nursing Facility Transition Project. Linda was also Project Director for the Home Care Connections grant – Integrating Long Term Supports and Affordable Housing. Both grants were part of the CMS Real Choice Systems Change Initiative. In 2007, Linda was appointed Deputy Director and then from September 2009 to January 2011 served as Interim Director. During this time she remained engaged in project work including collaboration with Easter Seals NH on the Deployment Cycle Support Project and the NH Bureau of Behavioral Health in the drafting of a 1915b Medicaid Waiver Application. The expansion of the Center for START Services in multiple states in the US, Canada and other countries provided an opportunity for Ms. Bimbo to focus her program and operations management skills in this unique and important service area.

    Projects

    The Center for START Services: The mission of the Center for START Services is to enhance local capacity and provide collaborative, cost-effective support to individuals and their families through exemplary clinical services, education and training, with close attention to service outcomes.

  • Deb Brucker - Project Director

    Deb Brucker

    PHONE: 603-862-1643
    FAX: 603-862-0555
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • Ph.D., Planning and Public Policy with a focus on Health Policy and Disability Policy, Rutgers University, 2007
    • M.P.A., Social Policy Analysis, University of Delaware, 1995
    • B.A., Psychology and Criminal Justice, University of Delaware, 1991
    Professional Background
    As a researcher at the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability, Dr. Debra Brucker studies the economic well-being of persons with disabilities. Dr. Brucker has over 15 years of disability, health, and social policy research experience and has held research positions at academic institutions, research organizations, and state agencies. Her work has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals including the Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research, the Journal of Disability Policy Studies, and the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation. Dr. Brucker is a resident of Maine and serves on the Governor’s Commission on Disability and Employment and the State Rehabilitation Council.

    Projects

    The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Employment Policy and Measurement (EPM-RRTC) will (a) investigate the impact of government policies and programs on employment, with particular attention to the effects of program interactions, (b) examine new ways of measuring employment outcomes, and (c) facilitate the translation of research findings into policymaking and program administration. The EPM-RRTC generates new knowledge and techniques to move the field of disability policy studies forward and facilitate the utilization of this knowledge among key stakeholders. In doing so, the EPM-RRTC looks to positively influence the integration of government programs, and ultimately increase the employment and social participation of people with disabilities.

    The Health Disparities & Intellectual Disability project will inform efforts to (a) improve the capacity of current health surveillance systems to track the health and healthcare of people with intellectual disabilities and (b) increase the effectiveness of health-related practices, services, and programs that influence the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.

  • Sarah Buckovitch – Office Support

    Sarah Buckovitch

    PHONE: 603-862-0561
    FAX: 603-862-0034

    Professional Background
    Sarah has been with the Institute on Disability since 2001 and currently provides child care services for the Seacoast Child Development Clinic.

  • Kären Clausen – Senior Project Support Assistant

    Kären Clausen

    PHONE: 603-228-2084
    FAX: 603-228-3270
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • M.S., Counseling Psychology, Cappella University (in progress; expected completion Spring 2013)
    • B.A., Art History, UCLA
    Professional Background

    Kären joined the IOD’s Concord office in November 2009 and is Project Assistant to Dan Habib and the Inclusive Communities Project. Prior to working at the IOD, Kären worked in publishing for 10 years as an editorial coordinator and freelance permissions editor. Kären is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, with a focus on children and adolescents.


    Projects
    Who Cares About Kelsey?: Dan Habib's new film project Who Cares About Kelsey? documents the lives of students with emotional/behavioral challenges, and shows innovative educational approaches that help these students to succeed - while improving the overall school culture and climate.

     Including Samuel: Dan Habib's award-winning documentary film Including Samuel examines the educational and social inclusion of youth with disabilities. The film is built on the Habib family's efforts to include Samuel, 12, in all facets of their lives, a journey that transforms each of them. Including Samuel also features four other families with varied inclusion experiences, plus interviews with teachers, parents, students, and disability rights experts.

  • Heidi Cloutier – RENEW Trainer and Project Coordinator

    Heidi Cloutier

    PHONE: 603-228-2084
    FAX: 603-228-3270
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • MSW, University of New Hampshire, 2000
    • BSW, University of New Hampshire, 1997
    • AS, Business Administration, University of New Hampshire, 1995
    Professional Background
    Heidi joined the Institute on Disability in 1998 after working in Community Mental Health as a vocational counselor and case manager for individuals with chronic and severe mental health issues and drug and alcohol addiction. She has worked in transition, person-centered planning, and resource planning with youth and adults on the Career Enhancement Opportunities Project, Project Dollars & Sense, NH Microboards, the Family Centered Transition Planning Project, and RENEW. Heidi has presented nationally on topics of transition, creating individualized budgets and person centered planning. She currently facilitates planning for youth with autism spectrum disorders, trains new facilitators, and provides mentoring and technical assistance for mental health counselors and other transition planners. Heidi is currently a RENEW Trainer, and Coordinator of the Sustainable Implementation of Family Centered Transition Planning for Young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders projects.

    Projects

    The National Center on Inclusive Education (NCIE) at the University of New Hampshire's Institute on Disability is a leader in the transformation of schools so that students of all abilities are successfully learning in their home schools within general education settings.

    RENEW is a structured school-to-career transition planning and individualized wraparound process for youth with emotional and behavioral challenges. Developed in 1996 by staff at the Institute on Disability (IOD), RENEW is being provided by schools, community mental health centers, community-based providers, and IOD staff members to youth. The model focuses on supporting each youth to design and pursue a plan for the transition from school to adult life. RENEW has substantially increased the high school completion, employment, and post-secondary education participation rates among our most vulnerable youth..

    Sustainable Implementation of Family-Centered Transition Planning for Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders: This systems change initiative aims to improve high school transition, employment, post secondary education and community participation for youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.

  • Brittney DeVincenzo – Office Assistant

    Brittney DeVincenzo

    PHONE: 603-228-2084
    FAX: 603-228-3270
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • Certificate for Administrative Support Specialist, 2007
    Professional Background
    Brittney joined the IOD’s Concord office team in November 2008 as Administrative Support Specialist. Prior to joining the IOD, Brittney gained experience in the Human Services field while completing an internship at Merrimack County ServiceLink Resource Center.

  • Ann Donoghue Dillon – Program and Clinical Placement Coordinator

    Ann Dillon

    PHONE: 603-228-2084
    FAX: 603-228-3270
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • M.Ed., University of New Hampshire, 1998
    • B.S., Occupational Therapy, University of New Hampshire, 1975
    Professional Background
    Since Ann's career began as an occupational therapist, she has enjoyed supporting young children, their families and providers and working to provide supports and services that are family-centered. Her interests in inclusive education, autism, developmental disabilities, and leadership have been fueled by these connections and passions. Ensuring NH has a strong Leadership program, increasing the use of person-centered planning, organizing and designing responsive supports and systems, and pre-service and continuing education are personal priorities. Through the IOD, Ann is the Coordinator of the NH Leadership Series. She also coordinates off-site clinical placements for the NH LEND program and is their CORE Family Faculty member, and she supports the GEMSS project through NEGC. She has worked with many community, state, country and governmental agencies in the areas of systems change, medical home, positive behavioral supports, family-centered care, autism and developmental disabilities. She has recently traveled to Belarus to teach parents and professionals about inclusive education and supporting parents through the International Child Fund project. Ann is a registered and licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L) with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and the State of New Hampshire. As the parent of a wonderful daughter who had disabilities and who is now deceased, Ann applies her parenting experience to the Institute’s work in education, inclusion, medical and family support.

    Projects

    NH LEND: The NH Leadership in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Program (NH LEND) is a collaboration between the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and the College of Health and Human Services at the University of New Hampshire. NH LEND has provided graduate level interdisciplinary training in maternal and child health/developmental disabilities for students and professionals at UNH since 1993. In 2011, NH LEND began a partnership with the Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies/UCED at the University of Maine to serve an area that is not currently served by a LEND training program. Through this partnership, NH LEND assists in developing infrastructure and addressing regional needs, particularly in rural underserved regions of Maine. The purpose of NH LEND is to improve the health of children and youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities by preparing leaders to enter the field of maternal and child health. Trainees from a wide variety of professional disciplines engage in 300 hours of training related to interdisciplinary, family-centered, culturally competent systems of care for children and youth with developmental disabilities and their families.

    The New Hampshire Leadership Series is a seven-month training session for adults with disabilities, parents or family members of children with disabilities, and LEND Trainees. It is based on the national Partners in Policymaking model. The Series is funded by the NH Department of Education, NH Developmental Disabilities Council, NH Bureau of Developmental Services, NH Area Agencies, many public and private foundations statewide, as well as the Friends of Leadership fundraising events, and donations from NH Leadership graduates.

    Genetics Education Materials for School Success (GEMSS) is a website for parents, educators, nurses, therapists, counselors, and others featuring information that schools can use to support students with genetic conditions. The site houses a library of useful tools and tips for educational supports, dietary needs, field trips, sports, and much more.

  • Beth Dixon – Program Coordinator

    Beth Dixon

    PHONE: 603-228-2084
    FAX: 603-228-3270
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • B.S., Behavioral Science, College of Lifelong Learning, 2001
    Professional Background
    Beth, a parent of four children and grandparent of four, is interested in equality for all people in all areas that affect our lives--education, social/friendship ties, work environments, housing options, recreation opportunities, and more. Beth enjoys organizing and presenting best practices to participants at the NH Leadership Series. Watching people change and broaden their expectations for themselves and/or their children is exciting to her--but even more exciting is watching them become involved in their communities and in public life.

    Beth Dixon was honored in May 2011 with the Presidential Award of Excellence, an award given annually to five staff members who have demonstrated excellence through outstanding performance in their positions and a record of dedication to, and a concern for, the University community. Throughout the past 20 plus years of Beth’s tenure at the IOD, she has been responsible for growing a cornerstone program of the organization, the NH Leadership Series. As a result of Beth’s leadership and organizational talents, over 800 individuals with disabilities, their families, and graduate students have been trained in evidence-based practices to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities, their families, and their communities.

    Projects

    The New Hampshire Leadership Series is a seven-month training session for adults with disabilities, parents or family members of children with disabilities, and LEND Trainees. It is based on the national Partners in Policymaking model. The Series is funded by the NH Department of Education, NH Developmental Disabilities Council, NH Bureau of Developmental Services, NH Area Agencies, many public and private foundations statewide, as well as the Friends of Leadership fundraising events, and donations from NH Leadership graduates.

  • Sönke Dornblut – Clinical Assistant Professor

    Sonke Dornblut

    PHONE: 603-862-4064
    FAX: 603-862-0555
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • M.S., Community Economic Development, Southern New Hampshire University, 1999
    • B.A., Political Science, Plymouth State University, 1995
    Professional Background
    Sönke's primary motivation lies within a deeply held belief that society must be accessible at all levels to all people in order to fulfill its promise as a democratic society. He is interested in developing infrastructures that support access for all by utilizing community economic development strategies and structures. Current work focuses on access through transportation for people with disabilities and others who do not drive, especially in rural areas. Sönke is also intrigued by connections - both historical and current - between languages and in language as a transmitter of cultural norms and values.

    Projects

    New Hampshire Assistive Technology Partnership Project    : The goal of the New Hampshire Assistive Technology Partnership Project is to increase access to assistive technology through the creation and support of consumer driven systems for the provision of state-of-the-art assistive technology products and services for citizens with disabilities in the state of New Hampshire.

    AT Connects aims to provide access to resources and information about assistive technology and its uses and to act as a gateway to the AT Act funded projects and programs in all states and territories. AT Connects. Sharing Information. Building Community.

  • Jonathon Drake – Project Training Coordinator

    Jonathon Drake

    PHONE: 603-228-2084
    FAX: 603-228-3270
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • MSW, University of New Hampshire, 2006
    • Graduate Certificate in Leadership in Children's Health and Disability, University of New Hampshire, 2004
    • B.A., Psychology, University of New Hampshire, 2004
    Professional Background
    Jonathon started working with the Institute on Disability in 2005 as an intern through the NH Leadership in Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) program. From 2006-2009, Jonathon joined the APEXII (Achievement in Dropout Prevention and Excellence) project as an Intensive Intervention Facilitator providing on-going training and technical assistance to high school professionals around a youth intensive intervention model called RENEW (Rehabilitation for Empowerment, Natural Supports, Education, and Work). Jonathon is currently the Master Trainer for the RENEW Capacity Building Project. The RENEW project is designed to build sustainability for RENEW in the mental health system by training clinicians to use the RENEW model as an evidence based mental health intervention. The project is targeting up to 60 youth with emotional and/or behavioral disorders. Jonathon has also collaborated with Strafford Learning Center on the Wraparound initiative for the seacoast region as a wraparound trainer and facilitator.

    Projects

    The National Center on Inclusive Education (NCIE) at the University of New Hampshire's Institute on Disability is a leader in the transformation of schools so that students of all abilities are successfully learning in their home schools within general education settings.

    RENEW is a structured school-to-career transition planning and individualized wraparound process for youth with emotional and behavioral challenges. Developed in 1996 by staff at the Institute on Disability (IOD), RENEW is being provided by schools, community mental health centers, community-based providers, and IOD staff members to youth. The model focuses on supporting each youth to design and pursue a plan for the transition from school to adult life. RENEW has substantially increased the high school completion, employment, and post-secondary education participation rates among our most vulnerable youth.

  • Casey Eyring - Information Technology Specialist

    Casey Eyring

    PHONE: 603-862-1309
    FAX: 603-862-0555
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • B.S., Information Systems Management, University of New Hampshire, 2007
    • A.S., Business, Northern Essex Community College, 2005
    Professional Background
    Casey joined the Institute on Disability in May 2011 to provide technical support and advisement. His prior experience includes working with both non-profit and for-profit organizations, and his expertise includes web application development, project management, consulting, and technical support.

  • Kate Filanoski - Receptionist and Bookstore Coordinator

    PHONE: 603-862-4320
    FAX: 603-862-0555
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • B.A., Business, University of New Hampshire Manchester, 2011

    Kate joined the IOD Durham office in March 2013 as the new Receptionist and Bookstore Coordinator. A graduate of UNH Manchester, her background includes experience in both the non-profit and corporate settings, including work with the American Cancer Society, Easter Seals, and Barnes & Noble.

  • Kathy Francoeur - Research Associate

    Kathy Francoeur

    PHONE: 603-862-0318
    FAX: 603-862-0555
    E-MAIL

    Education:

    • B.A., Social Work, University of New Hampshire, 1987
    • Currently enrolled in the graduate program at Rivier College, pursuing Masters in Education in School Counseling
    Professional Background
    Kathy provides on-going training and technical assistance, data collection and analyses to local high schools to assist them in the development and expansion of implementation of school-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. In addition, Kathy is part of the NH Responds initiative as a Research Associate and High School facilitator, assisting schools to develop systemic change and a three-tiered approach to literacy interventions.

    Prior to joining the IOD in 2010, she served as Crisis Intervention Coordinator for Somersworth High School and Middle School for over 10 years. Her experience includes implementing peer mediation programs at both the middle school and high school levels; designing and facilitating weekly socials skills for students in grades 5-12; teaching conflict resolution skills in grades 5-8 groups, as well as building awareness and skill development in youth to handle issues involving bullying and harassment; leading a student leadership group which focused on student voice in the PBIS process and dropout prevention; overseeing RENEW in the high school as a 3 tiered intervention to support high school students with social and behavioral issues;  and served as an internal coach on both the Universal and Targeted Team for the middle school and  the coach for the Targeted Team at the high school. She is actively pursuing her graduate degree in Education and School Counseling. Currently, Kathy is working as a Behavior Specialist and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) facilitator within NH Responds. Kathy provides consultation to 2 high schools on school–wide PBIS implementation and literacy interventions and assists in the development RENEW (Rehabilitation for Empowerment, Natural Supports, Education, and Work) a school-based intensive support intervention to help at risk youth engage in high school completion and post secondary options.

    Projects

    The National Center on Inclusive Education (NCIE) at the University of New Hampshire's Institute on Disability is a leader in the transformation of schools so that students of all abilities are successfully learning in their home schools within general education settings.

    APEX:The Achievement in Dropout Prevention and Excellence (APEX) project provides training, technical assistance and staff resources to implement comprehensive drop-out prevention model in high schools that have higher-than-average dropout rates.

    RENEW is a structured school-to-career transition planning and individualized wraparound process for youth with emotional and behavioral challenges. Developed in 1996 by staff at the Institute on Disability (IOD), RENEW is being provided by schools, community mental health centers, community-based providers, and IOD staff members to youth. The model focuses on supporting each youth to design and pursue a plan for the transition from school to adult life. RENEW has substantially increased the high school completion, employment, and post-secondary education participation rates among our most vulnerable youth.

    The Schoolwide Integrated Framework for Transformation (SWIFT) Center offers school, states and districts the ability to build capacity to scale up and sustain new practices for schoolwide inclusive reform in urban, rural and high-need schools in grades K-8 for students with disabilities. The SWIFT Center focuses on improving the knowledge and skills of classroom educators to implement inclusive schoolwide reform; increases the capacity of schools to implement fully inclusive reform in academic, extracurricular, and school-based settings; and increases family and community engagement in schoolwide reform.

  • Amy Frechette – ASD Consultant

    Amy Frechette

    PHONE: 603-862-0561
    FAX: 603-862-0034
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • A.S., Criminal Justice, New Hampshire Technical Institute, 1997
    Professional Background
    Amy has a diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome and brings her expertise as a self-advocate to her work with the IOD. She is a strong advocate and statewide leader in the area of ASD, serving as a board member for the Autism Society of NH and a governor appointed self-advocate for NH Council on ASD which is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the recommendations made in the report NH Commission on ASD. Amy is a 2007 graduate of the NH Family and Consumer Leadership Series and co-instructor for the Graduate Seminar on ASD in the Communication Sciences & Disorders Department (with Rae Sonnenmeier, Ph.D.). She was appointed as a Communication Sciences & Disorders adjunct faculty member in October 2010. Amy has owned and trained her own Autism Service Dobs since 2003; her newest service dog, Judah, is a Keeshond.

    Projects

    NH LEND: The NH Leadership in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Program (NH LEND) is a collaboration between the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and the College of Health and Human Services at the University of New Hampshire. NH LEND has provided graduate level interdisciplinary training in maternal and child health/developmental disabilities for students and professionals at UNH since 1993. In 2011, NH LEND began a partnership with the Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies/UCED at the University of Maine to serve an area that is not currently served by a LEND training program. Through this partnership, NH LEND assists in developing infrastructure and addressing regional needs, particularly in rural underserved regions of Maine. The purpose of NH LEND is to improve the health of children and youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities by preparing leaders to enter the field of maternal and child health. Trainees from a wide variety of professional disciplines engage in 300 hours of training related to interdisciplinary, family-centered, culturally competent systems of care for children and youth with developmental disabilities and their families.

  • Art Frick - Web Designer

    Art Frick

    PHONE: 603-862-4114
    FAX: 603-862-0555
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • B.F.A., Parsons School of Design, 2006
    Professional Background
    Art Frick has been designing and developing websites and sales collateral for a variety of companies, organizations, and institutions since 2004. Art joined the Institute on Disability in August of 2012, and is tasked with maintaining the Institute’s online assets, improving and optimizing the organization’s websites, and developing dynamic solutions to increase the reach and effectiveness of the Institute on Disability’s work. Art resides in Portsmouth, New Hampshire with his awesome wife, Sydney.

  • Deborah Genthner – Project Coordinator

    Deborah Genthner

    PHONE: 603-228-2084
    FAX: 603-228-3270
    EMAIL

    Education

    • B.S., Business Administration, University of Maine, 1991
    Professional Background
    Since graduating from college, Deb has worked in the sales and customer service industry in Massachusetts, California, Illinois, and New Hampshire. After having children, she began a new chapter in her life as a mother and volunteer. Deb is a 2005 graduate of the NH Leadership Series; this opened up her world further as she became an informed advocate for her own children then was elected to her district’s School Board. Her goal is to make a difference for all children, with and without disabilities.

  • Penny Gould - Program Support Assistant

    Penny Gould

    PHONE: 603-862-0165
    FAX: 603-862-0555
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • B.A., Organizational Leadership, Southern New Hampshire University, in progress
    Professional Background
     Penny joined the IOD in February 2011 as Program Support Assistant for the following Research Rehabilitation Training Centers: Center on Disability Statistics and Demographics (StatsRRTC), Center on Individual-level Characteristics Related to Employment Among Individuals with Disabilities (IC-RRTC), and Center on Employment Policy and Measurement (EPM-RRTC). After nearly seven years working for a large local Credit Union, Penny’s passion for training and education coupled with her background in non-profit work brought her to the IOD.

    Projects

    The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Employment Policy and Measurement (EPM-RRTC) will (a) investigate the impact of government policies and programs on employment, with particular attention to the effects of program interactions, (b) examine new ways of measuring employment outcomes, and (c) facilitate the translation of research findings into policymaking and program administration. The EPM-RRTC generates new knowledge and techniques to move the field of disability policy studies forward and facilitate the utilization of this knowledge among key stakeholders. In doing so, the EPM-RRTC looks to positively influence the integration of government programs, and ultimately increase the employment and social participation of people with disabilities.

    The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Individual-Level Characteristics Related to Employment Among Individuals with Disabilities (IC-RRTC) is generating new knowledge about the role of individual characteristics on employment outcomes. Despite the ADA and advances in medicine and technology, people with disabilities, as a group, have become economically less self-sufficient over the last few decades. For people with disabilities, employment rates have declined, reliance on public benefits has increased, and household incomes have fallen further behind those of other households. In addition, there are substantial disparities in employment outcomes within the population with disabilities. The IC-RRTC will work toward improving strategies and interventions designed to foster better employment outcomes for the various subpopulations of people with disabilities.

    The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Statistics and Demographics (StatsRRTC) aims to improve knowledge about and access to existing data, and generate the knowledge needed to improve future disability data collection and dissemination. It is our goal to foster evidence-based decision making by people with disabilities and their families, advocates, policymakers, program administrators, service providers, and researchers by making data widely available and accessible.

    The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Community Living (RRTC-CL) develops evidence-based programs, policies and practices that further community living and participation among people with disabilities. The goal of the RRTC-CL is to increase the interdependence and full community participation of people with disabilities through the development and implementation of scientifically sound, theoretically driven and evidence-based interventions.

    The Health Disparities & Intellectual Disability project will inform efforts to (a) improve the capacity of current health surveillance systems to track the health and healthcare of people with intellectual disabilities and (b) increase the effectiveness of health-related practices, services, and programs that influence the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.

  • Nikki Guntz – Communications and Marketing Assistant

    Nikki Guntz

    PHONE: 603-862-1769
    FAX: 603-862-0555
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • B.A., Communication, Houghton College, 2006
    Professional Background
    Nikki has been providing coordination and support in Communications and Marketing for the IOD since April 2007. She is responsible for the design and development of print and electronic communications and collateral, including Vision & Voice (the IOD's quarterly newsletter), the annual IOD Calendar, and numerous grant and/or project-specific reports, announcements, and tools. She enjoys supporting the public face of the IOD through publication production for the IOD Bookstore, conferences and professional development opportunities, press announcements, social media engagement, website maintenance, photography, and other creative outlets. Prior to working at the IOD, Nikki worked in internal communications with the Information Systems group at Liberty Mutual Insurance, exercising skills in website content management and design, event coordination and support, and publications.

  • Dan Habib – Project Coordinator

    Dan Habib

    PHONE: 603-228-2084
    FAX: 603-228-3270
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • B.A., Political Science, University of Michigan
    Professional Background
    Dan Habib is the creator of Including Samuel and the new film Who Cares About Kelsey? Habib is the Filmmaker in Residence at the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire.

    Including Samuel was broadcast nationwide on public television stations in Fall 2009 and was nominated for an Emmy in 2010. The film has been screened at universities, national conferences and independent theatres across the country. Including Samuel has also been featured on NPR's “All Things Considered”, “Good Morning America”, as well as in the Washington Post and the Boston Globe. The film won the Positive Images in Media award from TASH, an international group committed to the full inclusion of people with disabilities. The DVD is now available with 17 language translations, closed captioning and audio description.

    Before joining UNH in April of 2008, Habib was the photography editor of the Concord (NH) Monitor. In 2006 and 2008, he was named the national Photography Editor of the Year for papers with a circulation under 100,000. He has been a judge of the Pulitzer Prizes, Pictures of the Year, Best of Photojournalism and White House News Photographer's Association. He is a six-time New Hampshire photographer of the year and his freelance work, including extensive documentary work in China, has appeared in numerous publications, including Time, Newsweek, Yankee, Life and the New York Times.

    Habib and his wife, Betsy, live in Concord, New Hampshire, with their sons Isaiah, 15, and Samuel, 12.

    Projects

    The National Center on Inclusive Education (NCIE) at the University of New Hampshire's Institute on Disability is a leader in the transformation of schools so that students of all abilities are successfully learning in their home schools within general education settings.

    The Schoolwide Integrated Framework for Transformation (SWIFT) Center offers school, states and districts the ability to build capacity to scale up and sustain new practices for schoolwide inclusive reform in urban, rural and high-need schools in grades K-8 for students with disabilities. The SWIFT Center focuses on improving the knowledge and skills of classroom educators to implement inclusive schoolwide reform; increases the capacity of schools to implement fully inclusive reform in academic, extracurricular, and school-based settings; and increases family and community engagement in schoolwide reform.

    The National Center and State Collaborative (NCSC) is developing a multi‐state comprehensive assessment system for students with significant cognitive disabilities. The Institute on Disability is partnering with NCSC to assist with the professional development component, including short films highlighting the importance of communication for students with significant disabilities.

    The Inclusive Communities Project: The Inclusive Communities Project at the IOD leverages the Institute’s expertise and the power of documentary film to promote greater acceptance and inclusion of children with disabilities in schools and communities. The Inclusive Communities Project is directed by the IOD’s Filmmaker in Residence, Dan Habib. Habib’s award-winning documentary film Including Samuel is built on his family’s efforts to include Samuel, 12, who has cerebral palsy, in all facets of their lives--a journey that transforms each of them.
    Including Samuel also features four other families with varied inclusion experiences, plus interviews with teachers, parents, students and disability rights experts. Including Samuel has become more than a film, however. It has evolved into a powerful tool to promote inclusive education, social change, disability rights and public awareness through curriculum, training and worldwide outreach. See the film trailer and read more at www.includingsamuel.com.

    Dan Habib's new film project Who Cares About Kelsey? documents the lives of students with emotional/behavioral challenges, and shows innovative educational approaches that help these students to succeed while improving the overall school culture and climate. View the preview and learn more.

  • David Hagner – Research Professor

    David Hagner

    PHONE: 603-228-2084
    FAX: 603-228-3270
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • Ph.D., Rehabilitation Counseling, Syracuse University
    • M.S., Rehabilitation Counseling, Syracuse University
    • M.A., Philosophy, University of Cincinnati
    Professional Background
    Dr. Hagner is a Research Professor and Rehabilitation Projects Director with the University of New Hampshire Institute on Disability. He holds a Ph.D. in Vocational Rehabilitation from Syracuse University and is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor with over 30 years’ experience in teaching, research, evaluation and direct service. He currently directs research and demonstration projects in the areas of transition, employment and community living for individuals with disabilities. Recent projects have included a model transition project for students with autism spectrum disorders and development of an online course for employment support staff. Dr. Hagner is the author of six books and over 50 chapters, monographs and journal articles related to employment and rehabilitation. He is a frequent presenter at regional and national conferences and serves as a reviewer for several academic journals.

    Projects
    The National Center on Inclusive Education (NCIE) at the University of New Hampshire's Institute on Disability is a leader in the transformation of schools so that students of all abilities are successfully learning in their home schools within general education settings.

    The Family-Centered Transition Project    : The Family-Centered Transition Project: Family-Centered Transition Planning for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders is a two-year collaboration between the Institute on Disability and the Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies at the University of Maine, to demonstrate an innovative approach to the transition of individuals with autism spectrum disorders from high school to adult life. Students age 16-18 enrolled in public high school and who have been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) are eligible to participate.

    Employment Consultant Training: The Employment Consultant Training project is developing and evaluating a method of online instruction to teach employment specialists, job coaches, and other direct service employment staff how to maximize the social inclusion and natural supports of employees with disabilities into the workplace.

  • Betsy Humphreys - NH LEND Training Director

    Betsy Humphreys

    PHONE: 603-862-4124
    FAX: 603-862-0034
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • Doctoral Candidate, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    • M.Ed., Early Childhood Education/Special Education, University of New Hampshire, 1997
    • B.A., Music Education, Westfield State College, 1979
    Professional Background

    Betsy joined the Institute on Disability in 2010 as Interdisciplinary Training Director for the NH Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Program (NH LEND). Betsy’s connection to the IOD goes back to the mid-90’s when she completed her master’s in early childhood special education. and participated in the NH LEND program as a trainee. She went on to serve for over ten years as early childhood special educator for the Portsmouth Early Education Program, an inclusive preschool program. During her years in the school department Betsy served as consultant for the Preschool Technical Assistance Network (PTAN), as a member of the Head Start Advisory Board, Mentor for the Early Intervention Network of New Hampshire, faculty at the College of Lifelong Learning (now Granite State College), and adjunct faculty for the Department of Education at UNH. In 2008 Betsy received a doctoral scholarship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to pursue studies in the area of autism spectrum disorders. She has been a contributing author on several manuscripts and book chapters, reviewed proposals for the Division of Early Childhood national conference, and been a guest reviewer for Topics in Language Disorders and the American Journal of Speech and Language Pathology. Betsy is in the process of completing her dissertation study, a secondary data analysis which will examine associations between the use of standardized developmental screening tools and timing of autism spectrum diagnosis in commercial claims data.


    Projects

    NH LEND: The NH Leadership in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Program (NH LEND) is a collaboration between the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and the College of Health and Human Services at the University of New Hampshire. NH LEND has provided graduate level interdisciplinary training in maternal and child health/developmental disabilities for students and professionals at UNH since 1993. In 2011, NH LEND began a partnership with the Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies/UCED at the University of Maine to serve an area that is not currently served by a LEND training program. Through this partnership, NH LEND assists in developing infrastructure and addressing regional needs, particularly in rural underserved regions of Maine. The purpose of NH LEND is to improve the health of children and youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities by preparing leaders to enter the field of maternal and child health. Trainees from a wide variety of professional disciplines engage in 300 hours of training related to interdisciplinary, family-centered, culturally competent systems of care for children and youth with developmental disabilities and their families.

  • Anne Desnoyers Hurley - Research Associate Professor

    Anne Hurley

    PHONE: 617-327-9838
    FAX: 603-228-3270
    E-MAIL 

    Education

    • Ph.D., Psychology, Northeastern University, 1974
    Professional Background
    Dr. Hurley joined the Institute in 2009 and currently serves as the Director of Training at the Center for START Services, a team of national experts in the field of mental health and intellectual/developmental disabilities. Dr. Hurley started her career as a psychologist training in neuropsychology and behavioral therapies for people who had schizophrenia, anxiety disorders and depression. During her internship, she began a specialization in the mental health problems of people with intellectual disability that became the focus of her career. In 1995, she joined the consulting team at the START Center in Massachusetts. Since that time, she has been working to integrate systems support models with behavioral and therapeutic services. Dr. Hurley has published over 100 articles and book chapters on these topics, presented numerous seminars and training programs in the US and Canada, and is on the Editorial Board of several journals. Current projects include: a contract to provide trainings and evaluate service needs of individuals in New Hampshire; a Health Foundation grant for children and adolescents in Butler County, Ohio to provide training to community providers; and a multi-state grant to provide national training to START Teams and their partners.

    Projects

    The Center for START Services: The mission of the Center for START Services is to enhance local capacity and provide collaborative, cost-effective support to individuals and their families through exemplary clinical services, education and training, with close attention to service outcomes

  • Cat Jones – Events Coordinator

    Cat Jones

    PHONE: 603-228-2084
    FAX: 603-228-3270
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • M.F.A., Creative Writing, University of Washington, 2005
    • B.A., English Literature, University of Washington, 2003
    Professional Background
    Cat joined the support staff team at the IOD's Concord office in October, 2007 as the Assistant Events Coordinator, managing online registration, assisting with the creation of marketing materials, and coordinating logistics for IOD conferences, trainings, and events. Previous to returning to her home state of New Hampshire, she helped to develop and support a spearhead professional development program serving university staff at the University of Washington's Professional and Organizational Development in Seattle, Washington.

  • Diann Kashulines - Billing Assistant

    Diann Kashulines

    PHONE: 603-228-2084
    FAX: 603-228-3270
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • Accounting, Hesser College, 1990
    • New Hampshire VocTech College at Berlin, 1986
    • General Business Studies, New Hampshire College, 1985
    Professional Background
    Diann joined the IOD in 2010 and manages billing for all of the IOD's fee for service contracts. Prior to working at the IOD, Diann served in several bookkeeping and financial administration positions.

  • Eric A. Lauer - Project Research Specialist

    Eric Lauer

    PHONE: 603-862-4320
    FAX: 603-862-0555
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • Ph.D., Epidemiology, University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey - School of Public Health, expected completion 2013
    • M.P.H., Quantitative Methods, University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey - School of Public Health, 2008
    • B.A., Psychology, Harvard University, 2000
    Professional Background
    Eric has spent the last 14 years developing his interest in disabilities and mental health. After receiving his bachelor's degree in psychology, Eric worked directly with children and adults with mental health conditions at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center and McLean Hospital. Eric's fieldwork for his master's degree examined brain weights in autism. His Ph.D. coursework was in statistics, research methodology, molecular biology, and genetic sciences. Eric's career focus includes health disparities, disabilities and mental health, with research interests such as the impact of disabilities, physical illness and mental illness on quality of life, access to care, and health outcomes. Eric's career goals include teaching, research, grant writing, and publishing as well as informing policy on the state and federal level.

    Projects

    The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Individual-Level Characteristics Related to Employment Among Individuals with Disabilities (IC-RRTC) is generating new knowledge about the role of individual characteristics on employment outcomes. Despite the ADA and advances in medicine and technology, people with disabilities, as a group, have become economically less self-sufficient over the last few decades. For people with disabilities, employment rates have declined, reliance on public benefits has increased, and household incomes have fallen further behind those of other households. In addition, there are substantial disparities in employment outcomes within the population with disabilities. The IC-RRTC will work toward improving strategies and interventions designed to foster better employment outcomes for the various subpopulations of people with disabilities.

    The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Employment Policy and Measurement (EPM-RRTC) will (a) investigate the impact of government policies and programs on employment, with particular attention to the effects of program interactions, (b) examine new ways of measuring employment outcomes, and (c) facilitate the translation of research findings into policymaking and program administration. The EPM-RRTC generates new knowledge and techniques to move the field of disability policy studies forward and facilitate the utilization of this knowledge among key stakeholders. In doing so, the EPM-RRTC looks to positively influence the integration of government programs, and ultimately increase the employment and social participation of people with disabilities.

    The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Statistics and Demographics (StatsRRTC)

    aims to improve knowledge about and access to existing data, and generate the knowledge needed to improve future disability data collection and dissemination. It is our goal to foster evidence-based decision making by people with disabilities and their families, advocates, policymakers, program administrators, service providers, and researchers by making data widely available and accessible.

    The Health Disparities & Intellectual Disability project will inform efforts to (a) improve the capacity of current health surveillance systems to track the health and healthcare of people with intellectual disabilities and (b) increase the effectiveness of health-related practices, services, and programs that influence the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.

  • Anne Long – Outreach & Communications Coordinator, AT Projects

    Anne Long

    PHONE: 603-862-4129
    FAX: 603-862-0555
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • A.S., Medical Assistant, Southern New Hampshire University, 1979
    Professional Background
    Anne has been with the IOD since November 2009 as a Program Assistant for the Gaining Access and NH RESPONDS projects, as well as the National Inclusive Education Initiative. Anne is currently the Outreach and Communications Coordinator for the Assistive Technology Priority Area. Prior to the IOD, Anne worked in information technology at a large insurance company as a software engineer.

    Projects

    New Hampshire Assistive Technology Partnership Project: The goal of the New Hampshire Assistive Technology Partnership Project is to increase access to assistive technology through the creation and support of consumer driven systems for the provision of state-of-the-art assistive technology products and services for citizens with disabilities in the state of New Hampshire.

    AT Connects aims to provide access to resources and information about assistive technology and its uses and to act as a gateway to the AT Act funded projects and programs in all states and territories. AT Connects. Sharing Information. Building Community.

  • JoAnne Malloy – Clinical Assistant Professor

    JoAnne Malloy

    PHONE: 603-228-2084
    FAX: 603-228-3270
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • Ph.D., Education, University of New Hampshire, 2011
    • M.S., Social Work Administration and Planning, University of Tennessee, 1981
    • B.A., Fine Arts, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, 1976
    Professional Background
    JoAnne M. Malloy is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work and the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire. Dr. Malloy received a master’s degree in social work administration and planning from the University of Tennessee in 1981 and a doctorate of philosophy in education from the University of New Hampshire in April 2011. She joined the staff of Institute on Disability (NH’s University Center for Excellence on Disability) in 1991 where she has directed several state and federally-funded employment and dropout prevention projects. In 1996, she directed a demonstration project to create employment opportunities for youth with emotional and behavioral disabilities. The model developed as a result of the project, known as RENEW (Rehabilitation, Empowerment, Natural supports, Education, and Work), has resulted in positive outcomes for youth with emotional and behavioral disorders and at risk youth in educational, mental health and juvenile detention settings.

    Ms. Malloy has directed two projects funded by the U.S. Department of Education that were the first in the country to link Positive Behavioral Supports and Interventions (PBIS) with dropout prevention. These projects, entitled APEX (Achievement in Prevention and Excellence) have been implemented in 17 high schools in New Hampshire, and have been replicated and expanded with state discretionary special education dollars. Ms. Malloy also directs a project funded by the NH Endowment for Health to train community mental health center staffs to provide RENEW services to youth with emotional and behavioral disorders. Ms. Malloy has published numerous articles and book chapters on employment and transition for youth with emotional disorders and adults with mental illness.

    Projects

    The National Center on Inclusive Education (NCIE) at the University of New Hampshire's Institute on Disability is a leader in the transformation of schools so that students of all abilities are successfully learning in their home schools within general education settings.

    APEX: The Achievement in Dropout Prevention and Excellence (APEX) project provides training, technical assistance and staff resources to implement a comprehensive drop-out prevention model in high schools that have higher-than-average dropout rates.

    RENEW is a structured school-to-career transition planning and individualized wraparound process for youth with emotional and behavioral challenges. Developed in 1996 by staff at the Institute on Disability (IOD), RENEW is being provided by schools, community mental health centers, community-based providers, and IOD staff members to youth. The model focuses on supporting each youth to design and pursue a plan for the transition from school to adult life. RENEW has substantially increased the high school completion, employment, and post-secondary education participation rates among our most vulnerable youth.

  • Melissa Mandrell – Project Director

    Melissa Mandrell

    PHONE: 603-228-2084
    FAX: 603-228-3270
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • MSS, Bryn Mawr College Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research, Bryn Mawr, PA 1989
    • MLSP, Bryn Mawr College Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research, Bryn Mawr, PA 1989
    • B.A., Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA 1985
    Professional Background
    Melissa joined the IOD in 2005. Currently she works on projects to support access to person-centered long-term care options for older adults, as well as assessing consumer satisfaction with community mental health services and developing core competency standards for individuals who work with children with emotional and behavioral challenges. Previously, Melissa worked on projects supporting family and informal caregivers and integrating affordable housing with long term supports. Prior to joining IOD, Melissa worked for the State of New Hampshire at the Bureau of Behavioral Health and at New Hampshire Hospital. Previous employment included University of Iowa Mental Health Clinical Research Center and United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania.

    Projects

    The Center on Aging and Community Living (CACL) is a collaboration between The Institute on Disability (IOD) and The Institute for Health Policy and Practice (IHPP) at The University of New Hampshire (UNH). These two institutes have been actively engaged in projects related to aging and long term care for many years. Jointly, the IOD and IHPP provide ongoing support to the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services, the ServiceLink Resource Center Network, and various other partners in the Aging Network, in designing, implementing, and evaluating systems change initiatives. In light of these efforts and the need to assure that the state will benefit from an integrated center for applied research, evaluation, and training on issues related to aging and long term care, the CACL was established to coordinate the work of both institutes, maximize the resources available, and provide optimal benefit to the state of NH.

  • Monica McClain - Research Associate Professor

    Monica McClain

    PHONE: 603-862-2962
    FAX: 603-862-0555
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • Ph.D., Epidemiology, Tulane University, 2001
    • M.S., Clinical Exercise Physiology, Virginia Tech, 1997
    • B.A., United States International University, 1989
    Professional Background
    Monica has a strong background in applied research and project management. The focus of her career as an epidemiologist has been on the evaluation and implementation of evidence-based medicine, and more specifically, genetic testing. Monica has worked with both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) ACCE Model Process, which takes its name from the four components of evaluation—analytic validity, clinical validity, clinical utility and associated ethical, legal and social implications, and the EGAPP (Evaluation of Genomic Applications in Practice and Prevention) Initiative for evaluating data on emerging genetic tests. These processes include collecting, evaluating, interpreting, and reporting data about DNA (and related) testing for disorders with a genetic component in a format that allows policy makers to have access to up-to-date and reliable information for decision making. She has collaborated with genetic experts across the country through her work with the CDC, Women and Infants Hospital in RI, the Institute for Preventive Medicine and Medical Screening, and the Foundation for Blood Research. Through these positions she has developed a wide breadth of knowledge about issues relevant to the field of genetics.

    Projects

    Monica is Co-Principal Investigator of The New England Genetics Collaborative (NEGC), which is a federally-funded cooperative agreement by the Health Resources and Services Administration – Maternal and Child Health Bureau. The NEGC was established to assure that individuals with genetic disorders and their families have access to quality care and appropriate genetic expertise and information in the context of a medical home that provides accessible, family-centered, continuous, comprehensive, coordinated, compassionate, and culturally effective care.

    Genetics Education Materials for School Success (GEMSS) is a website for parents, educators, nurses, therapists, counselors, and others featuring information that schools can use to support students with genetic conditions. The site houses a library of useful tools and tips for educational supports, dietary needs, field trips, sports, and much more.

    NH LEND: The NH Leadership in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Program (NH LEND) is a collaboration between the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and the College of Health and Human Services at the University of New Hampshire. NH LEND has provided graduate level interdisciplinary training in maternal and child health/developmental disabilities for students and professionals at UNH since 1993. In 2011, NH LEND began a partnership with the Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies/UCED at the University of Maine to serve an area that is not currently served by a LEND training program. Through this partnership, NH LEND assists in developing infrastructure and addressing regional needs, particularly in rural underserved regions of Maine. The purpose of NH LEND is to improve the health of children and youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities by preparing leaders to enter the field of maternal and child health. Trainees from a wide variety of professional disciplines engage in 300 hours of training related to interdisciplinary, family-centered, culturally competent systems of care for children and youth with developmental disabilities and their families.

    The New Hampshire Disability & Public Health project aims to promote and maximize health, prevent chronic disease, and improve emergency preparedness in order to increase the quality of life among people with disabilities.

    The purpose of the Northeast CCHD Newborn Screening Collaborative is to expand existing infrastructure among public health departments and birthing facilities to develop processes for Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) screening that set the stage for improved health outcomes for newborns. A multi-disciplinary team will share resources and expertise to develop screening protocols, educational materials and programs, and perform program evaluation.

    Health Disparities Disability and Rehabilitation Research:

    A growing body of research has documented that persons with disabilities are more likely to experience health disparities compared to the general population. The Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project: Health and Health Care Disparities Among Individuals with Disabilities project will extend this research by determining what factors relate to or explain health outcomes and health care access among the diverse populations of individuals with disabilities.

    The Health Disparities & Intellectual Disability project will inform efforts to (a) improve the capacity of current health surveillance systems to track the health and healthcare of people with intellectual disabilities and (b) increase the effectiveness of health-related practices, services, and programs that influence the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.

  • Michael McSheehan – Clinical Assistant Professor

    Michael McSheehan

    PHONE: 603-862-2144
    FAX: 603-862-0555
    E-MAIL
    Follow Michael on Twitter and Facebook

    Education

    • Master's Level Training, Communication Sciences & Disorders, Syracuse University
    • B.S., Communication Disorders, University of New Hampshire, 1990
    Professional Background
    Michael McSheehan, a project director with the Institute on Disability/UCED and Clinical Assistant Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders, has been affiliated with the Institute on Disability since 1993. Michael works on a variety of state and federally funded initiatives to advance research, policy, and practice in inclusive education, alternate assessment, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), autism spectrum disorders, collaborative teaming, and Response to Intervention (RtI).

    Michael was a developer, researcher, and author of The Beyond Access Model, which has been used successfully by schools across the United States to promote membership in general education classrooms, participation in general education instruction, and learning of general education curriculum by students with significant disabilities.

    In partnership with the NH Department of Education, Michael coordinated a four-year effort to revise the NH Alternate Assessment (Gaining Access). He brings insights and lessons learned from that project to a partnership with University of Kentucky (NCSC) and a national consortium of states to design and implement alternate assessment based on common core state standards and the vision of career and college readiness for students with significant disabilities. Michael also coordinates with seven elementary schools and five school districts/SAUs to develop and implement a Response-to-Intervention model that blends academic and behavioral supports (NH RESPONDS). He brings exceptional skills in working with teams to solve challenging problems within school-wide improvement and reform efforts.

    He consults with various state departments of education and is nationally recognized for his presentations at conferences.

    Projects

    The National Center on Inclusive Education (NCIE) at the University of New Hampshire's Institute on Disability is a leader in the transformation of schools so that students of all abilities are successfully learning in their home schools within general education settings.

    The National Center and State Collaborative (NCSC) is developing a multi‐state comprehensive assessment system for students with significant cognitive disabilities. The Institute on Disability is partnering with NCSC to assist with the professional development component, including short films highlighting the importance of communication for students with significant disabilities.

    The Schoolwide Integrated Framework for Transformation (SWIFT) Center offers school, states and districts the ability to build capacity to scale up and sustain new practices for schoolwide inclusive reform in urban, rural and high-need schools in grades K-8 for students with disabilities. The SWIFT Center focuses on improving the knowledge and skills of classroom educators to implement inclusive schoolwide reform; increases the capacity of schools to implement fully inclusive reform in academic, extracurricular, and school-based settings; and increases family and community engagement in schoolwide reform.

  • Maureen Miller – Business Manager II

    Maureen Miller

    PHONE: 603-228-2084
    FAX: 603-228-3270
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • M.A., Liberal Studies (in progress; expected completion December 2013)
    • B.S., Computer Information Systems
    Professional Background
    Maureen has been with the Institute on Disability since 2004. Prior to joining the IOD, Maureen was Director of Finance & Administration at a statewide human service agency. She is pleased to be part of the IOD as a member of the financial management team that supports the work the staff "in the field" perform to carry out the mission of the organization.

  • Julie Moser - Program Manager

    Julie Moser

    PHONE: 603-228-2084
    FAX: 603-228-3270
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • M.A., Liberal Studies, University of New Hampshire, 2003
    • B.A., English, University of Southern Maine, 1998
    Professional Background
    Julie Moser brings more than 12 years of project management and communications skills to the Institute on Disability. After a five-year career in journalism, she originally joined the IOD in 1999 as a project associate for major grants including Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Covering Kids project and the Department of Education’s Early Connections model demonstration project. She served at the IOD through 2004 before moving to Asheville, NC, where she served as a project manager at the University of North Carolina. With roots in New England, Julie Moser returned to the IOD in 2010 to work on behalf of the Center for START Services.

    Projects

    The Center for START Services: The mission of the Center for START Services is to enhance local capacity and provide collaborative, cost-effective support to individuals and their families through exemplary clinical services, education and training, with close attention to service outcomes.

  • Sarah O'Rourke – Senior Program Support Assistant

    Sarah O'Rourke

    PHONE: 603-228-2084
    FAX: 603-228-3270
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • B.A., Political Science, Lewis and Clark College, 2000
    Professional Background
    Sarah joined the IOD in January 2010 as a Project Assistant for the National Inclusive Education Initiative. Sarah has more recently expanded her project work to include APEX and RENEW. She is also the in-house online training coordinator. Prior to joining the IOD, Sarah was a Project Assistant for the Office of HIV/AIDS at the United State Agency for International Development and a Congressional Aide for the U.S. House of Representatives.

    Projects

    The National Center on Inclusive Education (NCIE) at the University of New Hampshire's Institute on Disability is a leader in the transformation of schools so that students of all abilities are successfully learning in their home schools within general education settings.

    APEX: The Achievement in Dropout Prevention and Excellence (APEX) project provides training, technical assistance and staff resources to implement comprehensive drop-out prevention model in high schools that have higher-than-average dropout rates.

    RENEW is a structured school-to-career transition planning and individualized wraparound process for youth with emotional and behavioral challenges. Developed in 1996 by staff at the Institute on Disability (IOD), RENEW is being provided by schools, community mental health centers, community-based providers, and IOD staff members to youth. The model focuses on supporting each youth to design and pursue a plan for the transition from school to adult life. RENEW has substantially increased the high school completion, employment, and post-secondary education participation rates among our most vulnerable youth.

    The New Hampshire Children's Mental Health Competencies project is designed to assist New Hampshire’s community mental health center children’s directors, family organizations, and the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a set of core competencies for direct service staffs in the children’s programs.

    The National Center and State Collaborative (NCSC) is developing a multi‐state comprehensive assessment system for students with significant cognitive disabilities. The Institute on Disability is partnering with NCSC to assist with the professional development component, including short films highlighting the importance of communication for students with significant disabilities.

    The Schoolwide Integrated Framework for Transformation (SWIFT) Center offers school, states and districts the ability to build capacity to scale up and sustain new practices for schoolwide inclusive reform in urban, rural and high-need schools in grades K-8 for students with disabilities. The SWIFT Center focuses on improving the knowledge and skills of classroom educators to implement inclusive schoolwide reform; increases the capacity of schools to implement fully inclusive reform in academic, extracurricular, and school-based settings; and increases family and community engagement in schoolwide reform.

  • Susan Lovas Orr – Senior Project Support Assistant

    Susan Orr

    PHONE: 603-228-2084
    FAX: 603-228-3270
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • B.A., University of New Hampshire (in progress)
    • Business Office Management/Administrative Support Certification, Burdett School, 1981


    Professional Background
    Susan has been with the Institute on Disability (IOD) since October 2008 as Senior Program Support Assistant primarily for the Aging Programs. Additionally, she provides direct support for the Department of Labor DirectConnect program and the Employment Consultant Training project. Prior to coming to the IOD, Susan worked for CCA Global Partners’ Training Department as Business Manager, which included playing an integral part in the planning and execution of “Education Day” at the bi-annual Conventions for two of their divisions. Before CCA, Susan worked for Clear Channel Communications at WGIR AM/FM Radio. She held many positions over 12 years there including Office Manager, Traffic Coordinator, Sales Assistant and Copywriter; as well as assisting the on-air staff with production and creative development.

  • Tobey Partch-Davies – Project Director

    Tobey Partch-Davies

    PHONE: 603-228-2084
    FAX: 603-228-3270
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • Ph.D., Community Economic Development, School of Community Economic Development, Southern New Hampshire University
    • M.S., Community Economic Development, New Hampshire College, 1998
    Professional Background
    Before rejoining the Institute on Disability in 2009, Ms. Partch-Davies served for six years as founding director of the Center for Community Economic Development & Disability at Southern New Hampshire University, where she served as Principal Investigator for a sub-study of NIDRR funded Asset Accumulation and Tax Policy Project; the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) funded Living with Independence, Freedom & Equality (LIFE) Project, and the Principal Investigator for several CMS funded sub-studies for New Hampshire's Medicaid Infrastructure Grant. She is the PI for the New Hampshire Medicaid Buy In Utilization project in partnership with Mathematica Policy Research, the co-PI for the Employment Infrastructure Evaluation, and the project manager for the Employment Indicator System, a multi-system, web-based, quality improvement tracking system for the employment development of people with disabilities, all sub-studies affiliated with New Hampshire’s Medicaid Infrastructure Grant.

  • Kimberly Phillips – Program Evaluation Specialist

    Kimberly Phillips

    PHONE: 603-862-0060
    FAX: 603-862-0555
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • MA, Psychology, University of New Hampshire, 2008
    • BA, Russian, University of New Hampshire, 1990
    Professional Background
    Kim conducts program evaluation, research, and project coordination for projects within the Center on Aging and Community Living and the Disability & Public Health priority areas.She arrives from her previous position at UNH, at which she assisted with research and evaluation for Prevention Innovations: Research and Practices for Ending Violence Against Women on Campus.

    Projects

    Health Disparities Disability and Rehabilitation Research: A growing body of research has documented that persons with disabilities are more likely to experience health disparities compared to the general population. The Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project: Health and Health Care Disparities Among Individuals with Disabilities project will extend this research by determining what factors relate to or explain health outcomes and health care access among the diverse populations of individuals with disabilities.

    The New Hampshire Disability & Public Health project aims to promote and maximize health, prevent chronic disease, and improve emergency preparedness in order to increase the quality of life among people with disabilities.

    Sustainable Implementation of Family-Centered Transition Planning: This systems change initiative aims to improve high school transition, employment, post secondary education and community participation for youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

    Employment Consultant Training: The Employment Consultant Training project is developing and evaluating a method of online instruction to teach employment specialists, job coaches, and other direct service employment staff how to maximize the social inclusion and natural supports of employees with disabilities into the workplace.

    The Center on Aging and Community Living (CACL) is a collaboration between The Institute on Disability (IOD) and The Institute for Health Policy and Practice (IHPP) at The University of New Hampshire (UNH). These two institutes have been actively engaged in projects related to aging and long term care for many years. Jointly, the IOD and IHPP provide ongoing support to the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services, the ServiceLink Resource Center Network, and various other partners in the Aging Network, in designing, implementing, and evaluating systems change initiatives. In light of these efforts and the need to assure that the state will benefit from an integrated center for applied research, evaluation, and training on issues related to aging and long term care, the CACL was established to coordinate the work of both institutes, maximize the resources available, and provide optimal benefit to the state of NH.

  • Kathleen Pirie – Office Manager

    Kathleen Pirie

    PHONE: 603-862-4117
    FAX: 603-862-0555
    E-MAIL

    Professional Background
    Kathleen Pirie brings more than seventeen years of administrative and leadership experience to her role as Office Manager at the IOD’s Durham Office. This experience, combined with Kathy’s commitment to providing quality support and service, makes her well suited for this role.

  • Jennifer Rabalais - Project Director

    Jennifer Rabalais

    PHONE: 603-228-2084
    FAX: 603-228-3270
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • MA, Psychology, Pepperdine University, 1997
    • BA, Psychology, University of New Hampshire, 1991
    Professional Background
    Jennifer joined the Institute on Disability as a Project Director for DirectConnect in 2010. Jennifer has spent the last 14 years working with elderly, as well as chronically and acutely ill populations in community based settings. Prior to joining the IOD, she worked for seven years as Director of Patient Services for the ALS Association – Orange County Chapter in California. In this role, Jennifer was responsible for program design, implementation and evaluation as well as general oversight of all programs. Previous to that, she provided program supervision and case management for 5 years in a Medicaid waiver program designed to post pone and/or prevent nursing home placement of at risk seniors in Los Angeles County, California. Jennifer has also worked on a research project that evaluated the efficacy of a Cognitive Behavioral group treatment approach to depression.

    Projects

    DirectConnect:     With a population aging faster than the national average, the state of New Hampshire can anticipate an increasing demand for health care and support services and a heavier reliance on home and community-based services for long term care. It is projected that the need for direct care workers in home and community-based services will increase in the near future and demand will rapidly outpace supply. The Institute on Disability will address this growing need throughDirectConnect, a new project funded by a three-year, $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. As part of the project, DirectConnect will recruit, train, and place 200 new hires in home and community-based direct care jobs. To reach this goal,DirectConnect plans to implement statewide training programs which will include agency-based orientation and training, national best practice curriculums, professional credentialing processes, and established degree programs to prepare workers for placement and advancement. The project also will establish a tuition scholarship program, providing partner agencies with support to cover wages for workers who attend qualified trainings.

  • Leigh Rohde – Clinical Assistant Professor

    Leigh Rohde

    PHONE: 603-862-0791
    FAX: 603-862-0555
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • Early Childhood Master Professional, NH Dept. of Health & Human Services, Child Development Bureau, 2011
      Workshop trainer, Faculty, Individual mentor, and Program consultant
    • Certified Trainer, Early Language and Literacy Classroom Observation Tool (ELLCO Pre-K), 2010

    • Ph.D., Teacher Education, University of New Hampshire, 2011
    • M.Ed., Early Childhood Special Education, University of New Hampshire, 1986
    • B.A., Special Education, University of Massachusetts, 1981
    Professional Background
    Leigh began working at the Institute in 1993. Prior work included teaching in a special education preschool program and as a family support worker in an early intervention program. She began at the Institute by providing technical assistance and training around elementary school inclusion. She has served as project coordinator for the Granite Ladders Project, a five-year research project evaluating the effectiveness of a literacy curriculum in Head Start classrooms, funded by the U.S. Dept. of Education, Institute of Education Sciences and the Community Options project, a model demonstration project promoting inclusive options for preschoolers. Leigh currently provides technical assistance and training for school districts and community providers in the areas of inclusion, literacy, and Response to Intervention.

    Leigh is a mother of three, including one child with special educational needs. Leigh is a past board member of the Northern New England Down Syndrome Congress and served on the Family Advisory Board for Region 8.

    Projects

    The National Center on Inclusive Education (NCIE) at the University of New Hampshire's Institute on Disability is a leader in the transformation of schools so that students of all abilities are successfully learning in their home schools within general education settings.

  • Bob Scholz - Project Coordinator, Research Assistant, National Consultant & Trainer

    Bob Scholz

    PHONE: 603-228-2084
    FAX: 603-228-3270
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • M.S., Salem State College, 1992
    • B.A., Psychology, Lyndon State College
    Professional Background
    Bob joined the Institute on Disability in 2011 after working as the Director of Residential Services for a large human services company in Massachusetts. Bob has worked to develop cutting-edge residential services to individuals with significant medical and mental health disabilities as well as developing unique services focused on end of life care for individuals with Downs Syndrome and dementia. Working closely with Dr. Joan Beasley in Massachusetts, Bob was instrumental in the development and operation of the first START Services model in Massachusetts, and would later help to operate the Sovner Center a community mental health clinic specializing in progressive treatment for individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental health issues. Bob brings over 25 years of human services, clinical, and supervisory experience to the Institute on Disability.

    Projects

    The Center for START Services: The mission of the Center for START Services is to enhance local capacity and provide collaborative, cost-effective support to individuals and their families through exemplary clinical services, education and training, with close attention to service outcomes.

  • Frank Sgambati – Project Coordinator

    Frank Sgambati

    PHONE: 603-228-2084
    FAX: 603-228-3270
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • M.S., Special Education, Southern Connecticut State University, 1976
    • B.A., Psychology, Unity College, 1971
    Professional Background
    For nearly 40 years, Frank has worked in the education field in a variety of educational and residential settings. He brings diverse experience to the Institute on Disability. Working to promote sustainable system change in schools, he has been instrumental in building the capacities in schools to support educational practices which include all students. Providing trainings for and technical assistance to teachers, therapists, paraprofessionals and administrators, he focuses on practical applications, the “how to” of achieving full participation for students with disabilities.

    Frank has also been instrumental in the development and operation of the NH Leadership Series which supports self advocacy and leadership skills for individuals with disabilities and their families who wish to affect change at a personal, community, and statewide level. He currently is the Project Director of Youth Empowerment Services (YES), providing an intensive training series in the areas of leadership, self advocacy, and future planning for young adults ages 16-22 with and without disabilities.

    He has co authored chapters in the books, Part of the Community and Tips for Inclusion Handbook by Brooks publishing and has been a contributor to several publications in the field of special education.  Frank has also conducted several workshops and trainings on “Schools are for ALL Kids” throughout the state, the nation, in the United Kingdom and most recently in Belarus.

    Projects

    The National Center on Inclusive Education (NCIE) at the University of New Hampshire's Institute on Disability is a leader in the transformation of schools so that students of all abilities are successfully learning in their home schools within general education settings.

    Including Samuel: Dan Habib's new award-winning documentary film Including Samuel examines the educational and social inclusion of youth with disabilities. The film is built on the Habib family's efforts to include Samuel, 11, in all facets of their lives, a journey that transforms each of them. Including Samuelalso features four other families with varied inclusion experiences, plus interviews with teachers, parents, students, and disability rights experts.

    The New Hampshire Leadership Series is a seven-month training session for adults with disabilities, parents or family members of children with disabilities, and LEND Trainees. It is based on the national Partners in Policymaking model. The Series is funded by the NH Department of Education, NH Developmental Disabilities Council, NH Bureau of Developmental Services, NH Area Agencies, many public and private foundations statewide, as well as the Friends of Leadership fundraising events, and donations from NH Leadership graduates.

  • Karen Smith – Program Coordinator

    Karen Smith

    PHONE: 603-862-3454
    FAX: 603-862-0555
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • B.A., Psychology, Coe College, 1982
    Professional Background
    Karen has been with the IOD since February 2008 as Project Coordinator with the New England Genetics Collaborative (NEGC). Directly before this position Karen worked as a research assistant with the Crimes Against Children Center at UNH. Karen has a strong background in human services, having directed a Juvenile Intake program for eighteen years prior to working at UNH. This experience spanned child welfare, the juvenile court system and social services, and helped Karen learn to look across systems as well as to manage day to day activities. She now uses those skills here at the IOD.

    Projects

    The New England Genetics Collaborative (NEGC) is a federally-funded grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration – Maternal and Child Health Bureau. The NEGC was established to assure that individuals with genetic disorders and their families have access to quality care and appropriate genetic expertise and information in the context of a medical home that provides accessible, family-centered, continuous, comprehensive, coordinated, compassionate, and culturally effective care.

    Genetics Education Materials for School Success (GEMSS) is a website for parents, educators, nurses, therapists, counselors, and others featuring information that schools can use to support students with genetic conditions. The site houses a library of useful tools and tips for educational supports, dietary needs, field trips, sports, and much more.

  • Rae Sonnenmeier – Clinical Associate Professor

    Rae Sonnenmeier

    PHONE: 603-862-1860
    FAX: 603-862-0034
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • Ph.D., Speech Language Pathology and Augmentative Communication, State University of New York at Buffalo, 1999
    • M.A., Speech Language Pathology, State University of New York at Buffalo, 1984
    • B.S.Ed., Communicative Disorders, State University of New York at Buffalo, 1980
    Professional Background
    Rae M. Sonnenmeier, Ph.D., is a Clinical Associate Professor with the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire. Her research focuses on understanding the communication patterns of young children on the autism spectrum, early identification of young children at-risk for an autism spectrum disorder or other developmental delays, the design of technologies and other supports for communication to support students’ learning of the general education curriculum, including literacy skills. She teaches courses on autism spectrum disorders, speech differences in young children, augmentative communication, and leadership in the field of developmental disabilities. Through her work with the Seacoast Child Development Clinic, she provides clinical assessment and consultation regarding best practices for communication development and learning to families, school personnel, and early intervention and other community-based providers.

    Projects

    NH LEND: The NH Leadership in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Program (NH LEND) is a collaboration between the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and the College of Health and Human Services at the University of New Hampshire. NH LEND has provided graduate level interdisciplinary training in maternal and child health/developmental disabilities for students and professionals at UNH since 1993. In 2011, NH LEND began a partnership with the Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies/UCED at the University of Maine to serve an area that is not currently served by a LEND training program. Through this partnership, NH LEND assists in developing infrastructure and addressing regional needs, particularly in rural underserved regions of Maine. The purpose of NH LEND is to improve the health of children and youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities by preparing leaders to enter the field of maternal and child health. Trainees from a wide variety of professional disciplines engage in 300 hours of training related to interdisciplinary, family-centered, culturally competent systems of care for children and youth with developmental disabilities and their families.

  • Jennifer L. Squires - Executive Assistant to the Director

    Jennifer L. Squires

    PHONE: 603.862.1084
    FAX: 603.862.0555
    E-MAIL

    Professional Background
    Jennifer joined the IOD in 2011 as the Executive Assistant and Senior Program Support Assistant to the Director. Jenn has over 12 years' of experience in executive assistant roles including for a past UNH President. She most recently worked as a Development Manager for a non-profit organization in Boston, and previously worked as a flight concierge for a private charter flight company. Her experience with a diverse population combined with her passion for civil rights and equality drew her to the IOD.

    Projects

    Health Disparities Disability and Rehabilitation Research: A growing body of research has documented that persons with disabilities are more likely to experience health disparities compared to the general population. The Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project: Health and Health Care Disparities Among Individuals with Disabilities project will extend this research by determining what factors relate to or explain health outcomes and health care access among the diverse populations of individuals with disabilities.

    The New Hampshire Disability & Public Health project aims to promote and maximize health, prevent chronic disease, and improve emergency preparedness in order to increase the quality of life among people with disabilities.

    The Health Disparities & Intellectual Disability project will inform efforts to (a) improve the capacity of current health surveillance systems to track the health and healthcare of people with intellectual disabilities and (b) increase the effectiveness of health-related practices, services, and programs that influence the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.

    The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Community Living (RRTC-CL) develops evidence-based programs, policies and practices that further community living and participation among people with disabilities. The goal of the RRTC-CL is to increase the interdependence and full community participation of people with disabilities through the development and implementation of scientifically sound, theoretically driven and evidence-based interventions.

  • Kate Stimmell – LEND Clinical Faculty

    Kate Stimmel

    PHONE: 603-862-4471 or 603-862-0561
    FAX: 603-862-0034
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • ABD/Ph.D., University of New Hampshire
    • M.S.OT, Boston University, Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
    • B.S.OT, Boston University, Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, 1998
    Professional Background
    Kate is an occupational therapist with over 10 years clinical experience working with people of all ages.  She is a doctoral candidate in Education at UNH and her studies have focused on supporting children with autism spectrum disorders. Kate currently teaches in the Occupational Therapy Department and she is the project coordinator for the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) program.

    Projects

    NH LEND: The NH Leadership in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Program (NH LEND) is a collaboration between the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and the College of Health and Human Services at the University of New Hampshire. NH LEND has provided graduate level interdisciplinary training in maternal and child health/developmental disabilities for students and professionals at UNH since 1993. In 2011, NH LEND began a partnership with the Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies/UCED at the University of Maine to serve an area that is not currently served by a LEND training program. Through this partnership, NH LEND assists in developing infrastructure and addressing regional needs, particularly in rural underserved regions of Maine. The purpose of NH LEND is to improve the health of children and youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities by preparing leaders to enter the field of maternal and child health. Trainees from a wide variety of professional disciplines engage in 300 hours of training related to interdisciplinary, family-centered, culturally competent systems of care for children and youth with developmental disabilities and their families.

  • Mary Straight - Office Manager

    Mary Straight

    PHONE: 603-228-2084
    FAX: 603-228-3270
    E-MAIL

    Professional Background
    Mary joined the Institute on Disability as Concord Office Manager in August 2010. Prior to coming to the IOD, Mary spent ten years at the University of Vermont Extension as an administrative assistant, program support assistant, and office manager for the St. Johnsbury Office. While there, she worked with the Coping with Separation and Divorce (COPE) Program, with a Farm Business Management Specialist, with a Community and Leadership Development Specialist, with a Food Safety and Nutrition Specialist, and with 4-H educators. Previous to that, Mary was a licensed customer service agent at a local insurance agency for 15 years.

  • Vidya Sundar – Project Director

    Vidya Sundar

    PHONE: 603-862-0284
    FAX: 603-862-0555
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • Ph.D., Rehabilitation Science, University at Buffalo, 2006
    • B.S., Occupational Therapy, Santosh College of Occupational Therapy, Dr. M.G.R University, India
    Professional Background
    Dr. Sundar joined the Institute on Disability in 2007 and is responsible for providing research and evaluation support to several projects at the IOD. Prior to this, Dr. Sundar was a post-doctoral associate at the Center for International Rehabilitation Research Information and Exchange (CIRRIE). She has extensive experience working with disability advocacy and community based agencies. Dr. Sundar’s expertise is in research and evaluation design, applied statistical techniques and measurement models in disability research. Her research interests include long term care specifically community living for the aging population and assistive technology for older adults.

    Projects

    The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Employment Policy and Measurement (EPM-RRTC) will (a) investigate the impact of government policies and programs on employment, with particular attention to the effects of program interactions, (b) examine new ways of measuring employment outcomes, and (c) facilitate the translation of research findings into policymaking and program administration. The EPM-RRTC generates new knowledge and techniques to move the field of disability policy studies forward and facilitate the utilization of this knowledge among key stakeholders. In doing so, the EPM-RRTC looks to positively influence the integration of government programs, and ultimately increase the employment and social participation of people with disabilities.

    Greater Nashua Services in Supportive Housing Project (GNSSHP): Chronically homeless persons residing in permanent supportive housing experience difficulties in obtaining substance abuse and mental health services due to availability and accessibility barriers. The GNSSH project at Harbor Homes Inc. will provide this population of focus high-quality, culturally competent, integrated, coordinated, and continuous substance use, mental health, and other supportive services delivered in home-based settings. The project aims to serve 300 unduplicated PSH residents over the project period by providing (1) intensive outpatient substance use treatment and recovery, (2) mental health therapy, medication management, and recovery support (3) peer mentoring services, (4) vocational and workforce services and (5) wraparound services to 300 PSH residents over a five-year period. The Institute on Disability will serve as the external evaluator to the GNSSH project at Harbor Homes, Inc.

  • Dawn Tomlinson - Program Support Assistant

    Dawn Tomlinson

    PHONE: 603-862-0561
    FAX: 603-862-0034
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • Certified Paralegal Studies, Boston University, 2010
    Professional Background

    Dawn joined the IOD in January 2012 as the Program Support Assistant for the NH LEND Program and Seacoast Child Development Clinic. Dawn has over 15 years' experience supporting top-level executives including Governors of Massachusetts, Commissioners of State, corporate presidents and vice presidents, and personnel at various other levels of business and government.


    Projects

    NH LEND: The NH Leadership in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Program (NH LEND) is a collaboration between the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and the College of Health and Human Services at the University of New Hampshire. NH LEND has provided graduate level interdisciplinary training in maternal and child health/developmental disabilities for students and professionals at UNH since 1993. In 2011, NH LEND began a partnership with the Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies/UCED at the University of Maine to serve an area that is not currently served by a LEND training program. Through this partnership, NH LEND assists in developing infrastructure and addressing regional needs, particularly in rural underserved regions of Maine. The purpose of NH LEND is to improve the health of children and youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities by preparing leaders to enter the field of maternal and child health. Trainees from a wide variety of professional disciplines engage in 300 hours of training related to interdisciplinary, family-centered, culturally competent systems of care for children and youth with developmental disabilities and their families.

    Seacoast Child Development Clinic: The Seacoast Child Development Clinic provides family-centered and culturally sensitive interdisciplinary evaluation and consultation to assist families of children who have developmental challenges to make informed decisions regarding medical, developmental, and educational needs.

  • Maureen Tracey – School Facilitator

    Maureen Tracey

    PHONE: 603-228-2084
    FAX: 603-228-3270
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • B.A., Rivier College
    • Certification in Life Space Crisis Intervention
    Professional Background
    Maureen joined the APEX II project in 2006 after working as a 7th grade special education case manager in Amherst, NH. APEX II, a three year grant, was an introduction and training for high schools on the three tiers of PBIS for drop out prevention. Maureen has also worked on the YES (youth empowerment series) program training youth on advocacy, leadership skills, future & transition planning.

    She has presented locally and nationally on PBIS topics with a focus on Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans She has also  collaborated with the APEX II staff in publishing a monograph for PBIS in High Schools. Maureen has also worked with the Prader-Willi Syndrome Associations of New York and New England to bridge the best practices of PBIS and Prader-Willi Syndrome together.

    Currently, Maureen is working with Memorial and Litchfield High Schools developing behavior support teams and working with students who have been identified with emotional and behavioral disabilities. She is also training Administration, teachers and staff to work with at-risk students in the RENEW model. Maureen’s passion is working with students with emotional and behavior disabilities overcome their barriers and build successful futures.

    Projects

    The National Center on Inclusive Education (NCIE) at the University of New Hampshire's Institute on Disability is a leader in the transformation of schools so that students of all abilities are successfully learning in their home schools within general education settings.

    APEX: The Achievement in Dropout Prevention and Excellence (APEX) project provides training, technical assistance and staff resources to implement a comprehensive drop-out prevention model in high schools that have higher-than-average dropout rates.

  • Scott Trudo - Project Director

    Scott Trudo

    PHONE: 603-228-2084
    FAX: 603-228-3270
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • B.S., Management, Franklin Pierce University, 1994
    Professional Background
    Scott joined the Institute on Disability as a Project Director for DirectConnect in June 2010. Prior to joining the IOD, he was Director of Workforce Development for Moore Center Services where he led a department responsible for the professional development of staff at all levels within the organization. Scott was responsible for developing and implementing an initiative to professionalize the direct support workforce utilizing the College of Direct Support, a national best practice web-based curriculum. While Scott’s career at Moore Center began as a direct support professional, he has spent the past several years focused on creating efficient, cost-effective workforce development systems. Prior to joining Moore Center in 2002, Scott had over 20 years of experience in the field of training and development where he worked with organizations throughout the world.

    Projects

    DirectConnect:     With a population aging faster than the national average, the state of New Hampshire can anticipate an increasing demand for health care and support services and a heavier reliance on home and community-based services for long term care. It is projected that the need for direct care workers in home and community-based services will increase in the near future and demand will rapidly outpace supply. The Institute on Disability will address this growing need through DirectConnect, a new project funded by a three-year, $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. As part of the project, DirectConnect will recruit, train, and place 200 new hires in home and community-based direct care jobs. To reach this goal, DirectConnect plans to implement statewide training programs which will include agency-based orientation and training, national best practice curriculums, professional credentialing processes, and established degree programs to prepare workers for placement and advancement. The project also will establish a tuition scholarship program, providing partner agencies with support to cover wages for workers who attend qualified trainings.

  • Jill Varney – Administrative Program Specialist

    Jill Varney

    PHONE: 603-862-3476
    FAX: 603-862-0555
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • B.A., Women's Studies, University of New Hampshire, 2002
    Professional Background
    Jill has been with the Institute on Disability since 2007, beginning as Publications Coordinator/Program Support Assistant working with the Director of Communications. In 2012, she joined the financial management team as the Administrative Support Specialist. In this role, Jill works with the Director of Finance on grant and non-grant funds, supporting the tracking, reporting, and reconciliation of revenue and expenses, working with project investigators to facilitate grant submissions, and working to support the financial planning of events and trainings. A graduate of UNH, her background includes experience in both the non-profit and corporate settings.

  • Shannon Wedge - Online Events & Website Coordinator, START

    Shannon Wedge

    PHONE: 603-228-2084
    FAX: 603-228-3270
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • B.A., English Education, University of New Hampshire, 1999
    Professional Background
    Shannon joined the Institute on Disability in 2011 after working in educational assessment for a decade. Her early work history also includes having been the coordinator of an early childhood literacy program for NH Reads through Americorps*VISTA, and having been a paraprofessional and co-teacher for a special needs preschool/kindergarten in Wakefield, NH.

    Projects

    The Center for START Services: The mission of the Center for START Services is to enhance local capacity and provide collaborative, cost-effective support to individuals and their families through exemplary clinical services, education and training, with close attention to service outcomes.

  • Therese Willkomm – Clinical Assistant Professor

    Therese Willkomm

    PHONE: 603-862-1056
    FAX: 603-862-0555
    E-MAIL

    Education

    • Nationally Certified Assistive Technology Practitioner (ATP), 1997
    • Ph.D., Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, 1997
    • M.S., Vocational Rehabilitation, Job Development, Job Placement, Drake University, 1984
    • B.S., Vocational Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin-Stout, 1982
    • B.S., Special Education K-12, University of Wisconsin-Stout, 1982
    Professional Background
    Dr. Willkomm is currently the Director of the New Hampshire Statewide Assistive Technology Program (ATinNH) with the Institute on Disability and a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy. In addition, Dr. Willkomm is the coordinator of the Graduate Certificate in Assistive Technology Program and the coordinator of the Disability Studies Minor. She has been in engage in providing/managing assistive technology services for over 28 years in the areas of home, school, and worksite modifications for persons with disabilities. She is known nationally and internationally as “The MacGyver of Assistive Technology" and for her work in rural rehabilitation technology. Dr. Willkomm has presented in 38 states, five foreign counties, and three U.S. Territories and authored 22 publications including her most recent book titled “Make A Difference Today – Assistive Technology Solutions in Minutes."

    Projects

    New Hampshire Assistive Technology Partnership Project    : The goal of the New Hampshire Assistive Technology Partnership Project is to increase access to assistive technology through the creation and support of consumer driven systems for the provision of state-of-the-art assistive technology products and services for citizens with disabilities in the state of New Hampshire.

    AT Connects aims to provide access to resources and information about assistive technology and its uses and to act as a gateway to the AT Act funded projects and programs in all states and territories. AT Connects. Sharing Information. Building Community.

  • Michelle Winchester - Health Policy Analyst

    E-MAIL

    Education

    • J.D., Franklin Pierce Law Center, 1998
    • Graduate Work, Nutritional Biochemistry, 1976-1977
    • B.A., Biology, St. Michael’s College, 1976
    Professional Background
    Michelle provides legal and policy analysis for a variety of projects at the Institute on Disability. Prior to joining the IOD in 2010, Michelle was a health and long-term care policy analyst with the Institute for Health, Law, and Ethics at the Franklin Pierce Law Center (a UCED partner) for eleven years and continues to work with the IHLE. Her work employs legal and policy analysis to research, report, comment, and propose recommendations relative to the impacts of federal and state law, including government funding sources, on the integration and provision of quality health and social services to the people of New Hampshire. A primary focus of her work has been to enhance the home- and community-based long term care infrastructure for children and adults in New Hampshire. Additionally, from 2006 to 2009, Michelle was a member of New Hampshire’s team in the national Health Information and Privacy Collaborative, assessing state law and policy on issues related to electronic health information use, disclosure, and privacy. Other areas of particular focus include:  Medicaid law and policy; managed care issues affecting people with disabilities; and legal and financial planning for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Contact

UNH Institute on Disability
10 West Edge Drive
Suite 101
Durham, NH 03824
phone: 603.862.4320
relay: 711
fax: 603.862.0555
Contact the IOD

IOD Websites

AT Connects
Center for START Services
DirectConnect
Disability Compendium
GEMSS for Schools
Including Samuel
IOD Bookstore
Look Back Plan Forward

MCH LEND
New England Genetics Collaborative
NH Leadership
NH WIRC
Real Choice
Research on Disability
Seacoast Child Development Clinic
Who Cares About Kelsey?

University of New Hampshire Logo

AUCD logo
Level A conformance icon, W3C-WAI Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0

sitemap | support | privacy policy | terms of use | ADA | UNH | CHHS 

© 2013 Institute on Disability. All Rights Reserved.