Background

ASD Roadmap

Current vita

Overall Growth

I supported the consolidation and growth of a program grounded in ABA. Rapid changes in the awareness of ASD threatened to overwhelm the program because of the increased number of children and the broadening of the spectrum served.

Evidence-Based Practices

DAP's unprecedented growth during my tenure was complicated by many competing claims about the effectiveness of new interventions and new programs. I developed, adopted, and enforced standards of evidence-based practice and data-based decision-making statewide.

ASD Identification

I developed and implemented a research-based protocol across the state. This included the re-alignment of state regulations with the DSM, and the implementation of a related program of specialized and intensive training and coaching for more than 80 staff.

Behavior Support

I was responsible for oversight of behavior support at DAP.  I revised and expanded the mandate, functioning and oversight of an independent Peer Review Committee. These efforts contributed to extremely low rates of hospitalization and residential placement.

Student Safety

I developed a program for the appropriate use of seclusion and restraint, ensuring compliance fully with the most stringent standards, and helping to maintain extremely low rates of in-patient hospitalization or residential placement.

Extended Services

I revised and expanded the mandate, functioning, oversight, and statewide access to DAP's unique program of respite and residential services. These efforts contributed to extremely low rates of hospitalization and private placement.

Staff Training

All of these initiatives required significant investments in staff and parent training, leading to the development of models of training.  I also helped to lead an overhaul of Delaware's graduate ASD teacher certification requirements and courses.

Current vita