IDD/Autism Summit at TUFH 2025

Session: Collaborative Leadership: Building a Unified System of Care for Lasting Change inIDD and Autism Services
September 14th: 15:00 – 17:00 pm

Dr. Patrick Maynard is a seasoned leader in publicly funded services and a champion of the
social-entrepreneurial model—fostering collaboration, innovation, and improved outcomes for individuals with complex needs. With a background in psychology, he began his career as the country moved to deinstitutionalize mental health care. This shift sparked his passion for
transforming systems rather than just treating individuals.
Over more than 30 years, Dr. Maynard has revitalized stagnant nonprofit organizations, helping them grow sustainably while staying focused on those they serve. Since becoming President and CEO of I Am Boundless, Inc. in 2015, he has led the organization from a $25 million local provider to a $90 million statewide network supporting thousands of children and adults with intellectual, developmental, and behavioral health challenges.
A native of Wooster, Ohio, Dr. Maynard holds degrees from The Ohio State University,
Pepperdine University, and Ohio University, with post-doctoral studies at Harvard’s Kennedy
School. He is known not only for his strategic leadership but for the deep personal connection he maintains to Boundless’ mission—often citing the transformative journeys of those served as his greatest reward.

Session: The Policy Landscape for Complex Care: Policy Leaders’ Perspectives on Building Stronger Systems and Services
September 15th: 10:00 – 11:00 am

Chris Wolf is the Executive Vice President for I Am Boundless, a family of affiliated social service and health care organizations serving the disability community and specializing in supporting, and serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Chris is identified by the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence as a subject matter expert in the field of adult habilitation and vocational services. He lead several breakout sessions, and completed assessments and planning over a 5 year period, in concert with OCALI’s goals of supporting the transformation of the IDD system.
Chris has either started and worked in several outpatient clinics that focus on the IDD population, and is recognized for his ability to effectively braid different levels of government and private sector funding to create innovative, sustainable, and effective programs.

Session: Transforming Lives with Integrated Care: Advancing Support for Individuals with Autism & Neurodiversity at Woods System of Care
September 14th: 10:30 – 11:30 am

Dr. Mark S. Wolff is the Morton Amsterdam Dean of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and a Professor in the Department of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry. He became the 12th Dean of the School in 2018 and is recognized as a celebrated teacher, globally engaged scholar, and experienced clinician. Before joining Penn Dental Medicine, Dr. Wolff served as a professor and chair of cariology and comprehensive care at the College of Dentistry at New York University (NYU), where he was also the senior associate dean for development and alumni relations. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), PhD in Oral Biology and Pathology, and completed a General Practice Residency at Stony Brook University. Dr. Wolff has led numerous international research initiatives and oral health assessment programs. He designed, developed, and implemented a comprehensive curriculum on caries risk assessment and created dental information systems to help dental schools monitor patient risk across entire patient populations. He has served as the principal or co-investigator on various research projects funded by industry and the National Institutes of Health, focusing on topics such as dental caries, novel remineralizing agents, dental erosion, periodontal disease, dental materials, dentinal hypersensitivity, and dental anxiety. Throughout his career, he has co-authored over 100 scientific papers, text chapters, and edited multiple textbooks. Dr. Wolff lectures worldwide and is a frequent consultant to industry. He began his dental career as a private practitioner, establishing a family practice that served patients with complex medical needs and individuals with disabilities of all ages. He is a lifelong advocate for people with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities and is also a respected dental educator.

Session: Collaborative Leadership: Building a Unified System of Care for Lasting Change in IDD and Autism Services
September 14th: 15:00 – 17:00 pm

Kion Glover, LAC, Ed.S is a licensed mental health therapist and fashion model, specializing in anxiety, depression, and mental performance. With a client-centered and culturally sensitive approach, Kion use evidence-based practices like CBT and mindfulness to support emotional healing. Kion is also a passionate advocate for mental health awareness in the entertainment and fashion industries, creating space for open dialogue around wellness and identity. Kion’s dedication to advocacy is reflected in her mental health brand/podcast – The Creative’s Mind. As both a therapist and a model, Kion brings a unique voice to the intersection of mental health, media, and representation.

Session: Academic Session
September 15th: 13:30 – 14:30 pm

Dr. Janet Somlyay is a nursing faculty at Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. She is nationally board certified as a psychiatric nurse practitioner (adult & family), pediatric nurse practitioner and as a pediatric mental health specialist. Dr. Somlyay resides in Wyoming and has been a nurse for 41 years. A lifelong learner, she has graduated from multiple universities including The College of New Jersey, University of Utah, University of Wyoming, Air Force School of Health Care Sciences, and Arizona State University. Dr. Somlyay also has a graduate degree as a perinatal clinical nurse specialist. She was a pediatric nurse practitioner in the Air Force and retired at the rank of Lt. Colonel. Dr. Somlyay then went on specialize as a psychiatric nurse practitioner and nurse educator for the past 25 years. She teaches psychiatric nurse practitioner students with a focus across the life span as well as advanced practice nursing courses. Dr. Somlyay also teaches pediatric primary care to family nurse practitioner students. Her passion is improving the care of children and adults (and their families) with special needs and elevating the education of future advanced practice nurses to provide excellent evidenced based care to whom they care for.

Session: Integrated Autism/IDD Care: Bridging Systems and Lived Experience
September 14th: 11:30 – 12:30 pm

Dr. Kerry Magro (Mah-grow) Ed.D. was nonspeaking till 2.5, diagnosed with autism at 4 and didn’t speak in complete sentences until 7 years old. Today as an adult he is an award-winning autistic professional speaker, best-selling author and autism consultant to Netflix’s Emmy-Award Winning Series ‘Love on the Spectrum U.S’and the HBO series Mrs. Fletcher. His work also includes being hired as a writer for the PBS Kids new series ‘Carl the Collector’ featuring the TV Network’s first-ever autistic main character.
He started professional speaking 14 years ago via the National Speakers Association after he fell in love with theater as a child to help with his social and communication skills. Today he has spoken at over 1400 events during that time include 2 TEDxTalks and a ‘Talks at Google’ presentation. In addition, Kerry is CEO & President of KFM Making A Difference, a nonprofit organization that hosts inclusion events and has provided 150 scholarships for autistic students for college and counting since 2011. He’s provided 27 small business grants for small businesses that hire people with disabilities and has played Santa Claus for autistic and special needs children for the past decade to give them an opportunity to meet Santa in a sensory-friendly environment.
Kerry’s best-selling books Defining Autism From The Heart, and Autism and Falling in Love, I Will Light It Up Blue and his latest, Autistics on Autism, Supporting Your Autism Journey and Santa Goes The Extra Mile for Children with Disabilities have reached Amazon Best-Seller Lists for Special Needs Parenting. His latest book ‘’ was released on April 2, 2024 for World Autism Awareness Day!

Session: Redesigning Care Pathways for Autism and IDD: Community-Based Solutions to Complex Behavioral and Medical Challenges
September 15th: 15:00 – 16:00 pm

Stacy L. Nonnemacher, Ph.D. is the Director of Cross-Systems Strategies for the National Association for State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS) where she is responsible for leading NASDDDS’ efforts to support states in developing positive support models for people with dual diagnosis, medical complexity, multi system involvement, and other populations with complex support needs. Dr. Nonnemacher received her Ph.D. from Lehigh University and most recently served as the Clinical Director for Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations in the Department of Human Services’ Office of Developmental Programs. In this role, Stacy influenced, and informed policy and programmatic decisions related to state Medicaid programs focusing on clinical practices and behavioral science to affect change and create best practices in supporting people, their families, and other supporters. With over twenty-five years of experience in the field supporting children, adolescents, and adults in home, community, and school settings, Dr. Nonnemacher also conducted applied research and capacity building efforts embracing the application and replication of positive approaches.

Session: Integrated Autism/IDD Care: Bridging Systems and Lived Experience
September 14th: 11:30 – 12:30 pm

Sabra Townsend, MS, is currently the Director of Operations for Jefferson Center for Autism and Neurodiversity. Prior to Jefferson, her experience includes a public health focus on community service to children with special needs. She directed an AmeriCorps national service program, managed medical and nursing students who performed health assessments, and provided training to parents and professionals on topics including special education and everyday strategies for improved life outcomes. Her neurodivergent son informs her work on a daily basis. Sabra earned her BS in Industrial Engineering from Lehigh University with a concentration in Operations Management, MS in Architecture and Design Research, and is enrolled in the TJU/UCD SMARTlab PhD program.

Session: Breaking Barriers: Addressing Stigma in Care for Mental Health, IDD, and Autism
September 15th: 11:00 – 12:00 pm

Hitesh Patel, PharmD
Co-Owner & Chief Operating Officer, Rapps Pharmacy Group
Hitesh Patel, PharmD, is a dedicated pharmacist and healthcare executive with a strong commitment to community-focused care. Since becoming co-owner of Rapps Pharmacy Group in 2014, he has played a pivotal role in expanding the organization’s reach and enhancing its services across New Jersey.
In 2019, Dr. Patel spearheaded the establishment of Rapps LTC Pharmacy in Middlesex, NJ, a closed-door long-term care facility that provides specialized pharmaceutical services to various healthcare institutions, including group homes, addiction recovery centers, and mental health organizations. Under his leadership, Rapps Pharmacy Group now encompasses three distinct locations.
As Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Patel oversees the operations of all three pharmacies, ensuring they deliver high-quality, patient-centered care. He has been instrumental in integrating advanced technologies to streamline operations and increase compliance for organizations throughout the state.
Dr. Patel’s contributions to the community have been recognized through several honors, including being named the 2021 Corporate Citizen of the Year by Catholic Charities of Trenton. He also received a Letter of Commendation from Task Force Liberty, acknowledging his commitment to service and excellence in the field of pharmacy.

Session: Collaborative Leadership: Building a Unified System of Care for Lasting Change inIDD and Autism Services
September 14th: 15:00 – 17:00 pm

 I/DD Senior Advisor and former CEO of Chimes International , School Principal (permanent NY) Board Certified Behavior Analyst (Licensed) – Executive Management Consulting
In addition to earning his M.S. in Psychological Services from the University of Pennsylvania, including attendance at the Wharton School, Terence is a Licensed School Principal, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and Certified Addictions Specialist. He earned his B.S. in Psychology from Saint Peter’s University.
Terry brings more than three decades of diverse leadership experience serving the needs of people with disabilities. Recently, he served as president and CEO of the not-for-profit Chimes International. Previously, he served as Chief Operating Officer of Manhattan-based Serving the Underserved, providing services to people with intellectual disabilities, behavioral health, mental health, substance abuse issues and veterans’ services in various coordinated and integrated care models. Terry has also worked as a Direct Care Counselor for a large community-based residence leading the development and operation of preschool programs for children with disabilities under the authority of the New York State Educational Department. He also launched his own consulting practice for not for profits and government-funded agencies and led program expansion and business development efforts for a large not for profit that provides job opportunities for people with barriers to independent employment. Notably, Terry helped lead the development of the country’s only I/DD focused ACO. During the establishment of these entities, he worked with NCQA to impact national policy to accommodate the special needs of the I/DD and ASD (Autistic Spectrum) populations. Terry is a regular presenter at the National level for Applied Behavior Analysis International and most recently was an invited speaker on “How to implement evidence-based practices to obtain enhanced rates for adult I/DD services.

Session: Integrated Autism/IDD Care: Bridging Systems and Lived Experience
September 14th: 11:30 – 12:30 pm

Amy Kelly brings nearly two decades of profound personal and professional experience to this initiative, deeply understanding the landscape of neurodiversity, autism, intellectual disabilities, advocacy, and special education. Following her daughter’s diagnosis with severe autism and related conditions in 2003, Ms. Kelly became a dedicated advocate and change agent. Her insights led to the creation of the Director of Family & Community Services role at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health in 2011, where she championed increased family engagement. Now serving as Devereux’s National Director of Family Engagement across 12 states since 2019, Ms. Kelly has demonstrably enhanced collaboration with families and caregivers throughout the behavioral health, autism and IDD journey. Her commitment extends to establishing the Devereux National Youth Advisory Council, empowering young individuals with neurodevelopmental differences. Holding an MBA from Saint Joseph’s University and a Masters in Nonprofit Management from Johns Hopkins, Ms. Kelly contributes her expertise as a family representative and advisor on numerous local and national special needs boards. Her active involvement with organizations like the American Board of Pediatrics Foundation, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and the Autism Speaks Autism Care Network, along with her service on the Executive Committee of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, underscores her dedication to advancing awareness, quality care, and resilience for children and families with special needs.

Session: Integrated Autism/IDD Care: Bridging Systems and Lived Experience
September 14th: 11:30 – 12:30 pm

Session: Transforming Lives with Integrated Care: Advancing Support for Individuals with Autism & Neurodiversity at Woods System of Care
September 14th: 10:30 – 11:30 am

Session: Reimagining Medication Management: Leveraging Data-Driven Solutions for Individuals with IDD and Autism
September 14th: 13:30 – 14:30 pm

Session: Empowering care: Prioritization of Autism and IDD training for health care professionals
September 15th: 13:30 – 14:30 pm

Sailaja Musunuri, MD, Executive Vice President of Integrative Medicine and Chief of Psychiatry is an accomplished physician, psychiatrist, and leader with over 20 years of experience in clinical practice, specializing in the care of children and adults with intellectual disabilities, autism, co-occurring psychiatric disorders, and other complex medical conditions.
She currently serves as the Executive Vice President of Integrative Medicine and Chief of Psychiatry at Woods System of Care, where she is recognized for her exceptional leadership, innovative thinking, and ability to deliver results across diverse clinical settings. Double board- certified in both Adult and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Dr. Musunuri is known for her compassionate, high-quality care and her ability to think creatively, challenging conventional approaches to healthcare. Her leadership extends beyond clinical practice to include fostering key collaborations with nonprofit health organizations and pharmaceutical leaders, focusing on improving services and outcomes for individuals with intellectual disabilities. She has played a pivotal role in building trust and driving mission-critical initiatives within her organization. Dr. Musunuri is also the founder of the Mollie Woods Hare Center for Excellence in Neurodivergence – Intellectual Disability, Autism, and Mental Health, which serves as the training and dissemination hub for best practices in the field. In addition, she is an active Board
Member of The Network: Toward Unity for Health (TUFH), a global non-state actor aligned with the World Health Organization. TUFH works to foster equitable, community-oriented health services and research globally, and Dr. Musunuri’s involvement further underscores her commitment to enhancing healthcare access for vulnerable populations. With her unique combination of clinical expertise, leadership, and global partnerships, Dr. Musunuri continues to drive forward the strategic goals of Woods System of Care, ensuring that individuals with disabilities receive the highest quality of care and support. Her connections across the U.S. and India are instrumental in developing new programs and partnerships aimed at improving services for people with disabilities in both regions.

Session: Collaborative Leadership: Building a Unified System of Care for Lasting Change in IDD and Autism Services
September 14th: 15:00 – 17:00 pm

Session: Redesigning Care Pathways for Autism and IDD: Community-Based Solutions to Complex Behavioral and Medical Challenges
September 15th: 15:00 – 16:00 pm

Ryan Garrison, MS, NCC, LP, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Innovation, is responsible for expansion and development of organic and inorganic growth in conformance with the Woods System of Care strategic direction. This role includes identifying, developing and implementing new revenue-generating business and program development opportunities, and oversight of admissions for Woods, WCS, and Beechwood. He serves as a liaison to government agencies and funding agencies to create and enhance interest in Woods System of Care’s services and the capacity to partner to develop new innovative services to establish a full continuum of care. He brings more than 25 years of professional experience in all aspects of behavioral healthcare services, program operations, and business development. Garrison served as the Vice President of Admissions and Clinical Services at Woods Services before moving over to support Woods System of Care. He continues to provide individual and group counseling services at a private practice in Warrington, PA. He received his B.A. in Psychology and his M.S. in Mental Health Counseling at Gwynedd Mercy University. He also achieved licensure as a professional counselor.

Session: Building Better Systems for Families: Policy Solutions to Address Health and Advocacy Needs for Neurodiverse Communities
September 15th: 16:00 – 17:00 pm

Nina Wall, MSS, LSW,  brings over 20 years of experience in the field of autism, intellectual disabilities and  behavioral health .  Her professional endeavors span clinical practice, public policy, systems transformation, and advocacy. She served for 18 years  as Pennsylvania’s founding director of the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations where she led statewide autism initiatives and worked to develop integrated supports across the lifespan. Nina is now with the Woods System of Care, where she focuses on building coordinated, person-centered services that address the complex behavioral, medical, and mental health  needs of individuals with autism.

Nina is deeply committed to equity, access, and quality in care. She is a graduate of Bryn Mawr College’s Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research.  In addition to her systems-level work, Nina serves as adjunct faculty at St. Joseph’s University, where she teaches a graduate-level course on Autism Spectrum Disorder across the lifespan.  Her work is informed by her lived experience as the parent of an adult with autism.

Known for her collaborative style and dedication to person- and family-centered values, Nina continues to advocate for inclusive, holistic care that empowers individuals and honors their lived experience.

Session: Empowering care: Prioritization of Autism and IDD training for health care professionals
September 15th: 13:30 – 14:30 pm

Dr. Wei Du graduated from medical school and graduate school in China. He completed his residency in psychiatry at Drexel University College of Medicine. He is the Chief Academic Officer and Senior Vice President, Academic Affairs at Tower Health. He is appointed as Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education at Drexel University College of Medicine and serves as the Designated Institutional Official for its residency and fellowship programs at Tower Health. He is Professor of Psychiatry and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Drexel University College of Medicine. He also has a secondary appointment as Professor of Pharmacology and Physiology. At Tower Health, he leads the behavioral health service line as the Service Line Medical Director. He is the Founding Program Director of Drexel-Janssen Fellowship in Psychiatric Drug Development, an innovative training program in the country. He served as the Program Director for the Drexel University College of Medicine General Psychiatry Residency Program in the past. He has served as a thesis advisor for several MD/PhD and PhD students at Drexel. At Drexel, he co-directs Drexel University’s Medical Cannabis Research Center and currently serves as the PI (principal investigator) for a clinical trial examining the impact of medical cannabis on quality of life in patients with HIV, neuropathic pain, and PTSD. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, American Board of Addiction Medicine, and the American Board of Preventative Medicine. He served as reviewer of several journals and a member of numerous professional organizations. He is currently on the Editorial Board of PIPE (Psychiatrist-in-Practice Examination), American College of Psychiatrists. He was on the editorial committee for Model Curriculum of Psychopharmacology of American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology. He has served on many leadership committees on the national and local level. He is an author of many book chapters and peer-reviewed articles. In addition to his academic career, Dr. Du had led clinical drug development programs in non-opioid analgesics in a pharmaceutical company and served as key opinion leader and was on advisory boards for several other companies. Recently he was awarded 2024 Paul Fink Leadership award by the Philadelphia Psychiatric Society and 2024 Lehigh Valley Business Icon Honors recipient.

Career to clinical medicine: During the medical school I developed strong interest in basic neuroscience research and decided to pursue graduate training in neuroendocrinology and physiology. I came to the United States with the idea of furthering my research career, which I fully enjoyed and was successful. However, I decide to make the transition from bench researcher to physician scientist after 13 years of basic science research by seeking residency training in the US. I have thoroughly enjoyed my role as a psychiatrist. My view on physician leadership in healthcare: be genuine and authentic, be open-mined, actively listen to understand, know your limitation and constantly seek help, and be a slow thinker but act decisively.

Session: Integrated Autism/IDD Care: Bridging Systems and Lived Experience
September 14th: 11:30 – 12:30 pm

As a father of a 17-year-old boy who is on the Autism spectrum, Jamiel is truly an advocate for his son Shayne and other Autism parents. Jamiel has been through many challenges and triumphs in his life as a disabled individual himself, which has led him to give back to other men who may be experiencing the same issues within their own lives and, without someone to speak to about them. Raised in North Philadelphia, Jamiel has served his and other communities as a law enforcement officer, a civil servant, and is currently the Family Relations Coordinator at the Center for Autism Research at CHOP, and a volunteer firefighter.

Session: The Policy Landscape for Complex Care: Policy Leaders Perspectives on Building Stronger Systems and Services
September 15th: 10:00 – 11:00 am

Kim Musheno is the Senior Director of Medicaid Policy at The Arc of the United States, based in Washington, DC. With nearly 30 years of experience in disability policy, Kim has played a key role in shaping many of the nation’s most significant laws affecting people with disabilities, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid, IDEA, the Autism CARES Act, and the Rehabilitation Act. Before joining The Arc, Kim held senior leadership roles at the Autism Society of America and the Association of University Centers on Disabilities. Her deep commitment to this work is also personal—she is a proud family member of an individual with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Session: Transforming Lives with Integrated Care: Advancing Support for Individuals with Autism & Neurodiversity at Woods System of Care
September 14th: 10:30 – 11:30 am

Dr. Kolesk, a N.J. family physician for two decades, who later had a distinguished career as a hospital administrator with Virtua Memorial Hospital and Virtua Health in Marlton, N.J. , helped develop Woods’ population health management strategy, which includes the integration of primary and specialty care with behavioral health, and becoming a specialized patient-centered medical home in Pa. and N.J. He also oversees Woods’ health care primary care professionals at the Medical Center at Woods in Langhorne as well as continuing the on-going delivery of quality care to the individuals Woods serves. In addition, Dr. Kolesk is working with the team to guide the launch and expansion of Woods primary care services for the IDD population in NJ. The practice will be called Woods Primary and Behavioral Health Center at Hamilton (partnered with RWJ-Barnabas Health) and will serve those individuals with Intellectual Disabilities in the central region of NJ. It will be the first practice of its kind in this region.

Session: Redesigning Care Pathways for Autism and IDD: Community-Based Solutions to Complex Behavioral and Medical Challenges
September 15th: 15:00 – 16:00 pm

Ms. Moser is a compassionate healthcare program and residential Executive Director with extensive experience leading programs and services for individuals with IDD within non-profits. She has a proven track record of overseeing multi-site residential, day, and community-based programs while ensuring regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and individualized care. Ms. Moser is skilled in strategic planning, fiscal management, and cross-functional leadership to drive innovation and sustainability. She is adept at building strong partnerships with state agencies, families, and stakeholders to coordinate program efficacy.

Ms. Moser has over 18 years’ of professional experience supporting individuals with IDD/ASD and a strong emphasis on licensing, compliance, quality assurance and operational and policy development. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Holy Family University and her Masters of Science in Non-Profit and Organizational Leadership and Development from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Session: Transforming Lives with Integrated Care: Advancing Support for Individuals with Autism & Neurodiversity at Woods System of Care
September 14th: 10:30 – 11:30 am

Dr. Oluwafunmike Adigun is a board-certified Family Medicine Physician and an active member of the American Academy of Family Physicians. She earned her medical degree from the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University and completed her residency at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, in affiliation with BronxCare Health System in New York.

Dr. Adigun brings a strong background in leadership and a deep commitment to serving vulnerable populations. She previously served as Chief Medical Officer for one of Philadelphia’s largest Federally Qualified Health Centers. She is recognized for her expertise in addressing diseases that pose significant threats at the population level.

During her tenure at Woods System of Care, Dr. Adigun designed and implemented numerous systems and interventions aimed at removing barriers and increasing access to preventive services for the communities she serves.

A dedicated advocate for equitable and compassionate care, Dr. Adigun is committed to improving the lives of underserved populations. She empowers both patients and colleagues to achieve optimal health outcomes through education, collaboration, and respect.

Session: Redesigning Care Pathways for Autism and IDD: Community-Based Solutions to Complex Behavioral and Medical Challenges
September 15th: 15:00 – 16:00 pm

Stephanie Farrow is a seasoned human services professional with over 20 years of experience. As the Residential Director at Brian’s House, she has opened more than 25 residential programs that have significantly contributed to the organization’s growth. Additionally, in her role as Director of Lifesharing, she has led her team to open 15 new programs in just two years. Since joining Brian’s House in 2015, Stephanie has dedicated herself to enhancing the lives of those she serves. Previously, she spent 14 years at CADES. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Albright College and a Master of Arts in Non-Profit Leadership and Health Management from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Session: Empowering care: Prioritization of Autism and IDD training for health care professionals
September 15th: 13:30 – 14:30 pm

Dan Balboni has a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Hartford.  He has worked at the Matheny Medical and Education Center since 2010 and is currently the Director of Psychological and Social Services.   Dr. Balboni has been an adjunct professor in the Psychology Department at Saint Elizabeth University since 2016.  He currently primarily teaches Cognitive and Affective Basis of Behavior, Advanced Theories of Personality, Advanced Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, and Social Basis of Behavior in the doctoral program.

Session: Collaborative Leadership: Building a Unified System of Care for Lasting Change in IDD and Autism Services
September 14th: 15:00 – 17:00 pm

Brian Hancock serves as the Chief Program Officer, providing oversight and innovative leadership to ensure all Bancroft programs are providing the highest level of care to those we support.

He has committed to improving the safety, well-being and outcomes of vulnerable and marginalized children, adults, families and communities throughout his career. He previously served as the Executive Director of Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health New Jersey, as Chief Operating Officer at Robins’ Nest, Inc., now known as Acenda Integrated Health, and as Deputy Division Director for the New Jersey Division of Children’s System of Care. He serves on several non-profit boards and is the President of the Board of Directors for the New Jersey Association of Community Providers. Hancock has done humanitarian and advocacy work with at-risk and incarcerated youth across the United States, as well as internationally. He has received several awards for his work, including the Embracing the Legacy award from Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps. and the Spirit of Crazy Horse award from Reclaiming Youth International. Hancock received a B.A., cum laude, from Wheaton College, and a Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Seton Hall University School of Law.

Session: Redesigning Care Pathways for Autism and IDD: Community-Based Solutions to Complex Behavioral and Medical Challenges
September 15th: 15:00 – 16:00 pm

Lori Plunkett has dedicated over 40 years to working with people with intellectual disabilities. She joined Brian’s House as a direct support counselor and worked her way up to become the Chief Executive Officer. Throughout her career, Lori has consistently advocated for people with disabilities, nurturing, encouraging, and speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves. Brian’s House became affiliated with the Woods System of Care in 1996 and under her leadership has since grown to 79 residential homes and 20 life-sharing programs and offers comprehensive services including day and employment programs , primary , urgent care, and behavioral health services.
Lori is an active member the Pennsylvania Advocates and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disabilities and continues to collaborate with state and community partners to enhance services and supports across the Commonwealth.
Lori holds a B.S. in Special Education from Millersville University and a M.S. in Administration from West Chester University.

Session: Transforming Lives with Integrated Care: Advancing Support for Individuals with Autism & Neurodiversity at Woods System of Care
September 14th: 10:30 – 11:30 am

Lindsay Brown, PsyD, is responsible for the overall operation of the Center for Behavioral Health at Woods, including daily management, ensuring that clinical supervision is available during all operational hours, developing a quality improvement plan, and monitoring adherence to state and county guidelines and regulations. Dr. Brown also functions as the licensed clinical director/supervisor with responsibilities including supervision of clinical staff, development and implementation of the policies and procedures for operation of the program, regular meetings of clinical staff to discuss clinical cases, treatment plans, policies and procedures, liaising with other portions of the service system, identifying and tracking programmatic outcomes, and providing direct clinical services. Dr. Brown is a Pennsylvania state-licensed psychologist. She received her PsyD from Immaculata University in Immaculata, Pennsylvania. She completed her post-doctoral training at Northern Children’s Services. She resides in Philadelphia.

Session: Reimagining Medication Management: Leveraging Data-Driven Solutions for Individuals with IDD and Autism
September 14th: 13:30 – 14:30 pm

Executive Vice President of Clinical Services, Frank Bird co-founded Melmark New England in 1998, with Rita Gardner and Peter Troy, and previously served as Chief Clinical Officer.

Prior to Melmark, Frank served as a Director of Clinical Services at Vinfen Corporation, a Program Director at The Evergreen Center in Milford, Massachusetts, and Vice President of MR/DD Services at The May Institute. He is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with over 35 years of experience in developing behavioral programming for challenging behaviors for children and adults with the diagnosis of autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, acquired brain injury, and mental illness.

He has developed over 50 programs of treatment in support of individuals with disabilities over the course of his career. His research focusing on the evidence-based practices of Applied Behavior Analysis has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, impacting systems of care not only at Melmark, but at providers around the world. Frank has served as the past president of the Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT); and is a member of the National Brain Injury Association; Massachusetts Brain Injury Association; Association for Behavior Analysis; and the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Frank earned his Master of Education Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Boston College.

Session: Empowering care: Prioritization of Autism and IDD training for health care professionals
September 15th: 13:30 – 14:30 pm

Lisa Graves is a graduate of the University of Ottawa. She completed a residency in family medicine and enhanced skills training in maternal and child health at McGill University and her M.Cl.Sc. at Western in 2018. She held leadership roles at McGill, was the Associate Dean UME at NOSM and was the Associate Dean Faculty Affairs at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine (WMed) in Kalamazoo Michigan. She is currently the secretary of CACMS (Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools) and CACME (Committee on Accreditation of Continuing Medical Education).

Her current educational research interests have been focussed recently in accreditation scholarship, disability in medical education, and social accountability in medical education.

Session: The Policy Landscape for Complex Care: Policy Leaders Perspectives on Building Stronger Systems and Services
September 15th: 10:00 – 11:00 am

Zach Shamberg is the President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Health Care Association (PHCA), which represents long-term care providers, workers and residents throughout PA. Zach is the former Director of Government Affairs at PHCA, and was also Chief of Staff to state Representative Todd Stephens. Zach is a passionate advocate for older adults in Pennsylvania, including his own grandparents, who resided in various long-term care settings throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Session: Building Better Systems for Families: Policy Solutions to Address Health and Advocacy Needs for Neurodiverse Communities
September 15th: 16:00 – 17:00 pm

Jennifer Riha is a long-time health and human services executive, leading non-profit organizations focusing on behavioral health, integrated primary care, intellectual and developmental disability services, and autism services and support. As a mother of 3, including a 7 year old son with a developmental disability, she is a passionate advocate, leader, and frequent conference presenter in this industry. She serves as the Chief Strategy Officer of Boundless, headquartered in Ohio, where she leads strategic initiatives, government relations, mergers & acquisitions, and research and innovation. With both a clinical and operations background, her prior roles have included VP of Operations, VP of Strategic Business Development, Chief Administrative Officer, VP of Performance Improvement & Service Delivery, and VP of Programs for provider organizations.

Session: Empowering care: Prioritization of Autism and IDD training for health care professionals
September 15th: 13:30 – 14:30 pm

Dr. Henschel serves as Associate Professor of Clinical Community Oral Health at Penn Dental Medicine and Program Director of a new AEGD Program. He obtained his D.D.S from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1986 and went on to complete his General Practice Residency at the Buffalo Veterans Administration Center in Buffalo, New York in 1987. Prior to his appointment at Penn Dental Medicine, Dr. Henschel was on faculty in New York University (NYU) College of Dentistry, serving as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Oral Maxillofacial Pathology, Radiology, and Medicine. During this time, he led the NYU Special Patient Care Clinic as Director and was Course Director for Clinical Management of Patients with Special Needs, as well as the honors program in Clinical Management of Patients with Special Needs. Dr. Henschel started teaching at NYU on a part-time basis in 1987, first as a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Oral Medicine until 1991, and then as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Oral Maxillofacial Pathology, Radiology, and Medicine until 2015. Since 1989, he has maintained a private practice in general dentistry in Forest Hills, N.Y.

Session: The Policy Landscape for Complex Care: Policy Leaders Perspectives on Building Stronger Systems and Services

September 15th: 10:00 – 11:00 am

Mark Davis is President and CEO of PAR, the largest association in Pennsylvania dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism. With a background in education and counseling, Mark’s career spans decades in human services, managed care, and provider-led system reform. At PAR, he leads efforts in advocacy, training, consultation, and systems transformation, most notably through the Sustainability Project—an initiative focused on shifting from fee-for-service to value-based care models. Mark also leads the Center for Disability Information, an organization devoted to improving the lives of people with disabilities through research, as President and CEO.

Nationally recognized for his leadership, Mark serves as co-chair of the Alternative Payment Model Workgroup and as a member of the Government Relations Committee at the American Network for Community Options and Resources (ANCOR). Prior to his role at PAR, he was President of the Ohio Provider Resource Association (OPRA), where he championed innovative reforms and co-chaired Advocates for Ohio’s Future, a coalition of nearly 500 health and human services organizations. Mark’s work reflects a deep commitment to advancing sustainable, person-centered supports for people with disabilities.

Session: Collaborative Leadership: Building a Unified System of Care for Lasting Change in IDD and Autism Services
September 14th: 15:00 – 17:00 pm

Rita M. Gardner is the President and CEO of Melmark, and leads operations of Melmark service divisions in New England, Pennsylvania, and the Carolinas. Prior to her appointment as President and CEO in 2015, Ms. Gardner served as Executive Director of Melmark New England, which she co-founded in 1998. She also founded Melmark Carolinas in 2018 and a second New England day school in 2022.
She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst®, a trained public health professional, and has devoted over 40 years of her professional career to the field of community-based services for children and adults with the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, intellectual and developmental disabilities, acquired brain injuries, severe challenging behaviors, and medical fragility.

She is a founding Board member of the National Council of Autism Providers, currently serving as chair. Ms. Gardner also serves on the Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disability Board.

Ms. Gardner has co-authored numerous books, written book chapters and peer-reviewed articles for professional journals, and made a number of presentations.
Ms. Gardner earned her Master of Public Health degree from Boston University’s School of Public Health in the School of Medicine, majoring in Behavioral Sciences and Health Services Administration.

Session: Collaborative Leadership: Building a Unified System of Care for Lasting Change in IDD and Autism Services
September 14th: 15:00 – 17:00 pm

Prior to serving as the President and Chief Operating Officer of Merakey, Ted Dallas served as the Secretary of the Department of Human Services in Pennsylvania and as a Senior Advisor to Governor Wolf. During his tenure, Secretary Dallas implemented significant reforms to help vulnerable populations including a full Medicaid expansion that provided healthcare to approximately 715,000 Pennsylvanians who were previously uninsured.

Previously, Ted served as the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Human Resources. Under his leadership, the Department set state records for moving individuals from welfare to work, for collecting the highest amounts of child support in the state’s history and serving children in the foster care system in a family setting.

Ted also served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Martin O’Malley in Maryland, the Executive Deputy Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare and First Deputy Managing Director for the City of Philadelphia. He also worked in the private sector for a Fortune 500 company.

Ted has also received awards from Casey Family Programs for his contributions to the child welfare field, SEIU for implementing the Medicaid expansion in Pennsylvania, and MANNA for his work helping individuals access healthy food as part of their medical treatment.

Session: Empowering care: Prioritization of Autism and IDD training for health care professionals
September 15th: 13:30 – 14:30 pm

Dr. Zacharcenko serves as Director of the Behavioral Health Education for the St. Mary Family Medicine Residency. She completed her Doctorate in Psychology through the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and a post-doctoral master’s in Clinical Psychopharmacology at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Prior to joining the professional staff at St. Mary, she served as a clinical associate professor at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine where she provided extensive training to psychology and medical students in the provision of health psychology services for diverse populations and she developed an interdisciplinary grant funded Cardiovascular Health Intervention program for older adult patients. She has served as the consulting psychologist to the former Temple Health Women’s Care, a multidisciplinary specialty practice and to the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging . Her role within Adult Protective Services consisted of serving as an expert witness in assessing adults and senior adults (with Intellectual Disabilities )to determine decisional capacity and to provide recommendations regarding addressing the long-term care and aging needs of the above-mentioned populations . She is the former Chair for the Geropsychology special interest group for the Pennsylvania Psychological Association. She has co-authored and published an invited chapter on integrating cognitive behavioral interventions in the primary care setting and has presented at several professional medical conferences.

Session: Building Better Systems for Families: Policy Solutions to Address Health and Advocacy Needs for Neurodiverse Communities
September 15th: 16:00 – 17:00 pm

Delancy Allred is the Public Policy Manager at the Autism Society of America. She has been with the Autism Society since 2018, where she started as a policy intern while finishing up her bachelor’s degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She then served as a Teach for America special educator in Baltimore City Public Schools while obtaining her teaching certificate from Johns Hopkins University. She now works with the Autism Society of America full time to aid in advancing federal and state policy. She recently obtained her Master’s in Public Administration and Policy.