NASDDDS Welcomes New Team Member
Stacy L. Nonnemacher, Ph.D. Selected as Director of Cross System Strategies
The National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS) is pleased to announce Dr. Stacy L. Nonnemacher will join NASDDDS as the Director of Cross System Strategies on November 1.
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. Stacy was Editor in Chief of the Positive Approaches Journal for the past five years.
Dr. Nonnemacher will be responsible for leading NASDDDS’ efforts to support states in developing positive support models for individuals with dual diagnosis, medical complexity, multi-system involvement (including law enforcement and judiciary), and other populations with complex support needs. In her role as the Director of Cross-System Strategies, she will lead NASDDDS’ newly established Dual Diagnosis Capacity Building Institute, as well as serve as a key team member for the recently funded ACL Co-Occurring Resource Center for Individuals with I/DD and Mental Health Support Needs. Stacy will also serve as a key liaison on these issues with partners such as the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD), NADD, and Federal partners to inform emerging priority areas.
Dr. Nonnemacher’s new role involves collaboration with the entire NASDDDS team to infuse principles of trauma-informed systems and support into all of our policy and practice initiatives, and to ensure that our existing priorities, including promotion of diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and person-centered practices, are reflected in all facets of this body of work.
“Year over year, serving people with complex support needs ranks top among our member priorities,” said NASDDDS Executive Director, Mary Sowers. “NASDDDS is so very glad to welcome Dr. Nonnemacher to help us better support our state member agencies.”