Staff Spotlight: Stacy L. Nonnemacher

1. In what ways does your role help support the work of NASDDDS members?

Having served as a clinical director in state government, I have a deep understanding of the challenges our members face. This background allows me to relate to our members’ roles as I support them in figuring out how to a) support individuals with complex needs whose lives cross multiple, often siloed, state systems, b) design HCBS waivers and state programs that incorporate innovation and positive approaches to services, and c) use clinical practice and data to shape state rules, regulations, and policies so they are practically effective, not just theoretically sound. I view my role as an intentional connector by bringing the work of The Link Center to our members and by weaving my work into other broader NASDDDS initiatives. Finally, I support members by encouraging states to look beyond the immediate solutions, assisting them to look at the entire continuum of supports, balancing necessary reactionary strategies with robust, proactive preventative strategies. I believe this holistic view is the only way states can build systems that truly and sustainably support everyone.

2. What does a typical day look like for you as a member of the NASDDDS team?

I am incredibly fortunate that most days are centered on direct engagement of either collaborating with partners through The Link Center or working closely with our state members. Through The Link Center, I partner with our Steering Committee and other federal partners/associations to brainstorm, present, and develop resources and content. Our goal is to move the needle on systemic change, expand mental health access, and build capacity to better support people with IDD, brain injury, and other cognitive disabilities who have co-occurring mental health conditions. When working with state members, I love being able to share insights, whether drawn from my own past experiences in state government, successes from peer states, or current research. Ultimately, I feel my role is to give members the information they need to design quality, person-centered supports in their states.

3. What aspects of your work bring you the most joy, and what do you enjoy most outside your professional life?

Professionally, knowing that I can directly support our state members by sharing national best practices, peer-state successes, and my own experiences brings me a deep sense of purpose. I find joy in exploring and sharing system innovations that are grounded in both state member needs and my professional experience (such as cultivating an Optimal Continuum of Supports). I am incredibly grateful to be part of The Link Center and the vital work we do alongside our partners. Engaging with our Steering Committee members and learning from their lived experiences to shape and guide our initiatives has been the most rewarding and enriching aspect of my role with NASDDDS. Outside of my career, I love to travel and explore new places. Most of all, I enjoy spending time outdoors hiking, kayaking, or camping—sharing those adventures with my family makes them that much better.