New Executive Director at National Center for START Services®
Julie Lago, MSW, LICSW began her role this month as the new Executive Director of the National Center for START Services® (NCSS) at the Institute on Disability (IOD) at the University of New Hampshire.
A dedicated social worker and leader with nearly 25 years of experience in the disability field, Lago brings deep expertise in clinically informed program development. In her new role, Lago will lead a team of approximately 40 NCSS staff in advancing their mission to improve care for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities and mental health needs (IDD-MH) and their families through fidelity to the START model.
The START model (Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources, and Treatment) is an evidence-based, community crisis prevention and intervention service model for individuals aged 6 and older with IDD-MH. START teams around the country implement the model to build local health care capacity and improve wellbeing for communities.
“The NCSS team has so much to be proud of. The value and impact of the START model across the country has earned a reputation for excellence, one I’m honored to support and help grow,” Lago said. "Joining the IOD has been a longtime dream of mine, as I’ve had tremendous respect for the mission, vision, and the clear dedication of this team for many, many years.”
Lago began her career as a direct support professional. She has a history developing and rigorously testing person-centered and integrated therapeutic practices: Bookends TherapyTM and the Continuum of Collaborative Care (CCC) model.
Lago is no stranger to NCSS or the IOD. She is a recipient of the National START Network Partner Award and a member of the New Hampshire START Advisory Board. In addition to earning her master’s from UNH, she also earned a Graduate Certificate in Leadership in Health and Disability through the IOD’s NH-ME LEND program and is a graduate of the NH Leadership Series. She has also served as adjunct faculty and field liaison for the UNH Department of Social Work.
“These connections will no doubt come in handy as Julie works with our team to continue the awesome work of NCSS, while navigating the state and national finance and policy landscapes,” said IOD Director Andrew Houtenville. “With her longstanding dedication and leadership in the field, Julie is well-positioned to guide NCSS into its next chapter.”
