Winter 2024
Beth Grosso Named University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) Training Director and College of Health and Human Services Equity and Diversity Fellow
Beth Grosso has been named the IOD’s new UCEDD Training Director, effective January 1, 2024. Beth will help coordinate training activities across the IOD and provide leadership for the NH Leadership Series program. She continues in her role as NCSS’ Director of Training and Professional Development. Additionally, Beth was also named as an Equity and Diversity Fellow with the College of Health and Human Services.
Debra Brucker Elected to the National Academy of Social Insurance
Deb Brucker was recently elected to the National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI) by its members. NASI brings together leaders to improve how social insurance programs support economic security for all Americans, including persons with disabilities.
Fall 2023
Kelly Nye-Lengerman Appointed as Research Professor
We are proud to announce the promotion of Kelly Nye-Lengerman, PhD, MSW, to Research Professor at the University of New Hampshire. The promotion is granted to faculty with a background in successful research, marked by maturity and experience that has earned them a national or international reputation in their field. UNH research faculty brings a substantial proportion of the university’s external funding, mentors graduate students, and deepens scholarly life across campus.
Megan Henly Appointed as Assistant Research Professor
The IOD is also proud to recognize the promotion of Megan Henly, PhD, to Assistant Research Professor at the University of New Hampshire. The promotion is granted to faculty who have demonstrated success in carrying out their own externally funded research, demonstrate capability in advising graduate students, show clear evidence of their ability to conceive and perform independent research and to obtain external funding from his/her research, and may provide some service to the university and profession.
Sarah Sadowski Named Policy Committee Chair for the New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities
Sarah Sadowski, project director for the New Hampshire Leadership Series at the IOD, was named policy committee chair for the New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities. Councils on Developmental Disabilities are federally funded agencies that represent and advocate for people with developmental disabilities. The federal government gives all 55 state and territorial Councils the authority to set priorities and develop strategies to improve the lives of the people with disabilities in their states.
Hyun Ju Kim was named among the JSIT 2023 Scholars. She joined the IOD in October of 2022 as a Post-Doctoral Research Associate, funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR)’s Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training (ARRT) program. Her research interest includes quantitatively evaluating Social Security disability programs with a focus on poverty and health outcomes of marginalized households by race/ethnicity and gender.
Summer 2023
Micah Peace Urquilla Named to the Link Center Steering Committee
Micah Peace Urquilla, Research and Training Assistant for the National Center for START ServicesTM was named to the Link Center Steering Committee. Committee members were selected from across the U.S. through a thorough application and review process. They come from many backgrounds and are experts in their experiences living with disabilities. The Link Center is a national resource center that prioritizes improving the quality of life for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) and mental health conditions. Governed by a steering committee of 12 people with lived experience, committee members will meet quarterly, and more often if needed, to advise on priorities and provide their perspectives on the center’s work.
Spring 2023
Kelly Nye-Lengerman Named Associate Editor
The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) has named IOD Director Kelly Nye-Lengerman an associate editor for the journal Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). The IDD is a bi-monthly, peer-reviewed multidisciplinary journal of policy, practices, and perspectives. As a journal with an applied focus, IDD provides a forum for the dissemination of rigorously reviewed, actionable information that is relevant to emerging policies, innovative practices, and transformative concepts.
JoAnne Malloy, PhD, Selected for NH Social Worker of the Year
The New Hampshire chapter of the National Association of Social Workers selected JoAnne Malloy, PhD as Social Worker of the Year . She received the award at the Social Work Celebration in Concord, NH, on March 3, 2023. JoAnne is a Research Associate Professor at the Institute on Disability (IOD) at the University of New Hampshire and has worked to advance improved behavioral health for children, youth, and families in the state since 1982.
Fall 2022
JoAnne Malloy Selected as Children’s Mental Health Champion
The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) and the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD) at CDC selected JoAnne Malloy to represent New Hampshire as a Children's Mental Health Champion for the 2022–2023 cohort. The selection process was highly competitive with the number of applications far exceeding the number of champions they were able to select.
Erica Jablonski – Peer Reviewer
Erica Jablonski has been invited to serve as a peer-reviewer for the Disability and Health Journal. In addition, she has also been asked to review manuscripts for the Journal of Participation and Employee Ownership. In reviewing articles for both journals, Erica will assess the validity, quality, and originality of articles for publication.
Summer 2022
Joan Beasley, PhD, Appointed to Research Professor
The Institute on Disability (IOD) at the University of New Hampshire is proud to announce the appointment of Joan B. Beasley, PhD, to Research Professor at the University of New Hampshire. The appointment is granted to faculty who have a background in successful research, marked by maturity and experience that have earned them a national or international reputation in their field. UNH research faculty bring a substantial proportion of the university’s external funding, mentor graduate students, and deepen scholarly life across campus.
Amy Frechette Joins Consumer Advisory Board at OSU
Amy Frechette, Program Support Assistant for NH-ME LEND, was recently asked to join a consumer advisory board at The Ohio State University as part of a training program called PREPARE for Autistic Adults. The project, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, aims to develop a training program and curriculum for medical students who will work with adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders in healthcare settings. The program will increase the number of healthcare providers that are willing and able to deliver high-quality care for autistic adults. Amy’s participation with the board with begin in September.
Romy Eberle Selected to Join the LNH Class of 2024
We are pleased to share that the Board of Trustees of Leadership New Hampshire (LNH) has selected Romy Eberle (C&M Team) to join the LNH Class of 2024. LNH fulfills this mission annually by gathering a select cohort of talented and accomplished individuals and providing them with an opportunity to learn about the complex issues facing NH, connect with one another, and serve their communities and NH in positions of leadership and responsibility.
Spring 2022
JoAnne Malloy Selected for Endowment for Health's Giving Care Plan
JoAnne Malloy was identified as a major contributor and thought leader on Endowment for Health’s soon-to-be-released Giving Care: A Strategic Plan to Expand and Support. The plan, intended for implementation within two years, includes 107 strategies to address the pipeline, recruitment, and retention needs facing the state; critical policy and regulatory issues; data needs; and provides a mechanism for coordination and governance of workforce development efforts.
Joan Beasley Promoted to Full Research Professor
Sincere congratulations to Joan Beasley who was promoted to full Research Professor at UNH in April. This is the highest honor for research faculty on campus.For more than 40 years, Dr. Beasley has made innumerable contributions to both policy and services to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities around the country. The START model has changed thousands of lives and improved how services are delivered around the U.S. In addition, she has influenced state and federal agencies and funders to recognize and prioritize the needs of individuals who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as mental health conditions (IDD-MH). She has published numerous articles, reports, and book chapters, and is currently serving as principal investigator of the Evaluation of Telehealth Services on Mental Health Outcomes for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). Later this summer, the IOD will host a gathering to recognize Dr. Beasley.
Fall 2021
Megan Henly Received the University of Wisconsin Retirement and Disability Research Center's Junior Scholars Award
On October 18, Megan Henly received one of the University of Wisconsin Retirement and Disability Research Center's Junior Scholar awards for her research on the relationship between homeownership, SSI use, and race.
Henly, M. (October 18, 2021). The University of Wisconsin Retirement and Disability Research Center's Junior Scholar award. The University of Wisconsin Retirement and Disability Research Center.
Professor Mary Schuh 2021 Recipient of the Kimball Fellowship Award
On November 16, 2021, Professor Mary Schuh was celebrated as the recipient of the Charlotte & Roland Kimball Fellowship Faculty Award and presented a lecture on this important topic: “Where is disability in our efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in New Hampshire public schools, communities, and the university?”
Summer 2021
Megan Henly Admitted into JSIT Workshop
Megan Henly was recently admitted into the University of Wisconsin-Madison Center for Financial Security's Junior Scholar Intensive Training (JSIT). The training focuses on research and funding opportunities on Retirement and Disability that are funded by the Social Security Administration. The workshop will bring together PhD students, newly graduated PhD researchers, and junior faculty who are interested in topics related to disability and retirement research in the United States.
Marisa Rafel Awarded William and Joan Grant Memorial Entrepreneurship Prize
Marisa Rafel graduated in December with a Master's in Public Policy from the Carsey School of Public Policy at UNH. Marisa was also one of the first annual William and Joan Grant Memorial Entrepreneurship Prize recipients for her work as founder and president of the New Hampshire Toy Library Network.
Bryan Patriquin Wins First Place for NH Occupational Health Surveillance Program Poster
On April 15, Bryan Patriquin, MPH Candidate at UNH, won first prize in the poster contest at the NH Public Health Association Annual Meeting for his work with NH OHSP to highlight healthcare worker wellbeing during the pandemic. Karla Arment is Bryan's advisor.
Mary St. Jacques Selected as Reviewer for AUCD Conference
Mary St Jacques was selected as a reviewer of proposals for the AUCD conference. The review process will determine what topics will be presented at the AUCD conference.
Debra Brucker Selected for Center for Financial Security at the University of Wisconsin Research Fellow
Debra Brucker was nominated and approved to join the Center for Financial Security (CFS) at the University of Wisconsin as a Research Fellow. CFS is an applied, interdisciplinary research center that informs practitioners, policymakers, and the general public on strategies that build financial capability and security over the life course.
Megan Henly and Debra Brucker (EPM-RRTC) Selected as 2021 NARRTC Semi-Finalists
Megan Henly and Debra Brucker's 2020 paper, More than just lower wages: Intrinsic job quality for college graduates with disabilities, was selected as a semi-finalist for the 2021 NARRTC best paper award. They will present the paper at the October conference.
JoAnne Malloy to Serve on the College Research Faculty Promotion Committee
JoAnne Malloy was voted to serve in this role by her CHHS colleagues and will provide input on research faculty promotions in the college.
Spring 2021
Marcella Termini Selected as 2021 AmplifiHER Honoree
When the pandemic first hit, there was not enough PPE for the hospitals, mental health facilities, churches, and local businesses. Marcella Termini, a communications coordinator for NH Leadership Series, started the Mask Makers of Manchester project and had made over 5,000 masks for our community. For her tireless effort in helping Manchester stay healthy and safe, the NH Women's Foundation has selected Marcella as a 2021 AmplifiHER Honoree.
Beth Grosso to Join the UCEDD Resource Center's TA Initiative
Beth Grosso, MSW, Director of Training and Professional Development at the Center for START Services, recently joined the UCEDD Resource Center's TA Initiative to support the implementation of the Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Action Plan as an implementor within the Research & Evaluation workgroup.
Dan Habib named to the Advisory Board of the National Technical Assistance Center on Transition for Students and Youth with Disabilities
The National Technical Assistance Center on Transition for Students and Youth with Disabilities is a new center called NTACT: The Collaborative—funded by the Office of Special Education Programs and the Rehabilitation Services Administration
Debra Brucker to Serve as Scholarly Coach and Selected for Faculty Development Funds
Debra Brucker will serve as a Scholarly Coach for the UNH Writing Academy this summer. The Writing Academy is a career development program designed to advance scholarship. Brucker was also selected for faculty development funds for the upcoming participation in the virtual week-long training on the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) data through the University of Michigan.
DPH's Evan England one of four UNH students selected for Prestigious NSF Graduate Fellowship
In 2020, the National Science Foundation received over 13,000 applications for the graduate research awards and made approximately 2,000 offers to qualified students. This year’s UNH recipients included IOD NH Disability & Public Health Project Coordinator Evan England ’21.
Dr. Mary Schuh Accepts New Faculty Role within UNH College of Liberal Arts Department of Education
Dr. Mary Schuh recently accepted a new faculty role in the Department of Education within the College of Liberal Arts. Working for the Institute on Disability since its inception in 1987, Dr. Schuh has made of career of building bridges across advocacy, scholarship, and policy. In addition to her new role, Dr. Schuh was also selected to serve on the UNH Faculty Senate, representing the College of Liberal Arts.
Jennifer Rabalais Participated in National Leadership Institute
Jennifer Rabalais, Co-Director of the Center on Aging and Community Living, recently completed the Leadership Institute held by the American Society on Aging. The Leadership Institute is a leadership development intensive that offers self-assessments of communication and leadership styles, presentations by recognized leaders in the field of aging, facilitated dialogue, networking opportunities, leadership literature, and online learning.
Kelly Foster and JoAnne Malloy Nominated for 2021 CHHS awards
Two IOD employees were nominated for the 2021 College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) awards to acknowledge excellence among our faculty and staff. Kelly Foster was nominated for Staff Excellence Award, and JoAnne Malloy was nominated for the Excellence in Collaboration Award. JoAnne and Kelly each contribute to the IOD in unique and collaborative ways promoting our mission. Awardees will be announced by the CHHS later this spring.
Megan Henly Selected for AUCD Leadership Academy
The IOD is happy to share that Megan Henly has been selected to participate in the AUCD Leadership Academy. The Leadership Academy is a year-long program designed to enhance the skills of current and emerging leaders from the disability network to build coalitions to improve systems of supports and services. She will be part of a group of 24 participants from across the states and territories.
Makers Making Change Featured Therese Willkomm for Women’s History Month
Makers Making Change, an international organization, acknowledged Therese Willkomm, Director of ATinNH, during women’s history month for her work and making devices for people with disabilities.
