Community of Practice

Community of Practice for Supporting Families New Hampshire State Team

Vision for Supporting Families and the Community of Practice in New Hampshire:

The Community of Practice for Supporting Families of Individuals with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities exists to enhance and drive policy, practice, and system transformation to support people with intellectual/developmental disabilities within the context of their families and communities. 

Introducing and using Charting the LifeCourse framework and principles to develop a vision for a good life across the lifespan.

Innovation/Focus Areas:

  • Supporting individuals/families to use Lifecourse concepts and tools in a way that is beneficial to them in all areas of life.
  • Encouraging and supporting Person-Centered thinking, planning, and problem solving.
  • Currently working on No Wrong Door initiatives, with the plan being to redesign the waiver.
  • Developing a webpage with resources and tools to be accessed by all.
  • Education for stakeholders about Charting the Lifecourse principles and tools.

Community of Practice Leadership

  • Mary St Jacques
    State Facilitator
    University of New Hampshire, Institute on Disability
  • Thom O’Connor
    Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services
  • Heidi Petzold
    Bureau of Family Centered Services
  • Brittany Marshall, M.Ed, CAGS
    Bureau of Mental Health Services
  • Abigail Conger
    Bureau of Developmental Services