Julie Lago

Julie Lago is the Executive Director of the National Center for START Services and Adjunct Faculty in the Department of Social Work at the University of New Hampshire. She has extensive experience as a lifelong disability advocate, beginning her work at an early age in diverse roles spanning from direct support, special education, residential services, and community-based program management.  As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Julie dedicated over 13 years to working in community mental health clinical and program development. 

A graduate of the University of New Hampshire’s Master of Social Work program, as well as the NH-LEND and NH Leadership graduate, Julie has served as Adjunct Faculty since 2020 and as a Field Liaison NH-ME LEND and other partnerships from 2018-2025. She is the developer of the Continuum of Collaborative Care model and Bookends Therapy™, both designed to improve access, continuity, and quality of care for individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health needs. Julie has served on several boards and advisory councils, as well as presenting throughout the country on her work in disability and mental health. She is the recipient of the 2023 NH Area Health Education Center Network Preceptor Recognition Award, as well the 2016 START National Training Institute’s Network Partner Award.  As both a professional and family member in the disability community, Julie is deeply committed to advancing equitable, person-centered, team-supported care through training, innovation, and systems improvement.