Vita

Deborah I. Stallard-Reed

2266 Broad Water Drive ● Jacksonville, FL 32225

Phone: (904)707-7914

Email:

Professional Profile

  • Accomplished owner and Executive Director with a comprehensive blend of hands-on professional and academic experience in the field of disabilities and diversity.
  • Devoted educator and advocate who is passionate about the potential for individuals with acquired and developmental disabilities.
  • Innovative leader devoted to research, education, training and learning.
  • Published author and skilled consultant dedicated to diversity issues.

Education

  • Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership(all but dissertation),University of NorthFlorida, Jacksonville, Florida, August 2001 to present.
  • Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, August 1989 to August 1991.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Criminal Justice, University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia, August 1984 to May1988.

Professional Work Experience

Chief Executive Officer/Owner, FloridaCenter for Advocacy, Research, and Education, Inc., Jacksonville, FL, March 2007- present

  • Responsible for overall operation and functions of the business
  • Write grants to support business endeavors
  • Conduct research in the area of disabilities and diversity
  • Provide expert testimony/witness casework
  • Consult with local, state, and national businesses
  • Advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities
  • Provide the community with education and training on disability related topics

Visiting Instructor, University of NorthFlorida, Jacksonville, FL, January 2007 - present

  • Teach undergraduate level courses in Exceptional Student and Deaf Education department
  • Teach masters-level courses in Secondary Education and Transition and Characteristics and Assessment for students with severe and profound disabilities
  • Grant funded position Project FLIPP: Florida Low Incidence Disabilities Personnel Preparation

Executive Director, Grove House Supportive Services, Inc., Jacksonville, FL, June 2004 – March 2007

  • Responsible for overall operation of agency
  • Developed annual agency budget and ensure fiscal responsibility for non-profit status
  • Developed and implement a five-year strategic plan for agency
  • Developed and advance agency programs: Brain Injury, Employment Services, Supported Living, and Vocational Evaluations
  • Wrote grants to supplement program funding
  • Investigated societal problemsthrough research inquiry
  • Delivered training and workshops at local, state, and national conferences
  • Provided training to staff

Standards Coach, MatthewGilbertMiddle School, Jacksonville, FL, August 2003 – June 2004

  • Developed professional development materials and provided training to certified educators
  • Analyzed school-wide data to assist teaches in the implementation and advancement of standards-based instruction for students with and without disabilities
  • Monitored teacher growth and development.

Teacher, MatthewGilbertMiddle School, Jacksonville, FL, October 2001 – July 2003

  • Taught World History and Language Arts to students with and without disabilities
  • Differentiated instruction using diversified methods to promote learning for all students.

Director of State Operations, Disability Support Services, Inc., Jacksonville, FL, January 2001 – June 2001

  • Responsible for overall operation of agency
  • Provided administrative leadership to ensure services were rendered in a quality and cost effective manner to all clients
  • Developed innovative strategies to improve agency performance and achieve positive results.

Program Manager, Disability Support Services, Inc., Jacksonville, FL, May 2000 – December 2000

  • Offered team support to coordinators by assisting with client grievances, facilitating provider relations and aiding in the acquisition of funding/services
  • Provided administrative supervision to all staff
  • Planned assignments and established priorities to achieve maximum productivity.

Support Coordinator, Disability Support Services, Inc., Jacksonville, FL, December 1999 – May 2000

  • Delivered support coordination services to individuals with developmental disabilities implemented within the framework of the Home and Community Based Services program
  • Maintained the provision of quality services while ensuring compliance with Medicaid.

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Department of Labor, Jacksonville, FL, December 1995 – April 1997

  • Provided vocational guidance, career planning and rehabilitation counseling to individuals with disabilities
  • Developed employment opportunities in the community
  • Managed a case load budget and authorized purchase of medical, psychological and vocational services.

Rehabilitation Supervisor, Virginia Commonwealth University/Rehabilitation Research and TrainingCenter, Richmond, VA, November 1992 – October 1995.

  • Supervised, trained and offered technical assistance to employment counselors.
  • Provided direct services to persons with traumatic brain injury, severe physical disabilities and mental illness. Assisted with program development and coordinated referral and funding sources
  • Ensured accurate and complete documentation of research and program activity
  • Assisted in grant writing and developed materials for presentations and publication.

Employment Specialist, Virginia Commonwealth University/Rehabilitation Research and TrainingCenter, Richmond, VA, November 1988 – November 1992

  • Provided supported employment services to individuals with brain injuries, including job development, job-site training long-term support and case management services.

Scholarly Contributions

Publications

  • Reed, D. and Duran, D. (final draft of white paper submitted to state of Florida Developmental Disabilities Council January 2009). The Ramifications of Farris v DCF.
  • Reed, D. and Duran, D. (final draft of white paper submitted to state of Florida Developmental Disabilities Council April 2007). Barriers to Accessing Preventive Breast Health Care for Women with Disabilities.
  • Parent, W., Sherron, P., Stallard, D., and Booth, M. (1993). Job Development and Placement: Strategies for Success. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 3(3), p. 17-26.
  • Wehman, P., Inlow, D., Altman, A., Mundy, A., West, M., Coplin, B., Kreutzer, J., and Zasler, N. (1991). Return to work for individuals recovering from stroke or traumatic brain injury: Three case studies. Canadian Journal of Rehabilitation, 5(1), p. 45-50.

Recent Presentations and Workshops

  • (2008) “Preventive Healthcare for Persons with Disabilities”. Presented in September 2008 on Jacksonville WJXT Channel 4, “Ask the UNF Expert” segment.
  • (2008) “Transitioning to Adulthood: Employment Opportunities for StudentsBeyondHigh School”. Guest speaker presentation in June 2008 at UNF.
  • (2007) “Moving Forward: On Campus Transition Program for Students with Developmental Disabilities at the University of North Florida”. Presented in August 2007 at the Florida APSE conference in Orlando, FL.
  • (2007) “Spaghetti Ideas to Twirl Around on a Fork”. Presented in August 2007 at the Florida APSE conference in Orlando, FL.
  • (2007) “Employment Challenges and Supports for Students with Disabilities”. Presented in June 2007 to Masters level teachers.
  • (2007) “I Want to Live!: Supported Living Opens Doors”. Presented in June 2007 to Masters level teachers.
  • (2007) “Management Challenges and Supports for Adults with Mental Illness”. A national teleconference presented in February 2007 on behalf of the National APSE (Association for Persons in Supported Employment).
  • (2006) “Career Development”. Presented in August 2006 at the Florida APSE conference in Boca Rotan, FL.
  • (2006) “Charging Ahead: Organizational Change and Strategic Management”. Presented in June 2006 at the National APSE conference in Boston, MA.
  • (2006) “Career Development”. Presented in June 2006 at the National APSE conference in Boston, MA.
  • (2006) “Job Development Training”. Presented to Grove House Supportive Services new staff in October 2006.

Funded Grant Projects

January 2009Amount: $65,000

Funded through the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council to provide assistance to consumers and families in the state of Florida for Leadership development.

January 2008Amount: $44,000

Funded through the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council. Written for and submitted on behalf of the University of North Florida to develop a blueprint for the state of Florida for purposes of replicating Postsecondary Education transition programs for students with developmental disabilities.

October 2007Amount: $39,750

Funded through Florida Developmental Disabilities Council to develop a white paper on understanding the ramifications of court case Farris vs. the Department of Children and Families.

August 2007Amount: $35,000

Funded through the Able Trust Foundation. Written for and submitted on behalf of the University of North Florida to create a career framework for transition-age students with developmental disabilities participating in a unique college experience program.

March 2007Amount: $40,000

Funded through the Gloria Dei Foundation. Written to supplement operational expenses for non-profit organization.

January 2007Amount: $10,000

Funded through Medtronic Foundation. Written to support the Brain Injury program.

December 2006Amount: $10,000

Funded through the Edna Sproul Foundation. Written to support the agency Brain Injury program.

October 2006Amount: $68,000

Funded through the City of Jacksonville Human Service Grants. Written to support the Brain Injury and Employment Program.

July 2006Amount: $5,000

Funded through the Mandarin Rotary Club. Written to provide funding for assistive technology.

May 2006Amount: $20,000

Funded through the Riverside Foundation. Written to support the Brain Injury program.

January 2006Amount: $40,000

Funded through the Able Trust Foundation. Written to create an innovative employment program for individuals with brain injuries.

November 2005Amount: $47,000

Funded through FDDC to develop a research project on preventive breast health care for women with disabilities in the state of Florida and create a white paper on recommendations and best practices.