The Boggs Center on Disability and Human Development, New Jersey’s federally designated University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Education, Research and Service (UCEDD) and home to New Jersey’s Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (NJLEND) program, has reorganized its leadership structure to ensure continued growth and success following the retirement of founding Executive Director Deborah M. Spitalnik, PhD.
The Boggs Center is pleased to announce that Colleen McLaughlin, MEd, has been designated UCEDD Director and Deputy Director of The Boggs Center. Previously Associate Director, Colleen has over two decades of experience in the field, focused on disability policy; inclusive, person-centered community supports; self-determination; direct support workforce development; service coordination; and quality improvement. During her time at The Boggs Center, Colleen has led disability policy, community training, and technical assistance initiatives; coordinated UCEDD-related functions and strategic planning; and represented the Center on numerous boards and committees both within and beyond New Jersey.
In addition, Carrie Coffield, PhD, has become Director of NJLEND, The Boggs Center’s Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities program. Carrie has served as Training Director of NJLEND since its inception in 2016. She is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, and also serves as Director of Preservice Training at The Boggs Center. Her areas of expertise include health disparities in diagnosis and access to care for children with autism and their families, transition to adult healthcare, and educating healthcare providers about developmental disabilities.
Congratulations to Colleen and Carrie on their new roles!
