Kate Thompson, LMSW, CAS, is AUCD's Senior Program Manager of MCH Engagement. Her responsibilities include providing oversight of training and TA activities for LEND and DBP training programs including but not limited to planning and implementing national meetings, webinars, individual consultation, site visits, resources, and quality improvement efforts. Kate has professional and lived subject matter expertise in neurodevelopmental and other disabilities and brings over a decade of administrative experience in nonprofit, corporate, and higher education programs.

Kate previously served as Senior Administrative Program Coordinator of ACT LEND at the Texas Center for Disability Studies UCEDD at the University of Texas at Austin. Her responsibilities included coordination of program activities, development of documentation and marketing materials, communication and management of LEND fellows and faculty, facilitating hybrid and virtual seminars and webinars, and assisting in renewals and reporting requirements for state and federal grants.

Kate is a Licensed Master Social Worker and Certified Autism Specialist. She holds a Master of Science in Social Work with a concentration in Administration and Policy Practice and a graduate portfolio in Nonprofit Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. While a graduate student, Kate completed a one-year scholars' program studying postsecondary transition for youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities, and also worked as a graduate assistant finalizing the grant to develop ACT LEND. She graduated summa cum laude from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Social Work and a minor in Psychology.

Kate and her husband live in central Texas with their blended family that includes three young adult sons, two of whom were diagnosed with autism in early childhood. In addition to her professional experience, Kate has volunteered in several roles related to disabilities and social work, and currently serves in an elected role with the National Association of Social Workers as the NASW Delegate Assembly-Texas Delegate, Position 6, Human Rights.

Image Description: Picture of Kate Thompson, a smiling white woman with straight blonde hair and blue eyes. She is wearing a bright pink blouse, a black suit jacket, and large shiny earrings while standing in front of a beige stone wall.