The OHSU UCEDD Welcomes Two New Leaders

The University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) at the Institute on Development and Disability at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) has enhanced its leadership structure to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and ensure long-term impact.

The Institute is pleased to announce that Emily D. Quinn, PhD, CCC-SLP, has been appointed UCEDD Associate Director. Dr. Quinn, an experienced principal investigator, is a speech-language pathologist, researcher, and Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at OHSU. Her work focuses on designing and implementing language interventions for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She was a clinical fellow and LEND trainee at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Dr. Quinn completed a PhD at Vanderbilt University, where she developed expertise in augmentative and alternative intervention and naturalistic language interventions.

Additionally, Rachel Benson, MSW, has been appointed Assistant Director at the UCEDD. She began her work with the UCEDD in 2021 as a community research liaison after completing a LEND fellowship in Health Administration. Benson has demonstrated leadership and program management across several key projects, including the Expanding the Public Health Workforce, COVID-19 Vaccine Access, and the development of courses to train professionals in improving care for individuals with disabilities. With extensive experience in disability program management and case management in maternal health, addiction, and disability services, she is dedicated to addressing health disparities, advancing mental health, and enhancing systems of care.

We are so happy to have this leadership team in place to support our mission: to promote the health and quality of life of people with disabilities and their families. Congratulations to Emily and Rachel on their new roles!

Images L-R:  Emily D. Quinn and Rachel Benson