Kathy is the former Director of Intellectual disAbility Services (IDS), a component of the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services of the City of Philadelphia. She held a variety of positions in her 34 years with the office. During that time, she had the unique opportunity to lead in the development of an ever-evolving community service system, one that has supported people to move from institutions to the community, from workshops to employment in the community, and recognizes the essential role and contributions of individuals and families in shaping the life they want to live.
She is a strong proponent of “Employment First” and recognizes the value of work and individual contribution. She fostered the development of independent supports coordination in Philadelphia and promoted person-centered services. She served as a co-chair of the Philadelphia Interagency Coordinating Council in its early years and was active in transitioning early intervention services into home and community settings.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Education from Penn State University.