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Building Capacity Together
The Center for Health Practice, Policy, & Research (CHPPR) is proud to announce a Spring 2026 webinar.
Title of Event: CA DDS & Higher Education: Building Capacity Together
Date: Friday April 24, 2026
Time: 12:00 pm to 1:15 pm
Format: Zoom Webinar
Event Description:
Collaboration between the Department of Developmental Services, California UC, CSU and Community College system is critical to expanding the capacity and quality of services for individuals with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). These partnerships align practice, policy, research. By integrating academic expertise with state-level systems and resources, these collaborations strengthen professional preparation, promote data-driven decision-making, and can develop sustainable improvements in the developmental service system for individuals and families across the lifespan.
About the event:
Join Lauren Libero, PhD, and Monica Hudnall, EdD, CCC-SLP, from the Department of Developmental Services Autism Services Branch for an educational presentation on current trends in autism in California’s regional center system. The session will explore strategies to build statewide capacity by expanding workforce preparation, promoting inclusive practices, and enhancing supports for individuals with autism and their families—through collaboration with the University of California, California State University, and California Community College systems.
Event Resources
Register for the Event
Registration
This event is made entirely possible by the generosity of our donors. Donations in any amount are welcome.
If you require ASL/English Interpreters or Closed Captions or other accommodations to attend this event, please email ashort@csus.edu by April 10, 2026 at 5 p.m.
Presenter Biographies
Dr. Lauren Libero is the Branch Chief in the Autism Services Branch. She oversees programs and services associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and co-occurring conditions. She conducts research on statewide trends and issues and develops and implements statewide policy in the provision of effective and quality services and supports for individuals with ASD of all ages. In this role, she also collaborates with state regional centers, community partners, universities, and other state agencies to coordinate efforts, identify emerging needs based on changing demographics, and consult on innovative, multidisciplinary methods of service delivery for the state and local communities. Dr. Libero holds a PhD in Developmental Psychology and was a postdoctoral fellow at UC Davis MIND Institute.
Dr. Monica Hudnall is the Autism Training Director at the CA Department of Developmental Services. Her work focuses on development and delivery of high-quality educational trainings, collaborating with system partners and building capacity to serve individuals with autism and intellectual developmental disabilities. She is a licensed and certified Speech Language Pathologist specializing in complex communication needs and culturally responsive practices. She holds a doctorate in education, and multiple graduate certificates including autism spectrum disorders and augmentative and alternative communication. She is a fellow of the University of California Los Angeles and UC Riverside Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and Related Disabilities program and serves on Center for Health Practice, Policy and Research Community Advisory Council at Sacramento State University.