Rowan Smith

Rowan Smith, MPH is currently the Project Coordinator for the Innovative Peer Navigator Employment Pathway (IPNEP) at the CHLA USC UCEDD that was funded by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). This program aims to improve healthcare transition outcomes for individuals with disabilities and provide more competitive integrated employment in healthcare and social service providers for individuals with disabilities. She collaborated with the Principal Investigators Dr. Betz and Dr. Mirzaian to create a curriculum that can be implemented at other organizations and supervised the Peer Navigators in the pilot program to ensure quality services.

Rowan received her BA in Theater Design and Production with a Minor in Disability Studies at UCLA. While at UCLA, Rowan completed a research project demonstrating the need for additional programming for individuals with disabilities once they end their high school journey to decide next steps towards what they would like to accomplish. Rowan was a Samuel Orschin Scholarship award winner for her work. Rowan completed her MPH at the USC Keck School of Medicine with concentration of Health Services and Policy. Rowan completed her practicum at CHLA and capstone project analyzing Lanterman Act service delivery and barriers experienced by people with disabilities receiving Regional Center Services.

Rowan has over 15 years experience as a professional in the disability community including, disability support services, community education, advocacy, and federal and state policy implementation, Rowan has expertise in service access, personalized service delivery, and person centered strategies to promote inclusion and opportunities for people with disabilities.