Who we are

The USC UCEDD is a collective of researchers, clinicians, and educators from diverse cultural backgrounds recognized as leaders in their fields of expertise. The interdisciplinary and collaborative environment of the USC UCEDD empowers our dedicated professionals and maximizes our ability to influence policy at all levels. As passionate advocates and community leaders, USC UCEDD faculty and staff seek to make impactful changes that improve the lives of people with disabilities and their families.

Our faculty are affiliated with the Keck School of Medicine of USC and provide interdisciplinary training, education and technical assistance to service providers and the community. USC faculty also conduct research and serve as advocates in the public arena to strengthen systems and services for individuals and families impacted by special developmental, behavioral and/or complex health care needs.

Director, Pre-Service Training & Continuing Education, Professor of Clinical Pediatrics and Psychology, Infant Mental Health Specialist, Psychologist

UCEDD Associate Director for Community Mental Health Services, Infant Mental Health Specialist, Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Psychologist

Who we are

Larry Yin, MD, MSPH

UCEDD Director, Chief, Division of General Pediatrics at CHLA, Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Pediatrician

Alexis Deavenport-Saman, DrPH, MPH

UCEDD Assistant Director, Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Research Scientist, Doctor of Public Health

Marian Williams, PhD

Director, Pre-Service Training & Continuing Education, Professor of Clinical Pediatrics and Psychology, Infant Mental Health Specialist, Psychologist

Christine Mirzaian, MD, MPH, IBCLC

Director, Clinical and Community Services, Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Pediatrician

Olga Solomon, PhD

Director, Community Education, Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Research Scientist

Cecily Betz, PhD, RN

Director, Research, Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Healthcare Transition Specialist, Nurse

Marie Poulsen, PhD

UCEDD Associate Director for Community Mental Health Services, Infant Mental Health Specialist, Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Psychologist

Kathryn Smith, RN, MN, MS, DrPH

UCEDD Associate Director for Policy, Co-Director, Spina Bifida Program, Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Doctor of Public Health, Nurse

Veronica Chavez, PhD

UCEDD Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Psychologist

Wesley Witherspoon, BS

UCEDD Consumer Advocate, Chairperson, Employment First Committee, SCDD

Imani Franklin, BS

UCEDD Family Support Coordinator, Qualitative Interview Specialist

Crystal Ashe, MPH

UCEDD Project Coordinator, Epidemiology Specialist

Kinnari Jhaveri, MBA

UCEDD Research Operations Manager

Karli Wong, BS

UCEDD Sr. Grants and Contracts Analyst

Yuliya Zorkina, MEd

UCEDD Division Administrator

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