At a Retirement "Roast" yesterday, we bid farewell to Deb Dennis who is leaving Policy Research Associates, Inc. after more than 25 years. As many of you know, Deb has been the Project Director of the SAMHSA SOAR Technical Assistance Center since its inception in 2009. The SOAR program has grown tremendously under her leadership, and she will be missed! However, she will remain involved and interested in SOAR, both as a consultant to the TA Center and as a SOAR practitioner in the Albany, NY, area. We wish Deb all the best in her retirement!
At the same time, we welcome Kristin Lupfer as our new Project Director! Kristin began as a Senior Project Associate on the SOAR TA Team in 2009 and has been the Associate Director for the past year. Prior to coming to the SOAR TA Center, Kristin served people experiencing homelessness in New York City and Atlanta, and conducted research and data analysis with the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse. Under her leadership, the State of Georgia's SOAR program had a 70 percent approval rate in less than 90 days. At the SOAR TA Center, she has served as a TA liaison to more than ten states and has conducted forums and trainings across the country. Kristin will continue as a TA Liaison to California, Colorado, and Michigan. Welcome to your new role, Kristin!
