Meet START Clinical Director, Rose Hazlitt! The Clinical Director role ensures the psychological integrity of the START program from individual cases up through system’s change. In addition to interpreting elements of the START model, Rose is tasked to bring a deeper understanding of foundational concepts such as trauma informed approaches and a biopsychosocial framework through START team work. In addition to Rose’s own education and experience, a national network of experts and START tools help to fully conceptualize cases.
In Rose’s words, "START is a positive and solution focused program with the goal of enhancing the capacity of team to best support individuals. START transcends traditional direct services and behavioral approaches with work that is directly with families and service providers rather than the individuals themselves. START employs comprehensive assessment around a person’s needs, strengths, skills, and interests to identify and establish the most positive and research-based strategies to build the team’s capacity to support that individual. START’s goals are not only minimize crisis, but to enhance a person’s life and promote holistic wellness."
When asked what she likes about START, Rose replied “The ability to shift how a team and broader networks of providers view and support people with disabilities. People with I/DD often have complex presentations that confound our ability to understand their needs. START’s clinical focus helps others to identify the diagnostic vulnerabilities and environmental triggers that contribute to a person’s challenges so that we can implement positive supports, allowing the person to experience their greatest level of success.”