Higher Education Panel 3: CA Department of Developmental Services and Higher Education: Building Capacity Together
Event Details:
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CA Department of Developmental Services and Higher Education: Building Capacity Together
Moderator: Kyle McKinley, MFA, MPH
Objectives:
- Describe the structure and services provided by the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS), including the role of Regional Centers and the Autism Services Branch.
- Explain current strategies to expand system capacity, including higher education collaborations and workforce development initiatives.
- Identify relevant resources for further education, advocacy, or service implementation.
Monica Hudnall, PhD, CCC-SLP, Autism Training Director, Department of Developmental Services
Dr. Monica Hudnall, CCC-SLP is the Autism Training Director for the CA Department of Developmental Services. She is responsible for development, delivery and evaluation of statewide ASD educational programs, providing technical guidance, shaping policies, and enhancing expertise among Department staff and system partners. Prior to joining the Department, she had clinical experience as speech-language pathologist, with a focus on autism, culturally and linguistically diverse populations, and complex communication needs. She has worked in public and non-public schools with preschool through adult transition, and in early intervention programs. She has completed the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (UC-LEND) Program at UCLA/URC, served a 3-year term on the Government Affairs and Public Policy Board for the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA), and has published research in the American Journal of Speech Pathology (AJSLP). Dr. Hudnall is dedicated advancing equity disability services, as her work focuses on improving education and access to critical resources for individuals and families navigating neurodevelopmental challenges. Recognized for her exceptional service, Dr. Hudnall has received a Superior Accomplishment Award from the Department (2025), a Distinguished Early Career Professional award from ASHA (2020), and an Outstanding Student Award from the California Speech Language Hearing Association (2015).
Amber Fitzgerald, MA, BCBA, Director of Education Initiatives, UC Davis MIND Institute
Amber Fitzgerald, Director of Education Initiatives at the UC Davis MIND Institute, Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and credentialed special education teacher with a Master’s in Special Education. With over 25 years of experience, she specializes in empowering neurodiverse individuals and their families through evidence-based training, coaching, and professional development. Amber leads the Mind the Gap program under the AIR-B 4 grant, helping families of newly diagnosed children access services. As Executive Coordinator of CAPTAIN and a member of the MIND Institute’s ECHO team, she creates opportunities for providers to enhance their knowledge and skills, equipping them to better support individuals with disabilities through tele-mentoring and professional collaboration. Amber also coordinates training for medical providers through the PATH Program and Medical Module Course, bridging research and practice to support families and professionals.
Eun Ae Choi, PhD, Assistant Professor, San Jose State University
Dr. Choi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communicative Disorders and Sciences. Her clinical practice and doctoral research have been dedicated to exploring the factors that influence language development in neurodiverse children. She is particularly committed to developing innovative approaches to support the unique needs of culturally, linguistically, and neurodiverse children and their families. Dr. Choi’s passion for serving this population is deeply rooted in her own experiences as an immigrant and her clinical work with families in San José.
Robin Stewart, LCSW, EdM, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, UC Davis Health MIND Institute
Robin Stewart is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at the UC Davis MIND Institute where she works in both the Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (CEDD) and the Massie Family Clinic. She currently manages the Family Navigator Program, a peer mentoring program for families seen who are seeking support in accessing community-based services. Robin also manages the ECHO Program, a virtual educational program for professionals, advocates, and families. She is the Clinical Social Worker and clinic coordinator for the Baby Steps High Risk Infant Clinic and the BRIDGE Toddler Assessment Clinic. Robin received dual Masters' degrees in Social Work and Special Education from Boston University and specializes in family supports for young children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.