Amherst, N.Y. (March, 2021) – Assistant Professor of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Dr. Deborah Napolitano has been appointed to serve on the Board of Directors for Parent to Parent of New York State, a not for profit organization that supports and connects families of individuals with special needs.  

Napolitano has focused much of her work on advocacy with, and for, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. She said she was honored to be invited to the board, stating, “This feels like such a good fit for me given my work with families and, particularly, my interest and focus on the needs of individuals with IDD who are in the foster care system who often do not have families that can strongly advocate for their needs."

In her new role on the board, Napolitano said her goal is to listen, learn, support, and consider what she knows about the needs of individuals with IDD, particularly those who have severe challenges or are in the child welfare system.

“I have been a Support Parent for Parent to Parent of NYS for many years and feel that being able to reach out and connect with other parents and caregivers is essential. Parent to Parent reminds parents that they are not alone, even when they feel like they are,” said Michelle Fidler-Sutherland, Governance Committee Chair of Parent to Parent of New York State. “Dr. Deborah Napolitano's extensive expertise will provide insight to the challenges that are facing families and individuals here in New York State. We are pleased to have her be part of the Parent to Parent family.”

The mission of Parent to Parent of New York State is to build a supportive network of families to reduce isolation and empower those who care for people with developmental disabilities or special healthcare needs to navigate and influence service systems and make informed decisions. This aligns with Napolitano’s work at Daemen, teaching ABA students how to improve countless lives. 

“Dr. Napolitano is a leader in the field of ABA and in the area of interprofessional collaboration. Working with this important state-wide group is a natural step for her to ultimately foster and develop additional opportunities for Daemen College ABA students,” said Dr. Vicki Knapp, chair of the Daemen College ABA Department.

Learn more about Daemen’s ABA program at daemen.edu/aba, and Parent to Parent of New York State at parenttoparentnys.org.

Founded in 1947, Daemen College is a premier private college of national distinction offering over 65 majors in professional health sciences and the liberal arts. The curriculum includes seven core elements – critical thinking and creative problem solving, information literacy, communication skills, affective awareness, moral and ethical discernment, contextual integration, and civic responsibility. In today’s rapidly changing world, a Daemen education offers lasting value and provides students and alumni a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Connect online at Daemen.edu.