As National Director of Outpatient Operations for Project Transition, Michelle Palmer oversees programming for an outpatient crisis program that is specifically designed to work with individuals that are dually diagnosed with an intellectual/developmental disability and a mental health disorder.

“Our program works in the home with individuals of all ages and works to build community stabilization and decrease the need for out of home placements,” Palmer explained. “We have been able to collaborate with hospitals, jails, mobile crisis, residential treatment centers and other providers throughout the state to collaborate to get the best achieved for these individuals in the community.” 

 Additionally, Palmer has been able to team up with the Helen Ross McNabb Center to be part of the Crisis Intervention Team training for local officers to help them better understand working with individuals that have intellectual/developmental disabilities. 

 “I never thought I would get into a role like there where I can develop this program the way I see fit and help grow resources in the community for IDD.” she said. “Also, with this role for the past 6.5 years, I have become a community resource for others in the community not sure what to do in crisis situations and I have been able to direct them one way or another. It has been a great role for me and very rewarding.”