About Us

We are a multidisciplinary team of researchers and trainers who conduct research studies, disseminate findings, prepare training and educational materials, and provide training and consultation services.  Our center’s activities focus on employment for people with serious mental illnesses.  Our team has defined the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach to supported employment.

Founders of IPS

Robert E. Drake
Robert E. DrakeFounder of IPS
Deborah Becker
Deborah BeckerIPS Founder

Meet Our Team

Monirah Al-Abdulmunem, MS
Monirah Al-Abdulmunem, MSResearch Assistant
Westat
Gary R. Bond, PhD
Gary R. Bond, PhDSenior Research Associate
garybond70@gmail.com
Ruth Brock
Ruth BrockIPS National Trainer and Consultant
The IPS Employment Center
Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. (RFMH)
Elizabeth A. Carpenter-Song, PhD
Elizabeth A. Carpenter-Song, PhDResearch Associate Professor
Department of Anthropology
Dartmouth College
Lisa B. Dixon, MD, MPH
Lisa B. Dixon, MD, MPHProfessor of Psychiatry
Columbia University Medical Center

Director
Center for Practice Innovations (CPI) at the New York State Psychiatric Institute

Robert E. Drake, MD, PhD
Robert E. Drake, MD, PhDVice President
Westat

Professor
Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons

Ana Florence, PhD
Ana Florence, PhD
Assistant Clinical Professor of Medical Psychology in Psychiatry, Columbia University
Research Scientist III, New York State Psychiatric Institute
Jennie Keleher
Jennie KeleherIPS National Trainer and Consultant
The IPS Employment Center
Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. (RFMH)
Franco Mascayano
Franco MascayanoDirector of Employment Research
Columbia University

The IPS Employment Center
Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. (RFMH)

Sandy Langfitt Reese
Sandy Langfitt ReeseIPS National Trainer and Consultant
The IPS Employment Center
Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. (RFMH)
Justin D. Metcalfe, PhD
Justin D. Metcalfe, PhDPolicy Researcher
Westat
Susan Morris
Susan MorrisWestat Administrative Manager
Westat
Sarah Swanson, LSW, CRC
Sarah Swanson, LSW, CRCDirector, IPS Learning Community
The IPS Employment Center
Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. (RFMH)
Lourice KhouryAdministrative Manager
The IPS Employment Center
Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. (RFMH)