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
Oslo Becker
Oslo BeckerResearch Assistant in Training
The IPS Employment Center
Gary R. Bond, PhD
Gary R. Bond, PhDSenior Research Associate
Westat
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

Jennie Keleher
Jennie KeleherIPS National Trainer and Consultant
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)
Jessica Marbacher, BA
Jessica Marbacher, BADigital Communications Manager
The IPS Employment Center
Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. (RFMH)
Justin D. Metcalfe, PhD
Justin D. Metcalfe, PhDPolicy Researcher
Westat
Sue Morris
Sue MorrisAdministrative Manager
The IPS Employment Center
Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. (RFMH)
Dan Ressler, BA
Dan Ressler, BAProject Coordinator
Westat
Thomas Smith, MD
Thomas Smith, MDConsultant
Associate Medical Director, NYS Office of Mental Health
Medical Director, Division of Managed Care, NYS Office of Mental Health
Special Lecturer, Columbia University Medical Center
Sarah Swanson, LSW, CRC
Sarah Swanson, LSW, CRCDirector, IPS Learning Community
The IPS Employment Center
Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. (RFMH)
Miriam Tepper, MD
Miriam Tepper, MDResearch Psychiatrist
Columbia University Department of Psychiatry and New York State Psychiatric Institute
Haiyi Xie, PhD
Haiyi Xie, PhDProfessor
Department of Data Sciences
Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth