The Institutes of Applied Human Dynamics (IAHD) Receives CQL Accreditation and Appoints New Leadership Roles January 12, 2021

Accreditation received for 2nd consecutive year despite pandemic challenges

Tarrytown, NY, January 11, 2021 – IAHD received Quality Assurance Accreditation from the Council of Quality and Leadership (CQL) for a second consecutive year despite the challenging hardships brought on by the Coronavirus Pandemic of 2020. This internationally recognized designation affirms IAHD’s ongoing quest to be aligned with and practice the highest standards in human services.

“IAHD has built a solid foundation for improving services and the lives of those who receive them. This shift to focusing on quality enhancement strengthens that commitment. They’re putting in place specific action steps to ensure that their mission to ‘positively impact the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities’ stays at the forefront of their organizational focus.”

Katherine Dunbar, CQL Vice President of Accreditation.

This industry acknowledgement is coupled with the announcement of two senior positions added to the organization in its tireless pursuit for person-centric excellence. 

Elizabeth Matthews, Chief Quality Enhancement Officer – Ms. Matthews comes to IAHD with 13 years of experience in the intellectual and developmental disability field, beginning her career as Associate Counsel for NYSARC, Inc., an Associate Counsel position at OPWDD and onto VP of Administration with WellLife Network, Inc. As Chief Quality Enhancement Officer with IAHD, Ms. Matthews’ focus will be quality assurance and compliance matters, and to ensure that IAHD is providing the best services possible to the individuals IAHD supports and for their families. 

Gabi Opazo, Chief Innovation Officer – Ms. Opazo’s recent promotion from Director of Family Innovative Services is a testament to her 20+ years of experience within the fields of Developmental and Organizational psychology and working with people with disabilities. In her role as Chief Innovation Officer, Ms. Opazo will ensure IAHD’s continued commitment to person-centeredness to impact decisions that will lead to a better quality of life for everyone receiving supports. She will continue to collaborate with the IAHD Champions, a group of Self Advocates to make certain that the voice of people with disabilities is considered with any decision made within IAHD.

“IAHD is making a critical investment in person-centered development by creating these two new positions, Gabi Opazo as the Chief Innovation Officer and Elizabeth Matthews as the Chief Quality Enhancement Officer.  The mark of true person-centered work is to discover and nurture the contributions and callings of all the people supported and their allies. Together, these women in leadership positions will create countless fresh possibilities for the people of IAHD.”  

Beth Mount, Ph.D., industry thought-leader in person-centric philosophy

IAHD is a not-for-profit organization that provides a myriad of services and supports to more than 750 people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities throughout the Bronx and Westchester counties. 

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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact
Amy King at 914-220-4300 or email at aking@iahdny.org.

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