Executive Director Appointed to NJ Governor’s Council for Research and Treatment of Autism
Local Executive Director Appointed to NJ Governor’s Council for Medical Research and Treatment of Autism
September 17, 2008 (Princeton, NJ ) – On August 20, 2008, Governor Jon Corzine filed direct appointments for the Governor’s Council for Medical Research and Treatment of Autism. One of those appointments was Executive Director, Jessica Guberman, Ph.D.
Jessica Guberman, Ph.D., is the Executive Director for a national nonprofit organization, Community Options, Inc. Dr. Guberman was appointed to be an Autism Organizational Representative and will represent Community Options through this prestigious appointment. Community Options is a national nonprofit organization that develops innovative housing and employment opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities, including children. Dr. Guberman has been working in the human service field for 15 years supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, survivors of domestic violence and rape and at-risk youth. “Having the ability to represent Community Options through this most recent appointment is an honor. I am committed and dedicated to serving individuals with Autism through the efforts of this council and look forward to working with all of the new council members,” says Guberman.
Guberman has been employed by Community Options for 5 years in her role as Executive Director and oversees all operations of residential services for Northern New Jersey, which consists of 18 group homes throughout Passaic, Bergen, Morris, Sussex and Warren Counties. Three of these group homes were developed through the Division of Developmental Disabilities latest initiative, CPEP (Children’s Placement Enhancement Pilot). CPEP works to serve children with developmental disabilities who are at-risk of out of state placement. Guberman opened the first CPEP home in the state on May 1, 2008 and an additional two homes are set to open in September 2008. Guberman lives in Succasunna (Morris County) with her husband and two children.
The New Jersey Governor’s Council for Medical Research and Treatment of Autism was created by state statute in 1999. It was to receive a one-year appropriation, which was continued in subsequent years.
Initially the Council was made a part of UMDNJ. In 2007, new legislation was passed revising the composition of the Council, and moving it to the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. #####
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HUMAN SERVICES, GOVERNMENT, AUTISM, FEATURES