“Innovation in Social Work”

The Institute for Innovation and Implementation (the Institute) of the University of Maryland serves as a resource for technical assistance and policy for the Maryland Children’s Cabinet and its member agencies. The Institute supports state and local governments and organizations to implement effective systems and practices to best meet the needs of children and youth with complex behavioral needs and their families. Professor Zabel will be speaking about the work of the Institute.

Ms. Michelle Zabel is the Director of The Institute. In her role, she has transformed a small technical assistance center for Maryland’s Children’s Cabinet into a multi-million dollar, nationally recognized, best practice center for systems of care. Previously, she served as Associate Vice President of Ambulatory Services for a Behavioral Health Network, as Director of the Department of Pediatrics at Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, and Director of the Burlington Partnership SAMHSA Grant and member of the state executive leadership team for New Jersey’s Children’s System of Care Initiative. Ms. Zabel graduated from Eastern College with Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, and from Bryn Mawr College with a Master of Social Service degree, with a specialization in Clinical Social Work.