Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services leadership update
Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services leadership update
Earlier this month, Family and Social Services Administration Secretary Dr. Dan Rusyniak announced that Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services Director Kim Opsahl would be promoted to FSSA deputy secretary and chief of staff upon the retirement of current Deputy Secretary Michael Gargano. Dr. Rusyniak also shared that Kelly Mitchell, DDRS associate director will step in as DDRS director as Kim transitions to her new role with FSSA.
To ensure continuity of leadership within DDRS, we’re honored to announce that Cathy Robinson, Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services director, will be appointed to the position of DDRS associate director following Kelly Mitchell’s move to her new role on March 7, 2022.
Cathy has a Master’s in Education from Butler University, and she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role, with over 17 years of service to DDRS programs. Prior to assuming the role of BDDS director in 2015, Cathy worked as part of the Indiana First Steps team. Because of her personal and professional experiences, Cathy has a passion for and strong commitment to addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities across their lifespan. In 2019, Cathy led BDDS in a major systems and waiver redesign effort, and that same year, she and the DDRS team were recognized for innovative work in implementing person-centered practices with the Charting the LifeCourse Champions award. Most recently, Cathy led the BDDS initiative to transform case management services for the Family Supports and Community Integration and Habilitation waivers. Cathy has been heavily invested in stakeholder engagement and outreach, prioritizing Building Bridges sessions for individuals and families across the state, to hear directly from individuals and families receiving services. Her leadership has provided consistent guidance and support in the achievement of BDDS mission. As associate director, Cathy will draw upon her experience to ensure and support the DDRS vision that all people are empowered to live, love, work, learn, play and pursue their dreams.
We’re also pleased to announce that Holly Wimsatt will step in as BDDS director upon Cathy’s transition to DDRS associate director. Holly began working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in 1988 after graduating from Indiana University. She started her career working for a provider of residential and day services. It was here that she found her passion to meet people where they are and support them as they create the life they want to live. Holly later worked in the case management realm supporting people as they navigated various systems, including home-and community-based services. In 2003, Holly accepted a position in a BDDS district office as a service coordinator. She has since worked in a variety of roles within BDDS, each one providing her opportunities to learn from some remarkable individuals and their families. Holly is from southern Indiana where she and her husband raised their two sons. She enjoys spending time with family, particularly her two granddaughters. Holly will apply her extensive knowledge and experience to lead the BDDS team in their aim to support and empower individuals and families by connecting them to resources and supports to live their best life. Please join us in congratulating Cathy and Holly!
Kelly Mitchell, associate director
Kim Opsahl, director
Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services