Donna McDermott
Brisbane,Australia
Summary
Transformational Clinical Leader with a strong background in quality improvement and compliance in Behavioral Health Services. Developed programs and fostered collaboration across sectors, enhancing communication and mentoring initiatives. Implemented data-driven strategies to optimize service delivery and support workforce development, prioritizing a person-centered approach.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Practice Leader
Lizard Centre
Brisbane, Australia
01.2025 - Current
- Lead clinical oversight for a team of Behaviour Support Practitioners delivering evidence-based ABA services to individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Deliver clinical supervision and mentorship to team members to ensure fidelity to best-practice interventions and compliance with NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission standards. Established group clinical supervision systems across states.
- Led development and refinement of service models aligned with national policy and sector guidelines, focusing on accessibility, client-centered care, and cultural safety.
- Implemented quality improvement processes, resulting in enhanced service delivery and clinical outcomes.
- Designed and delivered structured training for staff and families, focusing on behaviour support strategies, functional communication training, and emotional regulation.
- Facilitated cross-disciplinary collaboration and stakeholder engagement with external providers, government agencies, and family systems to improve service integration.
- Maintain rigorous safeguarding protocols and contribute to the development of internal audits and risk assessments.
Director of Clinical Operations
The Inspired Community Project
Bronx, USA
01.2023 - 08.2025
- Provided clinical leadership and strategic direction for ABA programs supporting young children with autism, with a focus on innovation, compliance, and sustainable service delivery.
- Developed service-wide quality assurance systems and led continuous improvement initiatives across operational, clinical, and compliance functions.
- Designed and implemented infrastructure and compliance systems to register organization with New York Early Intervention Services and Bureau of Child Care, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.
- Established a New York State Department of Labor–approved 12-month apprenticeship program to formalize the role of Behavior Technician as a viable and supported career pathway, strengthening workforce development pipelines.
- Cultivated academic partnerships with New York University, Stanford University, and City University of New York (CUNY) to enhance research collaborations, facilitate student internships, and strengthen workforce readiness programs.
- Delivered training and supervision to clinicians and staff via telehealth, maintaining high-quality service continuity for families and practitioners.
- Built strong community engagement pathways across the Bronx by collaborating with local schools, GP offices, daycare providers, and community centers, ensuring equity in service access and increasing community awareness.
ABA Instructor
McCarton Center
Bronx, USA
06.2020 - 01.2023
- Designed and implemented individualized and group ABA programs for toddlers with ASD.
- Developed and implemented standardized training program for ABA instructors and teaching staff, promoting consistency in intervention delivery across center.
- Established data collection systems and conducted ongoing data analysis to enhance treatment effectiveness.
- Supervised ABA Instructors and conducted staff-wide training on intervention strategies and program fidelity.
- Provided telehealth-based direct services during the COVID-19 pandemic, including family training, virtual coaching for staff, and remote intervention support.
- Coordinated with multi-disciplinary professionals and families to facilitate integrated care.
Social Worker
CARES / Hand in Hand Development
New York, USA
12.2017 - 06.2020
- Delivered individual therapy to children and adults as a licensed master social worker (LMSW), utilizing CBT, ACT, solution-focused therapy, and ABA to support clients with diverse needs.
- Provided both short- and long-term therapeutic interventions, tailoring approaches to individual client presentations and goals.
- Coordinated care with families and interdisciplinary teams, facilitating treatment generalization and improving client support.
- Developed and implemented individualized and group ABA programs for toddlers with ASD, enhancing engagement and learning outcomes.
- Led a clinical team of 10–18 ABA instructors, providing training and supervision to ensure high-quality service delivery.
Education
Master of Arts - Applied Behavior Analysis
Ball State University
Muncie, Indiana, USA01.2019
Certification in Solution Focused Therapy -
Framingham University
Framingham, Massachusetts, USA01.2017
Master of Arts - Social Work
Lancaster University
Lancaster, UK01.2013
Bachelor of Arts - History and Philosophy
National University of Ireland
Galway, Ireland01.2007
Skills
- Clinical supervision and training
- Telehealth service delivery
- Program development and quality improvement
- Regulatory compliance and risk management
- Quality improvement
- Behavior support strategies
- Data-driven decision making
- Team leadership and stakeholder engagement
- Effective communication
- Coaching and mentoring
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Safeguarding practices
Certification
- Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), 05/16
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), 05/19
- Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA), 05/21
- Blue Card (QLD), Current
- Child First Aid, CPR/AED, EpiPen Administration, Current
- NYS Mandated Reporter, Current
Timeline
Practice Leader
Lizard Centre
01.2025 - Current
Director of Clinical Operations
The Inspired Community Project
01.2023 - 08.2025
ABA Instructor
McCarton Center
06.2020 - 01.2023
Social Worker
CARES / Hand in Hand Development
12.2017 - 06.2020
Master of Arts - Applied Behavior Analysis
Ball State University
Certification in Solution Focused Therapy -
Framingham University
Master of Arts - Social Work
Lancaster University
Bachelor of Arts - History and Philosophy
National University of Ireland