Debra T. Benitez Project Director As Project Director in WestEd's Center for Prevention and Early Intervention, Debra Benitez is responsible for training, technical assistance, and conducting research and evaluation projects for children and youth with disabilities, ages birth to 22 years of age. Prior to joining WestEd, Benitez worked with children, youth, and adults with disabilities. She has provided instruction in K–12 public and non-public classrooms for students with high incidence disabilities, developed curricula, and provided support and training to teachers of students with special needs. Benitez has also worked with school districts, community-based organizations, and state agencies on developing, maintaining, and evaluating transition programs for youth with disabilities, as well as supporting community agencies in developing inclusive practices for children and youth with disabilities. She was appointed to the Mayor's Transitional Youth Task Force in San Francisco, providing expertise on and representing the interests of students with disabilities transitioning into adulthood. Benitez received an MA in special education, with a focus on learning disabilities, from San Francisco State University and a PhD in special education, with a focus on transition policy and education reform, from the University of Kansas. Tel: 916.492.4059 916.492.4004 Email: dbenite@wested.org Mailing Address: 1000 G Street, Suite 500 Sacramento, California 95814-0892 Project Work: Early Start Comprehensive System of Personnel Development Special Needs Project Resource Involvement: Alternate Assessments for Special Education Students in the Southwest Region States