Doreen Samelson EdD, MSCP is a licensed clinical psychologist and author with 30 years of experience in healthcare as a practicing clinician, administrator and thought leader. Before joining the Catalight Foundation, Doreen was an Area Director for five mental health clinics with Kaiser Permanente where she also provided direct services to individuals with behavioral health needs.

As the Chief Clinical Officer for the Catalight Foundation, Doreen leads the Catalight Research Institute and provides clinical leadership for behavioral health research, developing new modalities of care and addressing unmet needs through technology advancements for individuals with developmental disabilities including autism. She is also the parent of an adult with a developmental disability and is passionate about self-determinism, inclusion and helping people with developmental disabilities improve their wellbeing.