Our Team

Benjamin Druss
Director

Dr. Druss has led multiple studies developing models to improve the care of populations treated in the public mental health sector. These projects have involved developing and packaging interventions for use in the community, as well as management of complex projects. In addition to his work in Georgia, he has a longstanding collaboration with the South Carolina’s Department of Mental Health in evaluating its telepsychiatry program. Dr. Druss is responsible for the overall leadership of the Southeast MHTTC.

Dr. Druss has led multiple studies developing models to improve the care of populations treated in the public mental health sector. These projects have involved developing and packaging interventions for use in the community, as well as management of complex projects. In addition to his work in Georgia, he has a longstanding collaboration with the South Carolina’s Department of Mental Health in evaluating its telepsychiatry program. Dr. Druss is responsible for the overall leadership of the Southeast MHTTC.


Janet Cummings
Deputy Director

Dr. Cummings has conducted multiple studies addressing access and quality of care for children and youth treated in the mental health safety net, racial/ethnic disparities in MH and SUD treatment, effects of state policies on MH and SUD treatment, and health care utilization among vulnerable populations with behavioral health disorders. She has delivered lectures and disseminated information to multiple state and national stakeholders addressing evidence-based approaches to delivering child mental health services. Dr. Cummings co-leads the Southeast MHTTC with a focus on services for children and youth.

Dr. Cummings has conducted multiple studies addressing access and quality of care for children and youth treated in the mental health safety net, racial/ethnic disparities in MH and SUD treatment, effects of state policies on MH and SUD treatment, and health care utilization among vulnerable populations with behavioral health disorders. She has delivered lectures and disseminated information to multiple state and national stakeholders addressing evidence-based approaches to delivering child mental health services. Dr. Cummings co-leads the Southeast MHTTC with a focus on services for children and youth.


Elizabeth Walker
Evaluation Director

Dr. Walker is an expert in community mental health needs assessment and program evaluation, workforce issues, qualitative methods, comorbidity, and access to mental health care. She is responsible for leading the quantitative and qualitative evaluation portions of the Southeast MHTTC.


Melissa (Moose) Alperin
Training Director

Dr. Alperin is an expert in distance-based learning and workforce training programs, including the use of state-of-the art video and computer-based training modules. As the director of the HRSA-funded Region IV Public Health Training Center, she has extensive expertise in designing and leading multisite workforce training programs, with particular knowledge of, and experience with, HHS Region IV. Dr. Alperin provides guidance around development and implementation of the center’s training activities.


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