Good afternoon,

I am pleased to announce that Carmen Sanchez is the new Associate Division Director for the Early Childhood and Parent Team in OSEP’s Research to Practice (RTP) Division. Carmen has been with RTP for 18 years and has served for most of those years as the Lead in the Parent Training and Information Program, working closely with RTP colleagues to amplify families’ voices in improving early intervention and special education throughout the nation. Prior to her work at OSEP, Carmen worked at the local level providing information and referral to people with disabilities across the lifespan and as the family resource coordinator in a local early intervention program. Carmen is the mother of a young adult with disabilities who received early intervention and special education services as well as navigating the transition to adult life. Many of you have worked with Carmen over the years, so you know firsthand the expertise and leadership she brings to OSEP. I know in her new role that Carmen will continue to advance the work of OSEP and ensure that children with disabilities and their families are always at the center of our work.

Please join me in congratulating Carmen and supporting her in this new leadership role.

Sincerely,

David Cantrell

David J. Cantrell, PhD (He/Him/His)

Deputy Director

Office of Special Education Program (OSEP)

Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS)

U.S. Department of Education