Introducing the Program Implementation Team
The Northwest Pennsylvania (NW PA) Veteran Suicide Prevention Program operates on a three-pronged approach involving healthcare providers, community organizations, and Veterans and their families. As the Program is currently recruiting healthcare and community partners and planning training opportunities, we’d like to introduce our program implementation team. While there are many people involved with this initiative, these individuals represent the public face of our efforts and are the ones forging relationships with our partners and stakeholders.
Please reach out to us if you have any questions or would like to know more about connection with our program implementation group.
Read time: 4 minutes
LaWanda Brown, PhD
Senior Program Implementation Specialist
LaWanda Brown, PhD, is a Senior Program Implementation Specialist. In her role, LaWanda works in public health engagement and outreach, supporting suicide prevention and community engagement. She also supports substance use disorder prevention and intervention on college campuses, providing implementation and engagement for the Lincoln University Supporting Students with Substance Use Disorder (LUSS) project.
LaWanda specializes in policy and legal analysis of public health issues and social problems. She holds a PhD in Law and Public Policy and a master’s degree in public administration. Her research concentrates on substance use disorder, opioid use disorder, legal policy issues, housing, domestic violence, and social program advocacy and access.
LaWanda is an experienced policy analyst, public program supervisor, and manager who addresses public social issues through research, advocacy, and collaborative leadership. She excels in problem solving and communication across projects and teams to optimize methods and practices.
Chris Chirdon, MEd
Senior Program Implementation Specialist
Chris Chirdon is a Senior Program Implementation Specialist. In his role, Chris performs community engagement and outreach and the implementation of support programs. Prior to joining the NW PA Veteran Suicide Prevention Program, Chris was part of the Overdose Reduction Technical Assistance Center (ORTAC) team, coordinating county efforts across Pennsylvania to tackle substance and opioid use disorders and eliminate fatal overdoses. Because Chris thrives on collaboration, his approach to community work is hands-on, driven by an interest in the work as well as connecting with others.
Chris earned his MEd in secondary science education and holds teaching certificates in Biology and Physics. His background in education policy, interest in municipal governance, and knack for tech often help him navigate challenges and complete his program activities.
When he’s not at work, Chris is likely tinkering with computers, developing 3D models for 3D printing, or repairing his home, cars, and bikes. With his broad skillset, he enjoys working on new problems and brings his creativity and a -smidge- of absurdist humor into everything he does. Pronouns: he/him/his
Kristy Smith, MS, PMP
Program Manager
Kristy Smith is the Program Manager for Suicide Prevention Programs. In her role she oversees implementation, stakeholder relations, and the work of the program implementation specialists.
Kristy earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania and her Master of Science in Psychology from Grand Canyon University. She recently completed her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification at Cornell University School of Engineering. She is a U.S. Army Veteran and has spent her civilian years working in the nonprofit sector focusing on community connectivity and person-centered treatment planning for children through adults.
She is also a co-owner of a women Veteran owned and operated home improvement/construction company focusing on hiring women Veterans and providing employment opportunities to enter traditionally male dominated fields.