Murphys, CA…Stephanie Edwards-Norfleet, PhD, who has a proven track record of helping nonprofit organizations reach their full potential, has been selected to be the new Executive Director for Mind Matters, the Murphys based clinic that helps individuals and families cope with the consequences of autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and learning disabilities.

She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Trudy Lackey who served the clinic for many years, first as a member of its Board of Directors and later as its Executive Director.

“When I learned that Mind Matters was looking for new leadership I did my homework and was very impressed with the clinics innovative approaches to dealing with the problems so many families face,” says Edwards-Norfleet. “I was also taken by its deep involvement in the community and the respect it has earned. I decided that this is where I wanted and needed to be.”

Over the past 13 years Edwards-Norfleet has been working with the Center for Applied Research Solutions (CARS) and ONTRACK Program Resources to provide technical assistance and training to nonprofit organizations. The programs are designed to produce sustained improvements through skill development, knowledge reinforcement, continued support, and responsive evaluation.

“I look forward to applying these principals to help Mind Matters grow and extend its influence as it pursues its mission,” she says.

Jan Alcalde, chair of the Mind Matters Board of Directors is excited with the appointment. “We are so pleased to find someone with Stephanie’s extensive skills willing to help us,” she said. “We were particularly impressed with her record of successful fundraising, including the securing of major grants. She has even taught grant writing. We know the community will benefit from her leadership.”

A native Californian, the new ED has earned two Masters Degrees, one in Public Administration and the other in Hospital Administration, from the University of Southern California. She has also studied fundraising at the Indiana University Center of Philanthropy and was recently awarded a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership degree from Argosy University.
S
he was the founder of San Diego’s Nonprofit Management Institute. Its mission is to improve and strengthen the governance and administration of grassroots nonprofits. A proven grant writer she had helped such organizations to secure more than $5.5 million in foundation support and corporate sponsorships.

“We are very pleased that Stephanie is joining our team,” states Dr. Ryan Thompson, who with his wife Kim founded Mind Matters ten years ago and continues to be its Medical Director. “She has the knowledge and experience to help us move forward and her enthusiasm is contagious.”

The Mind Matters board is organizing a donor appreciation event in October. “This will give our supporters an opportunity to meet and interact with Stephanie,” says Alcalde. “We know they will as impressed with her as we are.”

Mind Matters is located at 150 Big Trees Rd., Suite D adjacent to the Murphys Post Office. For information about the clinic’s services, or to make a donation to help it meet its needs, call the office at (209) 728-2184, or visit the website www.mindmattersclinic.org
####