Catalight's Dr. Doreen Samelson Celebrated as Gold Winner in 2025 Healthcare Merit Awards

Dr. Doreen Samelson's Transformative Impact on Autism Care

Catalight, a recognized organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with developmental disabilities, has celebrated a significant milestone with the announcement that its Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Doreen Samelson, has received the prestigious Gold Winner title in the Influential Clinical Executives category for the 2025 Merit Awards for Healthcare. This award acknowledges her remarkable influence and dedication to redefining autism and intellectual disabilities care across the nation.

As an experienced licensed psychologist and a parent of an adult child with an intellectual disability, Dr. Samelson brings a unique perspective to her role. Her leadership has played a pivotal role in emphasizing wellbeing as the central measure of success for autism and intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) care. This new paradigm shifts the focus from traditional metrics to a nuanced understanding of individual flourishing, rooted deeply in dignity, inclusion, and personalized outcomes.

Under her guidance, Catalight has launched the Catalight Research Institute, a national hub designed to bolster clinical innovation through applied research and technological advancements. Within this framework, essential tools have been developed, including the Catalight Wellbeing Scales, Parental Stress Scales, and the Compass-Behavioral program aimed at empowering autistic youth to cultivate their self-advocacy abilities.

The effectiveness of these initiatives is clear. According to Catalight's data, the new models and tools produced noteworthy results: a 4.3 out of 5 satisfaction rating among participants, a 71% decrease in dangerous behaviors, a reduction in family stress, and a significant 30% decline in healthcare costs. Furthermore, the uptake of telehealth services reached an impressive 93%, enhancing equitable access to essential care.

In her remarks about the award, Dr. Samelson expressed gratitude and pride in witnessing the embrace of wellbeing as the core outcome for people with autism and I/DDs. She stated, “It’s the path to more impactful, person-centered care.” Her vision, as articulated by Susan Armiger, the President and CEO of Catalight, has reshaped not only the organization but also paved the way for change on a national level, making wellbeing an essential and recognized outcome in the behavioral health landscape.

Dr. Samelson's influence extends beyond Catalight. Her roles with the California Health Care Foundation and prior leadership experiences at Kaiser Permanente showcase her commitment to advancing healthcare equity. She has also served as Co-Chair of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Psychology Interest Group, where her scholarly work and publications, featured in esteemed outlets including Psychology Today and Forbes, have contributed to the ongoing dialogue about effective autism care.

As the Merit Awards celebrate their sixth year, they continue to spotlight excellence and innovation within the healthcare sector, recognizing organizations and leaders striving to make impactful contributions through research, leadership, and technology. The awards not only honor the achievements of individuals like Dr. Samelson but also set the benchmark for future advancements in clinical care and health equity.

For Catalight, the recognition of Dr. Samelson is not only a celebration of individual achievement but also a testament to the organization's mission of breaking down barriers and providing equitable access to innovative care services for people with developmental disabilities. Catalight’s multidisciplinary approach, supported by a vast network of over 16,000 practitioners serving nearly 24,000 patients and families annually, signifies a holistic commitment to reimagining healthcare experiences.

In conclusion, Dr. Doreen Samelson's recognition as a Gold Winner in the 2025 Merit Awards for Healthcare marks a significant achievement not only for her career but for all those who benefit from transformative autism and I/DD care. The path forged by her leadership will undoubtedly continue to inspire and guide future innovations within the field and beyond.