Christin Nelson – Director of Advocacy

608-782-6480, Ext. 244
FAX: 608-782-6481
E-Mail: chris_n@chileda.org

Chris Nelson, director of advocacy, is responsible for promoting an environment at Chileda that will allow our residents to advocate for their own positive change, safety and responsibility. Christin has been with Chileda since 1994.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and a master’s in School Counseling from Winona (Minn.) State University. The ethical code of standards of the American Counseling Association and Wisconsin Statute sc. 51.61(1) and HFS 94, Wisconsin Administrative Code serve as the foundation of our advocacy program. Chris is charged with the ongoing education of Chileda’s staff members about issues that are related to protecting the rights of our residents. She also develops educational programs for residents that teaches them how to express personal preferences and make choices that affect their lives.

Though Chris has completed her master’s coursework, the role of client advocates, like the healthcare industry itself, is constantly changing. Therefore, ongoing professional development is critical. Recent workshops that she has attended include Nonviolent Crisis Prevention/Intervention, Play Therapy, Multi-Age Teaching, Behavioral Modification Techniques and Adapting for Exceptional Education and Inclusive Classrooms.

A member of the American Society for Children with Autism, she has also developed and taught a curriculum entitled "Sex Education for Students with Cognitive Disabilities," and has presented nine in-service workshops.