Dr. Deegan is an independent consultant who specializes in recovery and the empowerment of individuals diagnosed with mental illness. She is affiliated with the Boston University Institute for the Study of Human Resilience, the University of Kansas School of Welfare and Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. She received her doctorate in clinical psychology from Duquesne University. A program director with the Northeast Independent Living/Cross Disability Settings, Dr. Deegan is an activist in the ex-patient movement and cofounder of the National Empowerment Center, Inc. Between 1992 and 2001, she held the position of Director of Training at the NEC. Her most recent projects include the development of the International Care Approach to building recovery-oriented skills and competencies in direct services staff, a film about transitioning from institutions to the community, and research into ex-patient perspectives on the history of mental health services.