Dr. Debra Ruisard currently serves as Consultant for Trauma Informed Care at The Center for Great Expectations, a non-profit agency in Somerset, NJ, where she has held previous positions of Program Manager, Clinical Director and Chief Clinical Officer.
Dr. Ruisard was the primary leader in transforming a traditional substance use program into a model program for trauma informed care and developed their Trauma C.A.R.E. model. As the Project Director of a National Child Traumatic Stress Network Category III Grant, she successfully implemented the Attachment, Regulation and Competency model, an evidence-based trauma intervention and provides consultation to four substance use treatment agencies on becoming trauma informed.
Dr. Ruisard has extensive clinical experience in simultaneously treating trauma and addiction issues primarily with women involved in the child welfare system and has facilitated workshops and trainings at local, state and national conferences.
Dr. Ruisard is dually licensed as an LCSW and LCADC and is a part time lecturer at the Rutgers University School of Social Work. In addition, as a national member of the Complex Trauma Treatment Affiliates, Dr. Ruisard is in private practice in Skillman, New Jersey specializing in the treatment of adults with complex trauma. Dr. Ruisard is also licensed in New York State, and is an EMDR Certified Therapist.