Deborah Werner has engaged in efforts to increase the effectiveness of health and human services systems since 1989. At Advocates for Human Potential, she serves as Project Director for the SAMHSA Women, Children and Families Technical Assistance Project. She is an expert on creating collaborative systems that address the needs of women and families experiencing trauma, substance use and co-occurring disorders. She works with SAMHSA—leading its national Women’s Addiction Services Leadership Institute—as well as with state and national leaders, and behavioral health and community-based agencies across the country to infuse gender-responsive approaches into treatment and recovery services. Werner has facilitated expert panels and authored related publications, including SAMHSA’s “Addressing the Needs of Women and Girls: Core Competencies for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Professionals.” Previous positions include Project Director for Children and Family Futures; Associate Director at Beyond Shelter, Inc.; and Executive Director of the California Women’s Commission on Alcohol and Drug Dependencies.