Dr. Tara Reed (she/her/hers) is a leading equity and inclusion expert with over 20 years of experience in community, program, and system level leadership. Her work has focused on inclusive system design, capacity building, participatory research, meaningful community engagement, intersectional approaches, and transformative action.
As Vice President of Abt’s Equity Capability, Dr. Reed leads the strategy to center equity within Abt’s global markets, providing strategic thought leadership and capacity building for internal and external stakeholders. She also leverages her extensive experience working with government and partner agencies to design and implement equitable systems of care. Her passions are advancing social justice and equity while building systems of accountability and sustainability.
Prior to coming to Abt, Dr. Reed held several positions in child welfare, juvenile justice, homelessness, and behavioral health services in Los Angeles. Her tenure at Mental Health America Los Angeles (MHALA) culminated in the role of Executive Director, Housing and Homeless Services. Throughout her time at MHALA, she oversaw programs ranging from street outreach to rapid rehousing to permanent supportive housing. She also spent several years leading the substance use disorder programs at Children’s Hospital-LA.
Expertise
- Nonprofit capacity building
- Strategic planning and facilitation
- Technical assistance and capacity building
- Project management
- Behavioral health
Key Projects
- Project Director, SSVF Technical Assistance
- Facilitator, Lived Expertise Advisory Team, HUD Technical Assistance
- Co-Lead, HUD Technical Assistance, Program Practice
- Race Equity Advisory Team, HUD Technical Assistance
- Racial Equity Social Justice Team, VA HPO Technical Assistance
Education
- PsyD, Psychology with an emphasis in Multicultural Community Clinical Applications, Alliant International University
- MA, Psychology with an emphasis in Multicultural Community Clinical Applications, Alliant International University
- MS, Psychology with an emphasis in Psychiatric Rehabilitation, California Lutheran University
- BA, Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles