Bio:

Dr. Ballan worked as a Clinical Social Worker for Safeplace in Austin, Texas and served in this capacity as a curriculum development specialist, group facilitator and sexuality educator for children and adults with developmental disabilities. While employed as a Clinical Social Worker for North Princeton Developmental Center, Ms. Ballan provided sexual counseling and case management services to clients with developmental disabilities and mental illnesses. She also served as a clinician for the non-profit agency, Women Helping Women. Prior to obtaining her M.S.W., Ms. Ballan was a family support specialist for the New Jersey Brain Injury Association.

Research Interests:

• Developmental disabilities
• Sexual counseling for vulnerable populations
• Sexual offenders
• Evaluation of clinical interventions

Current Projects:

• Evaluation of a psychoeducational sexuality education program for parents of children with mental retardation
• Counseling practices for sexual offenders with disabilities
• Evaluation of an offender program for inmates with disabilities
• Reduction of high-risk sexual behaviors among vulnerable populations
• Ethical issues in sex research
  

Recent Publications:

Journal Articles
Ballan, M. (in press). Gays and lesbians with disabilities: An approach to collective strength and solidarity. Journal of Gay and Lesbian Social Services.

Ballan, M. (2002). Reflections about shadow victims of 911. Reflections: Narratives of Professional Helpers, 8(3), 79-83.

Ballan, M. (2002). Introduction to Developmental Disabilities. In S. F. Gilson and E. DePoy (Eds). Integrating disability content in social work education: A curriculum resource. Washington, DC: Council of Social Work Education.

Ballan, M. (2001, February/March). Parents as sexuality educators for their children with developmental disabilities. SIECUS Report, 29(3), 14-19.

Franklin, C. & Ballan, M. (2000). Reliability and validity in qualitative research. In B. A. Thyer (Ed.). Handbook of social work research (pp. 273-292). Newbury Park, CA: Sage Publications.

Last updated December 03, 2007.