Meet Our Executive Team
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Director
Dr. Piven is the Thomas E. Castelloe Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics and Director of the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (CIDD). Dr. Piven is a child/adolescent psychiatrist specializing in the clinical care of individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. As Director, he oversees the CIDD’s comprehensive program of research, services, and specialized training in developmental disabilities.
Jeffry Low, MBADeputy Director
Jeffry Low has worked in clinical, learning, and developmental disabilities fields within the public, private, and nonprofit sectors for over 20 years. He has a master’s certificate in leadership, an MBA, and has been recognized nationally for excellence in business and technology. Jeffry is the Deputy Director of the CIDD where he serves as the organization’s chief administrator and oversees financial management, human resources, technology, communications, and operations.
Associate Director for Clinical Services and Training
Dr. Pretzel is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and the Associate Director of the CIDD where she serves as the Director of Services as well as the Psychology Section Head. As a psychologist, her areas of expertise include assessment and intervention planning for infants and young children with or at risk for developmental disabilities including those with visual impairment, autism, and low incidence and complex disorders.
Associate Director for Research
Dr. Dichter is a Professor of Psychiatry and Psychology & Neuroscience and Director of the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (IDDRC) at UNC. He currently serves as the Associate Director for Research at the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities. Dr. Dichter is a licensed psychologist with active programs of research in autism spectrum disorder and affective disorders.