Institute for Families in Society

(MA, School Psychology and MBA, Business Administration, University of South Carolina).
Kathy Mayfield-Smith is a Research Associate Professor with the Institute for Families in Society, Division of Medicaid Policy Research (MPR). During her more than 30 years at USC, she has directed numerous community-based projects as well as projects of state and national scope. She has served as a consultant to state and federal programs and provided training and technical assistance throughout the country. Her principal work has focused on issues related to family and consumer empowerment for at-risk, vulnerable populations. She worked with the Department of Health and Human Services in developing their new Independence Plus Waiver, policies and procedures on consumer-directed services throughout the Medicaid waiver system, and other system changes to improve access to long term care and support services for seniors and children and adults with disabilities.

Ms. Mayfield-Smith has authored or co-authored several articles, book chapters and professional reports on increasing access to information and services for children and adults with disabilities. Additionally, she has developed numerous consumer and professional training and technical assistance materials. Her research and professional interests are in the areas of health services research (particularly improving quality and access to services), health, disability and caregiver policy development, advocacy and empowerment, program evaluation, and access to and development of community based services to increase health outcomes, independence and support for caregivers (particularly respite services).