Eric Bruns

Co-Director

Eric J. Bruns, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington School of Medicine, and former Wraparound care coordinator. Dr. Bruns’ research and other professional activities focus on public child-serving systems, and how to maximize their positive effects on youth with behavioral health needs and their families. He is known nationally for his research and development work on integrated care coordination for youth with complex mental health needs via the Wraparound process. With Janet Walker, Ph.D., he launched the National Wraparound Initiative in 2003. Since then, he has directed the Wraparound Evaluation and Research Team at the University of Washington (UW), which develops and disseminates accountability tools for Wraparound. Dr. Bruns is also associate director of the UW School Mental Health Assessment, Research, and Training (SMART) Center. Eric has served as principal investigator for over 10 federally funded studies of community and school mental health services and authored over 100 refereed journal articles and book chapters.

Kim Estep

Co-Director

Kim Estep, MA, is assistant extension professor at the University of Connecticut School of Social Work, director of systems design and implementation strategies at Innovations Institute, UConn SSW, and co-director of the National Wraparound Initiative (NWI). With over two decades of experience in children’s behavioral health, care coordination, and public system reform, Kim is a national leader in the design and implementation of Wraparound and family-centered service models.

As co-director of NWI, Kim supports the development and dissemination of national standards, tools, and guidance to strengthen Wraparound practice and policy across diverse systems. She partners with states, providers, and managed care organizations to build the infrastructure needed for high-quality, equitable, and sustainable Wraparound implementation. Her work emphasizes workforce development, cross-system collaboration, and meaningful youth and family engagement.

At Innovations, Kim also serves as director of the National Wraparound Implementation Center (NWIC), where she leads technical assistance and implementation strategies grounded in research and practical application. Her approach bridges training, coaching, policy, and data to help systems translate values into effective action.

Kim is deeply committed to ensuring that families with complex needs have access to coordinated, strengths-based care that is helpful, timely, and grounded in what matters most to them.

Nic Handley

Senior Program Specialist

Nic Handley, MA, MLIS, is senior program specialist supporting national training and technical assistance initiatives across Innovations Institute, University of Connecticut School of Social Work. She is responsible for coordinating webinars and outreach for both the National Wraparound Initiative and for the National Wraparound Implementation Center. Nic is a producer of the Innovations’ podcast, Unwrapping Wraparound: Innovations in Care Coordination.