Peggy Lavin, LCSW

Peggy Lavin is the Senior Associate Director of the Behavioral Health Care Accreditation Program at The Joint Commission. In this role, she assists the Executive Director to identify new markets, familiarizes organizations with the accreditation process, and participates in new product development and the strategic development and tactical operations of the Behavioral Health Care Accreditation Program. Previously, Ms. Lavin managed and developed the surveyor cadre for the Behavioral Health Care Accreditation Program. Ms. Lavin has more than 25 years experience in behavioral health care, focusing on residential, day treatment, in-home, outpatient, and therapeutic foster care programs. Prior to coming to The Joint Commission, Ms. Lavin worked for a Nashville-based accredited behavioral health care organization that provided services to children and youth in six states. As director of corporate quality improvement, she was responsible for ensuring quality organizational and clinical performance of all sites. Ms. Lavin also worked at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and the Illinois Department of Corrections, Juvenile Division. In addition, she has served on the Joint Commission’s Behavioral Health Care Professional and Technical Advisory Committee (PTAC). Ms. Lavin is a licensed clinical social worker, a diplomat in clinical social work, and a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers. She received her master’s degree in social work from the Jane Addams School of Social Work, University of Illinois, Chicago, and her bachelor’s degree in sociology and psychology from the University of Illinois, Urbana.