Donovan Ackley III is a Program Specialist with Improving Health Outcomes Through Technology (IHOTT) in the San Diego State University Department of Psychology, a research lab committed to developing and testing mobile health (mHealth) interventions to improve the sexual health and well-being of sexual and gender minority persons.

 
Previously, he worked with Responsive Integrated Health Solutions (RIHS) a Training & Curriculum Coordinator at the Academy for Professional Excellence, serving the County of San Diego Behavioral Health Services system of care, specifically CADRE (training providers of treatment for co-occurring disorders), the State Opioid Response grant for MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment) in California Justice Settings (with CA Department of Health Services), CANS (The Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths) assessment training, and the Geriatric Certificate Training (GCT) program.

 
Previously, he was a case manager for a County of San Diego Drug Medi-Cal residential treatment and the Training and Curriculum Director at Trans Lifeline. Donovan has a PhD in Religion and Philosophy, certifications as a California Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Peer Support Specialist and Trauma Recovery Yoga instructor (RYT-200). Formerly a full professor and department chair of Religion, his scholarly work and publications focus on the intersections of religious trauma, spiritual resilience, gender, and sexuality.