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10 West Edge Drive
Suite 101
Durham, NH 03824
Phone: 603.862.4320
Fax: 603.862.0555
NH LEND Program
Project Description
The NH LEND Program is a collaborative effort of the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth and the Institute on Disability, a University Center of Excellence in Disabilities (UCED), and the College of Health and Human Services at the University of New Hampshire. The program provides interdisciplinary leadership training to those who wish to enhance their knowledge and skills in working with children with neurodevelopmental disabilities or special health care needs and their families. Training experiences are individually designed to provide future leaders with both value-based and evidence-based training. Trainees will develop leadership skills to improve the health status of infants, children, and adolescents with or at risk for neurodevelopmental disabilities or special health care needs, and to enhance the systems of care for these children and their families. Through partnerships with faculty, families, and community partners, trainees work to provide collaborative, culturally competent, family-centered, community-based interdisciplinary approaches to meet the needs of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Research and policy training will guide trainees’ understanding of public policy and health care practice for evidence-based, family-centered, and inclusive care for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Interdisciplinary clinical training is provided within the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth and community settings, as well as on the University of New Hampshire campus.
Over the course of an academic year, trainees participate in training activities to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes that demonstrate competence in: prevention and treatment of neurodevelopmental disabilities, typical human development, consumer perspectives, family-centered practice, health policy, cultural competence, principles of system change, leadership development, community services, school and community inclusion, collaborative teamwork, and service coordination. Trainees also participate in the NH Family and Consumer Leadership Series alongside families and self-advocates for specific leadership training.
A Graduate Certificate for Leadership in Children’s Health and Disability is available to applicants who have successfully completed the program. Graduate and postgraduate credits are available to all trainees.
Traineeship stipends are available to qualified applicants who possess leadership potential, an interest in maternal and child health and neurodevelopmental disabilities, and strong academic or professional credentials in the fields of:
- Early Childhood and Special Education
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Occupational Therapy
- Pediatrics
- Physical Therapy
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Speech Language Pathology
- Therapeutic Recreation
Program Funding
The NH LEND Program is supported by a grant (#T73 MC 00024) from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
National Significance
Trainees are part of a national network and have opportunities to attend conferences, present research papers, and be a part of policy seminars in Washington, D.C. There are currently 34 LEND programs in 27 states and the District of Columbia. Collectively, they form a national network that shares information and resources and maximizes their impact. They work together to address national issues of importance to children with special health care needs and their families, exchange best practices and develop shared products. They also come together regionally to address specific issues and concerns. The programs focus on children with special health care needs, including autism and cerebral palsy, neurodegenerative and acquired neurological disorders, and multiple disabilities. All LEND Programs operate within a university system and most have collaborative arrangements with local university hospitals, children's hospitals, and/or health care centers. This network also supports trainees seeking employment outside of New Hampshire.
New Hampshire has achieved national recognition in recent years for its innovative approaches to supporting people with disabilities and their families and for fostering communities where everyone belongs. Attending regular classes in neighborhood schools, home ownership, real employment, family support, and access to quality health care and related services in local communities are typical experiences for a growing number of people with disabilities and their families in New Hampshire. These positive experiences are the direct result of collaborative efforts among the University Center of Excellence, community organizations, individuals with disabilities, state policy leaders, and families. A new generation of leaders in the field of disability and family support is emerging, energized, influenced, and educated by the New Hampshire Maternal Child Health and Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities.
Program Application
The NH LEND Program is seeking committed and energized trainees interested in becoming future leaders and change agents on behalf of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families. If you are enrolled in graduate study in early childhood special education, nursing, nutrition, occupational therapy, pediatrics, physical therapy, social work, speech language pathology you are eligible to apply. Scholarships are available to qualified applicants with funding provided by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau. Funding is also available to partially support travel to professional conferences and leadership seminars. Accepted trainees are eligible to apply for the Graduate Certificate for Leadership in Children’s Health and Disability from the University of New Hampshire (separate application process through the UNH Graduate School). Completion of the NH LEND Program fulfills the requirements of the Graduate Certificate.
For more information, contact Kate Stimmell, Program Coordinator, by phone at 603.862.0561 or by email at Kate.Stimmell@unh.edu (preferred). To download a copy of the application, click here.
The Application and Selection Process includes an interview and review of the following materials: application, letter of intent, current resume, transcripts, two letters of reference, and written paper.
Long-term traineeships require a minimum commitment of the equivalent of 2 days (16 hours) per week for a 10-month period. Intermediate Traineeships consist of the equivalent of 1 day (8 hours) per week for a 10-month period.
Program Faculty and Contacts
CONTACTS:
Kate Stimmell, Program Coordinator
NH LEND Program
Institute on Disability/UCED
University of New Hampshire
55 College Road, 103 Pettee Hall
Durham, NH 03824-9987
PHONE (603) 862-0561 FAX (603) 862-0034
MCH.LEND@unh.edu
Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
One Medical Center Drive
Lebanon, NH 03756
PHONE (603) 653-6044
FACULTY:
John B. Moeschler, M.D., M.S. – Program Director; Developmental Pediatrics & Genetics
Ann Dillon, M.Ed., O.T.L. – Coordinator of Family Centered Training and Services
Carol Andrew, Ed.D., O.T.R. – Developmental Specialist
Mary Banach, D.S.W. – Social Work
Stephen Calculator, Ph.D., CCC-SLP – Speech Language Pathology
Richard Clattenburg, M.D. – Pediatrics
Leslie Couse, Ph.D. – Early Childhood / Special Education
Pam DiNapoli, Ph.D., R.N. – Nursing
Karen Gage-Bensley, M.S., P.T., P.C.S. – Physical Therapy
Colette Janson-Sand, Ph.D., R.D. – Nutrition
Shelley Mulligan, Ph.D. – Occupational Therapy
Mary Jane Sullivan, Au.D., CCC-A – Audiology
Resources & Links
New Hampshire LEND Program Website
