I am honored to step into the role of director of the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program at the Munroe-Meyer Institute on July 1. Over the past year, I have had the privilege of transitioning into this role under the mentorship of Cindy Ellis, MD, and our LEND leadership team. This intentional transition period has given me space to reconnect with the program’s mission and deepen relationships with our faculty and partners.
My connection to LEND runs deep. I was a LEND trainee from 2002–2004 and later served as LEND faculty early in my career. Those experiences shaped my understanding of interdisciplinary care, leadership and advocacy, and they prepared me for a meaningful career within an academic health center. LEND made me a better clinician and a more grounded leader, and stepping into this role feels like a return to the roots of my professional identity.
Nebraska’s LEND program has been continuously funded for more than 30 years, which speaks to the dedication, expertise and collaboration that define MMI. Our aspiration is for others to recognize that MMI is a LEND — not simply that it has one. The values of leadership development, family partnership, inclusion and interdisciplinary training are woven throughout the institute and are integral to how we serve individuals and communities.
Throughout this transition, one of my priorities has been meeting with LEND faculty to learn about their experiences and their hopes for the future. These conversations are already guiding our preparation for the 2026–2031 HRSA grant cycle and helping us identify meaningful opportunities to support the next generation of leaders.
I am grateful to work alongside colleagues whose passion and commitment help create systems where individuals with disabilities and complex health needs can thrive. As MMI moves toward a lifespan model and integrates primary care into our clinical services, our LEND leadership team is proud to play a part in this next chapter.
Contributing to the growth of this program — having the honor of leading it — is a full-circle moment. LEND helped shape not only my career but many others. As we move forward, we will build on the program’s legacy of preparing leaders — leaders who will go on to strengthen systems of care, across Nebraska and in the wider disability community beyond.