I am honored to participate in AZLEND fellowship. As a fourth year doctoral student in the School Psychology program at the University of Arizona, this program provides a unique opportunity for me to improve clinical and research competencies within the area of neurodevelopmental and related disabilities.
As a Masters Psychology student, being involved in AZLEND will allow me to expand on and integrate my leadership and research skills. As a training student, I have worked in the Behavioral Pediatrics Clinic with children and families struggling with ASD and other neurodevelopmental disabilities. However, I am interested in becoming a Clinical Psychologist and aim to work with pediatric patients with chronic and terminal illnesses. I believe this program will provide me with invaluable skills for my future and serve as a great stepping stone for my next step in my education.
I am a clinical psychology doctoral candidate, with a focus in child psychology and behavioral medicine. Much of my research has focused on families involved in the stressful and sometimes chaotic legal system. I work with several community partners in designing and implementing studies to help increase our understanding of the impact of early life stress on young children.
I am excited and honored to participate in the AZLEND leadership training program. My interest in working with children who have neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families began over a decade ago as a teacher and a school counselor. As a fourth year doctoral student in the School Psychology program at the University of Arizona, this experience will afford me the opportunity to build on my knowledge and skills in this critical area as a future clinician and researcher.
I am looking forward to becoming a leader in the field of neurodevelopmental disabilities through the AZLEND program. As a future professional in the field of psychology, I hope to work closely with individuals and families who experience disability on a daily basis.
Julia is a fourth year PhD student in School Psychology at the University of Arizona. She has worked in local school districts with children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, their teachers, and their parents to ensure appropriate educational placement and support. Prior to her PhD program, Julia also worked as a teaching assistant and play worker for children with autism.
Kate Newman-Smith is a fifth year doctoral student in the Psychology Department at the University of Arizona. As an undergraduate, she worked for several years as a behavioral therapist for children with autism. At the U of A her research has focused on understanding the underlying mechanisms between sleep and memory formation in infants and adults. She is currently training to become a psychologist, specializing in providing empirically based treatments to children, adolescents, and parents.
The AZLEND program is a unique opportunity for me to gain clinical competency and help promote advancements within the area of autism spectrum and other developmental conditions. The AZLEND program of providing leadership skills and interdisciplinary training surrounding neurodevelopmental and other related disabilities (NDRDs) align superbly with my educational objectives. I am interested in better understanding the role of genetics and social determinants, gaining skills in early detection, and building competency with evidence-based treatment strategies for persons with NDRDs.
Children with ASD’s and developmental delays present challenges to medical and psychological professionals. Gaining mentorship in clinical competence and collaborative approaches through the AZLEND program would greatly contribute to my career. The AZLEND program will help me develop my skills in diverse areas including specialized training in the field of autism and neurodevelopmental disabilities with an emphasis in interdisciplinary approaches.
The AZLEND program has the potential to shape me as a leader in neurodevelopmental and other disability-related fields. Preparation for working with special populations affected by neurological disabilities is essential in assisting children in school and other settings. Additionally, LEND graduates are well-respected and have more advantages over others in their respective fields. I am a Graduate Research Assistant at the Institute for Human Development at The Northern Arizona University.
