News

Howard Zlamal is Special Education and Self-Advocacy faculty for the ArizonaLEND program, bringing over 17 years of experience as a Special Education teacher for a local school district in Tucson, AZ.

The clip highlights three mothers who share personal stories about the pressures and decisions that lead many women to step back from or reconsider their careers.

Dr. Daniel Combs, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson and ArizonaLEND alum (2012-2013), and the research team were recently awarded a $10.4 million grant from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). The grant will be used to evaluate a precision medicine approach to make obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment more effective for people with Down syndrome.

ArizonaLEND held its first annual Research Symposium on May 2, 2025, highlighting the work of its 2024-2025 cohort of trainees through a traditional academic poster presentation format. The event brought together ArizonaLEND faculty, family members, university partners, and community guests to celebrate the achievements of the program's emerging leaders.

On April 1st an interdisciplinary group of 6 ArizonaLEND Trainees and 2 faculty members traveled to Phoenix to meet with state senators and representatives. ArizonaLEND provides this opportunity annually, giving our cohort members firsthand, in-person advocacy experience. The trainees prepare in advance of meetings to educate on what our professions do, the people we treat and support, and the impact ArizonaLEND has in our state.

Carolyn Tureaud’s research holds significant promise in advancing education for children with special health care needs. The $8,000 scholarship from the University of Arizona Hispanic Alumni Graduate Scholarship Program is a well-deserved recognition of her dedication to improving educational access and outcomes for underserved communities.

In addition to her participation in ArizonaLEND and the Genetic Counseling Graduation Program, Hope Wollen has been busy serving as a student ambassador for the Expecting Health Newborn Screening Program. While serving in this role, she developed a newborn screening research program and created fact sheets for providers and parents.

ArizonaLEND Alum (2022-2023), Gabriela Enríquez Hernández, has been doing incredible work in Southern Arizona with Hispanic families whose children have behavioral health needs. Her current research is looking at the treatment acceptability of applied behavior analysis (ABA) treatment strategies among Hispanic families.

Azucena Bravo has founded two non-profits serving the Hispanic community in Southern Arizona, Mini Poderosas and Xoco. “I have a vision for both organizations, to build community,” Azucena said.