UH Manoa's Maternal-Child Health Leadership Training Program Announces Its 2003-2004 Graduates

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Contact:
Kristen Bonilla, (808)956-5039
Arlene Abiang, (808)956-5637
External Affairs & University Relations
Posted: Jun 14, 2004

HONOLULU — The Maternal and Child Health Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (MCH LEND) program at the Center for Disability Studies at UH Mānoa recently announced its 2003-2004 graduates. Thirteen trainees with backgrounds in the health professions graduated from the program this year:

· Marcel Abad — Nursing

· Christina Bergholz — Psychology

· Conrad Bernisto — Psychology

· Leticia Borja — Pediatrics

· Nancy Faraj — Nutrition

· Yolanda Hayes — Social Work

· Liane Kajioka — Occupational Therapy

· Jill Matro — Social Work

· Aaron Matsumoto — Dental Hygiene

· Dawn Nakanishi — Dental Hygiene

· Dianne Shumay — Psychology

· Megan Tanabe — Social Work

· Rebekah Wheeler — Occupational Therapy

Upon completion of the maternal and child health leadership training program, graduates of the MCH LEND program are expected to take on leadership positions that support and provide services for children with special health care needs, their families, and other individuals with disabilities. The trainees who have completed this training indicate that it has greatly enhanced their professional development, critical thinking, and experiences with working with children with special needs and their families.

Established in 1994 and funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (HRSA), the MCH LEND program provides leadership education for graduate students and practicing health care professionals in maternal and child health issues related to neurodevelopmental disabilities. The trainees and senior faculty mentors work collaboratively to share their insights and gain valuable field skills in dealing with Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) through active participation, such as analyzing policy for children with developmental disabilities and his/her family. This "Family-Focused" learning experience is a collaborative endeavor between the Center on Disability Studies and the Department of Pediatrics in the John A. Burns School of Medicine.

For more information on the MCH LEND program or to apply for the 2004-2005 academic year, please visit www2.hawaii.edu/~mchlend or call 808-956-3142.