10/23/2026
Last week, we took our annual group photo with the current ๐๐ข๐ง๐ง๐๐ฌ๐จ๐ญ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ฉ ๐๐๐ฎ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐จ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฌ (๐๐๐๐๐๐) ๐๐๐๐โ๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ก๐จ๐ซ๐ญ. Although we missed a few fellows who couldnโt be there, it was a special moment to pause, reflect, and appreciate the incredible people who make this program what it is.
This year, I am especially grateful that we are able to continue the MNLEND program despite the many obstacles we encountered. With our federal grant approval coming much later than usual, we faced uncertainty and had to delay the programโs start. Yet, here we are, continuing the work, learning together, and preparing the next generation of leaders in neurodevelopmental disabilities. ๐ ๐๐ฆ ๐ญ๐ซ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐ ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฅ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ญ ๐ฐ๐ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐ก๐๐ฏ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐!
Every year, this moment captures more than faces; it captures the diversity, purpose, and passion that make MNLEND such a powerful community.
Our program brings together fellows from a wide range of professional backgrounds, including occupational therapy, physical therapy, nutrition, pediatrics, social work, psychology, community advocacy, disability self-advocacy, and family advocacy, among many others. Each fellow brings unique knowledge, professional expertise, lived experience, and a personal reason for being part of this journey.
As the MNLEND Program Coordinator, I feel privileged to get to know our fellows personally, their stories, their motivations, their aspirations, and the reasons they chose this program. Every interaction reminds me why this work matters.
Standing together for this photo reminded me once again of the heart of MNLEND: ๐๐๐ฏ๐จ๐๐๐๐ฒ, ๐๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง, ๐๐๐๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ฉ, ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ.
It is inspiring to watch each fellow grow in confidence, discover their voice, strengthen their leadership skills, and deepen their commitment to disability justice. Their growth reinforces the importance of interdisciplinary learning and creating spaces where everyone's experiences, perspectives, and contributions are valued.
Despite the challenges, the work continues. And for that, I am grateful!
Iโm excited to share that applications are now open for the ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐โ๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ก๐จ๐ซ๐ญ. ๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ข๐ง๐ค ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ - https://lnkd.in/gPVtgkna
If you have questions or are considering applying, feel free to reach out to me directly. - [email protected]
- Early Application Deadline: January 4, 2027.
- Final Application Deadline: March 1, 2027.
