• gold letter V with black text

    Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) programs prepare future leaders in Maternal and Child Health with a special focus on neurodevelopmental disabilities, including autism.

    If you are having issues accessing your account or content in Moodle, please email VCL Associate Program Manager, Nicole Bardett, at nicole.r.bardett@vumc.org for assistance.

    To learn more about this program, please visit our website at vkc.vumc.org/vkc/lend.

LEND Program News and Learning Opportunities

9/12/2023: UNC Focus on Family and Disability Seminar - Supporting Students with Special Needs in the School System

by Nicole Bardett -

UNC Family Support Network is inviting you to the first Focus on Family and Disability Seminar of the school year on Tuesday, September 12 from 11:00-12:30 pm CT / 12:00-1:30 pm ET on Zoom.

We will hear from Karen Laughlin from Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center (ECAC) on Supporting Students with Special Needs in the School System.

This webinar will address the parents and caregiver role in the special education process. We'll cover the information and skills caregivers need to advocate effectively for their children before, during, and after IEP meetings. We'll also talk about how concerned professionals can support the families they're working with.

This is appropriate both for professionals and for family and community members.

1.5 CEs available for participation. 

Registration: See attached flyer for two ways to register. Choose CE or community options. 

Questions? Please contact:

  • Laurel Powell, MS, Family Support Program Manager, Family Support Network of North Carolina – University Office at powelllm@email.unc.edu
  • Marie Finnigan, CE Program Manager at finnigan@unc.edu

9/08/2023: COE Statewide Complex Trauma and Child Welfare Learning Community: Complex Trauma 101

by Nicole Bardett -

COE Statewide Complex Trauma and Child Welfare Learning Community: Complex Trauma 101

Friday, September 8th 
11:00 am – 12:30 pm Central/ 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm Eastern
Click Here to Register

The Centers of Excellence for Children in State Custody are excited to announce a new statewide training series on Complex Trauma. Designed for individuals invested in the lives of Tennessee’s children, this series explores the impact of complex trauma and the needs of children involved in the child welfare system.

The first year of the series will offer trainings developed by national experts on complex trauma, as well as quarterly trainings on Autism Spectrum Disorder. Participants will have the opportunity take a deeper dive into understanding how traumatic events within caregiving relationships impact development and functioning, as well as how to respond to reduce the impact complex trauma has on health and well-being.

Trainings occur via Zoom on the 2nd Friday of the month @ 11:00am-12:30pmCT/12:00pm-1:30pmET. All trainings are FREE and a certificate of attendance will be provided. September 8th is the first training of the series. 

Objectives:​

  • Provide an overview of the Complex Trauma Training Series
  • Describe the phenomenon of Complex Trauma and areas of impact

5/20/2023: Family Friendly Open House - TN RIP

by Nicole Bardett -

The Regional Intervention Program (RIP) Open House is this Saturday, May 20, from 10a-12p (CT). They will have children’s activities, educational sessions, and tours of the building.

Flyer attached and link to the Facebook event below:
https://www.facebook.com/100064270376779/posts/pfbid02eVxhHUCuY7AZ9wgPVTdX6equS4aw7M117iBgpigcmUE3KedxG6nZCDqw6DPxpnmnl/?mibextid=SDPelY

The Regional Intervention Program (RIP) is a parent-implemented, professionally-supported program for young children and their families who are experiencing challenging behaviors. RIP has been serving families with young children since 1969. This unique, internationally-recognized program guides parents in learning the skills to work directly with their own children while they receive training and support from experienced RIP families.

Attachment Logoed RIP-OCYAF Open House Invitation 2023.jpg
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