Name: Marissa Fogg 
Discipline: Occupational Therapy
Why did you apply to the OSU Nisonger LEND program?
I’ve been involved with the Nisonger Center since 2020 and have loved every program I’ve participated in. When I was going into the OT program, one of my Nisonger supervisors, a past LEND trainee, told me about the LEND program and recommended I apply. For the majority of my life I’ve worked with people with neurodevelopmental disabilities and chose to go to OT school to serve this population. I wanted to be part of the LEND program to further my education, perspective, and understanding of those with neurodevelopmental disabilities and strengthen my leadership and clinical skills when working with this population.
Through the LEND clinics, my leadership project, community engagement, and community clinics, I’ve gained such a deeper understanding of the lived experience of individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families. These experiences have also furthered my clinical reasoning skills and given me more confidence as I prepare to graduate and begin practicing as an OT later this year. I’m so thankful for the LEND program, the LEND faculty, and my fellow LEND trainees!
Name: Ella Neruda 
Discipline: Self-Advocate/Bachelor of Social Work Trainee
Why did you apply to the OSU Nisonger LEND program?
I applied to the LEND program to move beyond self-advocacy and learn how to advocate for the broader Disability Community. I am interested in policy advocacy and clinical work. LEND has been the perfect opportunity to engage with direct client services and macro-level advocacy.
For me, disability inclusion isn’t just an academic interest – it’s personal. Being Autistic and Disabled has shaped my understanding of accessibility, self-advocacy, and the importance of community support. That’s why I’m dedicated to helping others navigate systems that weren’t built with us in mind. I love engaging in creative problem-solving and working with others to make spaces more accessible and affirming. Learning to work on an interdisciplinary team has been a phenomenal experience. By sharing my lived experiences as an Autistic and Disabled person, I provide valuable insights that enrich discussions on family-centered care, cultural sensitivity, and health equity. Through personalized mentorship from distinguished faculty, I am developing my advocacy skills while working on a leadership project that focuses on improving healthcare access for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, empowering me to be an effective voice for change within the community. I am incredibly grateful for all the opportunities opened up to me through the LEND program.
Name: Jenny Middendorf
Discipline: Speech-language pathology
Why did you apply to the OSU Nisonger LEND program?
I applied to the LEND program because I wanted the opportunity to deepen my understanding of neurodevelopmental disabilities and develop leadership skills in a field that I am very passionate about!
My time at LEND has been an incredible experience! I’ve built meaningful connections with fellow trainees and my passion for supporting the children and families we serve has grown even stronger.
Name: Kelsey Butz
Discipline: Audiology
Why did you apply to the OSU Nisonger LEND program?
I have always wanted to work with individuals with disabilities and I loved that LEND offers an opportunity to work as a part of a team with other disciplines to learn more about each profession that may work with these patients.
I plan to complete a fourth-year externship at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in May where I will be a second-year LEND trainee!
Name: Ariel Miller
Discipline: Occupational Therapy Fellow
Why did you apply to the OSU Nisonger LEND program?
The LEND program is a part of my fellowship that I am completing through Nationwide Children’s Hospital. I am thankful for this opportunity as I have been able to learn from the amazing faculty members and other LEND trainees, with all their unique perspectives.
Being part of this program has been an incredible experience. I’ve enjoyed the hands-on clinical work as part of an interdisciplinary team, taking part in evaluations for children with diverse abilities. I’ve also had the opportunity to collaborate in a small group to develop and present educational materials for mothers, focusing on developmental milestones and home-based activities. Additionally, learning from experts in the field of neurodevelopmental disabilities has been invaluable. This program has truly enhanced my knowledge, skills, and compassion as a healthcare professional.
The LEND project addresses the following goals:
- Provide interdisciplinary training to a wide range of graduate and post-graduate students, family members, and people with disabilities, and community members to improve the quality and capacity of health systems caring for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities and their families.
- Develop trainees with advanced clinical skills including knowledge of evidence-based screening, evaluation, and interventions for individuals with autism and of developmental disabilities across the lifespan.
- To participate in applied research, continuing education, and consultation/technical assistance activities to increase public awareness and promote systems of care that improve the health and well-being of individuals with autism and of developmental disabilities and their families.