Front row, above, left to right: Jake Brown, Kaitlyn Fuerst, Nima Odowa, Sauda Abdullahi, Maggie Rizor, Sara Escudero, Ryan Elhag, Casey Wilkinson, Branycia Mitchell, Kristi Brinck, Tim Fairbanks, Britney McDonald, Ben Kelvington, Matthew Hayes

Second row, above, left to right: Alli Dykstra, Makenzi Zikas, Kylie Scott, Grace AbouAssaly, Haley Sharp, Morgan Leach, Lani Brown, Eden Conroy, Megan Mindy, Bethany Walczak, MaKenzie Boersma, Allison Darling, Alyssa Thompson, Idongesit Essien

Sauda Abdullahi – Public Health

Sauda Abdullahi (she/her) is a second-year Master’s in Public Health student at the University of Iowa, specializing in Epidemiology. She holds a B.A. in Public Health with a Creative Writing Certificate from the University of Iowa. As an ILEND trainee, Sauda is dedicated to improving public health outcomes, with a particular passion for maternal and child health. She is committed to closing gaps in access for mothers from under-resourced and disadvantaged backgrounds. In addition to being a full-time student, Sauda is a Graduate Research Assistant at the College of Public Health. She also has experience as a Direct Support Provider at Systems Unlimited, where she assisted individuals in a group home setting with their goals and daily activities. In her free time, Sauda enjoys traveling, spending time with her younger siblings, and reading books.

Grace AbouAssaly – Therapeutic Recreation, Pre-Occupational Therapy

Grace AbouAssaly (she/her/hers) is an ILEND Trainee and a senior undergraduate student at the University of Iowa majoring in Therapeutic Recreation on the Pre-Occupational Therapy track. She is also working towards a minor in American Sign Language and a Certificate in Disability Studies. Along with being a full-time student, she works at the University of Iowa Realizing Educational and Career Hopes (UI REACH) Program as the Lead Mentor Activity Coordinator. Grace has a deep passion for connecting with and helping those around her. She greatly values inclusion, service, and compassion, which she strives to exhibit in everything she does. Grace believes that every person has a role in this world, and with the proper support, they can achieve great things. Outside of academics and work, Grace enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoys sewing new clothes, cooking, and going on long walks.

MaKenzie Boersma – Social Work

MaKenzie Boersma (she/her/hers) received her Bachelor's in Social Work and Psychology from the University of Iowa. She is currently getting her master’s degree in social work at the University of Iowa and she is an ILEND trainee. In addition to being a full-time student, she is a direct support professional and a personal care assistant. She has a certification in Applied Suicide Intervention Training (ASIST) and a certification in Resilience and Trauma Informed Perspectives. MaKenzie plans to get her LMSW and work towards her LISW after graduation. She has developed and given presentations on Disability Rights and Peer Support for the Arc of Southeast Iowa’s DayHab group. MaKenzie has a passion for advocacy and working with folks with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). She is also passionate about erasing the stigma around mental health and seeking therapy. She also values kindness, empathy, and the right to self-determination. In her free time, MaKenzie loves to read, cook, spend time with her partner and friends, and develop new hobbies (like crocheting!).

Kristi Brinck – Self-Advocacy

Kristi Brinck(she/her/hers) is a second-year student with UI REACH. She is currently an ILEND self-advocacy trainee. In addition to being a student, she works as a student ambassador for REACH, giving tours and answering questions for prospective students. During the summer she works as a cashier Fareway back in her hometown of Sioux City, Iowa. Kristi has a passion for mental health and disability advocacy. In her spare time, she enjoys cross stitching and crocheting. 

Jake Brown – Physical Therapy

Jake Brown (he/him/his) received Bachelors of Sciences in Biology and Kinesiology of Health from Iowa State University. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Physical Therapy at the University of Iowa and is an ILEND trainee working to gain experience in the rehabilitation of children with disabilities. In addition to his studies, Jake volunteers with the University of Iowa Mobile Clinic, working to provide free physical therapy services to those in the greater Iowa City area. Jake is passionate about improving the function and independence of children and their families so that children can be as able and active as their peers. He loves hiking, running, and baking in his free time.

Lani Brown – Education, Rehabilitation Counseling 

Lani Brown is currently a second-year graduate student in the Rehabilitation Counseling Program at the University of Iowa. She is currently a graduate research assistant and helps support the work of Dr. Levine who compiles the Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment. Lani received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Upon graduation, she became a supervisor at the civil commitment unit for sex offenders (CCUSO). She is trained and certified in providing ACTV (Achieving Change through Value Based Behavior) to those who have been convicted of domestic assaults and/or sexual offenses. She is also a trained crisis counselor and actively believes in promoting suicide awareness. She is passionate about providing re-entry services and support to those who have been incarcerated. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, her pets, and on the golf course.

Eden Conroy – Education, Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Eden Conroy (she/her/hers) completed her undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa with Majors in Psychology and Education Studies and Human Relations, a Minor in Music, and a Certificate in Resilience and Trauma Informed Perspectives. She is currently in the second year of her master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through the University of Iowa’s College of Education and is an ILEND trainee. Outside of class, Eden is a Teaching Assistant for the Psychology department and a Counseling Intern at Mount Vernon Family Counseling. She is interested in advocating for accessibility of counseling for underserved populations. She hopes to continue to support others as she embarks in the field of counseling by working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. In her free time, Eden loves to read books from all genres (especially fantasy and thriller) and cook with her friends.

Allison Darling – Public Health

Allison Darling received her B.A. at Coe College in Business Administration and Environmental Studies. She is currently getting her master's degree in public health at the University of Iowa as well as a certificate in Urban Transportation Planning and is an ILEND trainee. In addition, she is also a Graduate Teaching Assistant within the College of Public Health. She has a passion for the field of law and hopes to further her studies in this area upon graduation. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, trying new coffee shops, and spending time with her dogs.

Alli Dykstra – Physical Therapy

Alli Dykstra is a graduate student at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine studying to receive her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She is also a current ILEND trainee who aspires to work as a pediatric physical therapist upon graduating in December 2025. She has a sister with cerebral palsy who inspired her to want to work with children that have neurodevelopmental disabilities. She has hopes to make a positive impact on the lives of many children and their families. Alli graduated from the University of Iowa with a B.S. in Exercise Science and a Disability Studies Certificate in 2023. Her passions include volunteering, working with children, spending time with loved ones, and exercising. Alli is a caring, compassionate, and dedicated individual who aspires to provide the best patient- and family-centered care in future practice to enhance the lives of many. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, crafting, working out, and attending Hawkeye sporting events.

Ryan Elhag – Family 

Ryan Elhag (she/her) she is a mom to three kids, one of them is autistic. She came to the United States thirteen years ago. She received her ESL diploma at Kirkwood community college and also received her electroencephalogram associate degree at Kirkwood. She works at University of Iowa Health Care at the EEG lab as a registered END technologist. She has done the Family Peer Support Specialist training. Currently she is an ILEND family trainee. Her passions are to advocate for her son who has autism and other kids with special needs, and to help the community. She enjoys dancing with her kids at home, learning new things and languages, and cooking desserts.

Sara Escudero – Pediatric Dentistry

Sara Escudero (she/her/hers) was born and raised in Galesburg, Illinois. She obtained her B.S. degree in Biology from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, IA. Sara then attended the University of Iowa College of Dentistry where she obtained her DDS degree and completed the Dental Public Health Distinction program. During her dental school experience, she was involved in research, extracurricular activities, and enjoyed volunteering around the community. She is currently completing a residency program in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. Sara is also a current ILEND trainee and is honored to be a part of the ILEND program. She has a passion for serving others and hopes to make dental care accessible to all. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, cooking with her husband, and playing pickleball.

Idongesit Essien – Family

Idongesit Essien is a business owner of Essie Creations & More and full-time provider/caregiver of 5-year-old son named Charles who was diagnosed with ASD at 3-years-old and because of him, knows anything is possible when you put your mind to it, followed by effort! Just recently, Idong completed the Iowa Family Leadership Institute Training through the University of Iowa, where she had the opportunity to gain a ton of knowledge about the history of abilities and how to use her strengths as a leader to be a better advocate for families such as hers. Idong's top three strengths are having faith, connectedness, and determination and she uses them daily to support her family. She is also currently in the process for her Family Peer Support Specialist certification through the Center for Disabilities and Development (CDD), which will help Idong become more qualified to better support families and their needs. Idong loves to play volleyball, going for walks/hiking, and cooking different things. She has many skills and finds a way to use those skills towards her passion which is supporting others, advocating for mental health, and being a parent to her son Charles! 

Timothy Fairbanks – Social Work and Family

Tim Fairbanks (he/his) earned his B.A. in Sociology (13’) and his MSW (16’) from the University of Iowa. He is currently an Outpatient Therapist with Psych & Associates in North Liberty. He is an LISW using multiple treatment modalities to meet his patients where they are. Tim is a current ILEND trainee, who is looking to improve the quality of mental health care to those who have disabilities. When Tim has free time, you can find him cheering on his beloved Huskers, or with his family and friends. 

Kaitlyn Fuerst – Health Administration

Kaitlyn Fuerst (she/her/hers) earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Iowa in Public Health, and a minor in Communications Studies. She is currently still studying at the University of Iowa and working towards her master's degree in health administration and is currently an ILEND trainee. She joined ILEND to enhance her knowledge on how to shift the healthcare system to be more accessible for individuals who have a disability. Kaitlyn grew up outside of Milwaukee and was involved in volunteering with Make-A-Wish and Gold in September (G9) her whole life, as she has always been passionate about helping families during times of need. With ILEND, she is able to get a different perspective on how to continue to help families and children with different healthcare needs that she has been exposed to in the past! Kaitlyn is looking forward to a great year of growth and learning how to advocate for individuals and families of a child with a disability. In Kaitlyn's free time, she loves to spend time outside by hiking, playing pickleball, skiing, and is wanting to take up a new hobby of gardening in the near future!

Matthew Hayes – Psychology

Matthew Hayes (he/him/his) is a fourth-year doctoral student studying school psychology at the University of Iowa and is a psychology ILEND trainee. Matthew previously completed undergraduate training at the University of Iowa, earning a B.M. in percussion performance and a B.A. in music education. Since beginning at the school psychology program, Matthew has trained in schools across eastern Iowa and at University of Iowa Health Care. Matthew has received training in PREPaRE, a crisis management and incident response curriculum produced by the National Association of School Psychologists. Matthew is passionate about increasing access for individuals with disabilities and his research focuses on evidence-based classroom management practices for music educators. In his free time, Matthew enjoys writing music, being outside, and spending time with his friends and family.

Esther Huston – Nursing

Esther Huston has been a nurse since 1999. After graduating from Mercy College of Health Sciences, she worked as a resource nurse until obtaining her BSN from Iowa State University. In 2021, she was accepted to the University of Iowa’s Doctor of Nursing Practice and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. Esther is passionate about mental health awareness and applying evidence-based practice to target mental health interventions. She uses her life and professional experiences to advocate for health policy and system reform. Esther is profoundly grateful to be a nurse and involved with policy. She has witnessed how policy and social determinants of health impact health outcomes and quality of life. She is part of several interdisciplinary coalitions and values collaboration between disciplines. She hopes to continue advocating for system reform that equitably serves those with mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders after she graduates from the University of Iowa in 2025. She enjoys spending time with her family, exploring nature, reading, and painting rocks using Mandala patterns in her free time.

Ben Kelvington – Pharmacology 

Ben Kelvington (he/him) is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology at the University of Iowa and a current ILEND trainee. His thesis project focuses on defining the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disabilities. In addition to his work at the lab bench, Ben also directs the Twice-Exceptional Neuroscience Day Camp, a science outreach program that offers area high school students with both exceptional academic abilities and neurodevelopmental challenges a hands-on laboratory experience and access to University of Iowa research spaces and expert scientists. He is a neurodiversity advocate and strives to empower all individuals to reach their full potential. In his free time, Ben enjoys playing volleyball with friends and volunteering with Special Olympics Iowa.

Morgan Leach – Occupational Therapy

Morgan Leach (she/her/hers) received her B.A. in Health Studies and certificate of disability studies from the University of Iowa. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree at Des Moines University along with being an ILEND trainee. In addition to being a full-time student, she is a tutor and a research assistant at DMU. She is deeply passionate about working in the pediatric setting, providing family-centered care, advocating for her future clients, and enhancing their overall well-being. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, grabbing coffee with a friend, watching Iowa sports, and spending time outdoors. She feels incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join the ILEND program and is eager to deepen her knowledge about supporting individuals in the disability community.

Britney McDonald – Social Work

Britney McDonald is a dedicated Master of Social Work (MSW) student at the University of Iowa, with a background in nursing assistance. Currently an ILEND trainee, Britney is driven by her passion for advocating for individuals from diverse backgrounds, particularly those with disabilities and ensuring equitable access to care and resources. With hands-on experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and a history of direct support roles, she brings a wealth of practical knowledge in patient care, community integration, and health advocacy.

Britney's professional achievements include her role as the Treasurer of the Social Work Student Associates (SWSA), where she has actively organized community service projects. She is passionate about advancing community well-being, supporting families navigating early childhood intervention, and bringing awareness to resources for children with disabilities. Britney enjoys engaging in community outreach, continuing her advocacy work, and spending time with her three children in her free time.

Megan Mindy – Public Health

Megan Mindy is in her final year of her undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa College of Public Health and is an ILEND trainee. She is receiving a minor in inclusive recreation alongside her B.S. degree in public health. Megan has been active in the disability community since middle school. In addition to being a full-time student, Megan works as an adaptive swim lesson coordinator for Iowa City Parks and Recreation to provide accessible swim lessons to people with disabilities. She is also a lead swim coach for the Iowa Flyers Swim Club (IFLY) and is working to develop the Para/Adaptive group within IFLY. Megan was formerly an intern at the University of Iowa Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) and worked towards the goal of creating equitable healthcare for the disability community. In the summers, Megan worked at the Lincoln-Way Special Recreation Association in Illinois as a summer camp counselor for youth with disabilities. Outside of school and work, Megan loves long distance running and being outdoors.

Branycia Mitchell – Public Health

Branycia Mitchell is a Master of Public Health (MPH) Policy student, maternal and Child Health Scholar at the College of Public Health, and ILEND trainee at the Center for Disabilities and Development. With a background as a Certified Nursing Assistant, she brings a strong foundation in healthcare to her studies. Passionate about healthcare, health policy, health equity, maternal and child health, aging, and mental health, Branycia is dedicated to serving underserved and underrepresented communities.

Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Branycia is an active volunteer at the Iowa City Free Medical Clinic and a proud member of the Iowa City-Cedar Rapids Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She enjoys attending and teaching dance-fitness classes in her free time, combining her love for community service and fitness.

Danelys Narváez Ramos – Psychology (Puerto Rico)

Danelys Narváez Ramos (she/her/hers) earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Business Administration from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, and is an ILEND trainee. Danelys has focused her externship experiences on centers that serve individuals with disabilities, such as the Sociedad de Educación y Rehabilitación de Puerto Rico and the Institute on Developmental Disabilities at the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, to advance her professional development in the field of neurodevelopmental disabilities. She works as a research assistant and therapist on the SAMHSA-funded Proyecto de Apoyo a Niños y Adolescentes, providing trauma-focused services to children, adolescents, and their caregivers in Puerto Rico. Danelys has extensive experience serving children and adolescents in her community, including roles as teacher’s assistant, staff member at summer camps, and as community service coordinator for YouthWorks. Her research interests are directed on learning about the development and experiences of children, adolescents and adults on the autism spectrum, with the goal of improving their wellbeing and integration to society. She aspires to promote the holistic well-being of individuals with disabilities by serving as an advocate and facilitator to help them reach their full potential. Danelys enjoys creating positive connections by making people smile and finds great joy in spending quality time with family and friends.

Nima Odowa – Pediatric Dentistry

Nima Odowa (she/her) is a first-year pediatric dental resident at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and ILEND trainee. She completed her undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and graduated with her dental degree from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. She previously worked as a general dentist at Community University Healthcare Center (CUHCC) in the Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis. She is dedicated to supporting children who are often deemed difficult or overlooked due to their circumstances. In her personal time, she enjoys quality time with her family and exploring new hobbies.

Maggie Rizor – Pediatric Dentistry

Maggie Rizor (she/her/hers) grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She received her Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City, South Dakota. She enjoyed her experiences as an engineer and spent time working in manufacturing facilities - one that made airplane radios, and another that made chocolate! She loved getting to solve problems but knew she wanted to work more closely with people, helping them to identify and solve problems that impact their everyday lives. She went on to earn her degree in dentistry at the University of Iowa. After graduation, she worked for a community health center for a year before returning to school where she is currently a first-year resident in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at Iowa. Her favorite part about pediatric dentistry is that she can help give children and patients with special healthcare needs a happier, healthier, and more successful future. In her free time, she loves hanging out with her friends, family and dog, Murphy. She also loves cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes!

Kylie Scott – Pediatric Dentistry

Kylie Scott (she/her/hers) received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa in 2019 and her DDS at the University of Iowa in 2024. She is currently getting her certificate in Pediatric Dentistry and is an ILEND trainee. She is passionate about making a positive impact while serving children in rural communities. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and French bulldog.

Haley Sharp – Health Administration

Haley Sharp (she/her/hers) received her Bachelor of Science at Iowa State University in Kinesiology and Health, emphasizing on Community and Public Health. She is currently getting her master’s degree in healthcare administration at the University of Iowa and is an ILEND trainee. In addition to being a full-time student, she is VP of Member Engagement for the Iowa Student Association of Healthcare Leaders. She is also a Graduate Research Assistant for the University of Iowa Health Care's downtown campus. Haley is passionate about advocating for all the patients she serves and leading through a lens that gives patients the best possible health outcomes. She enjoys spending time outdoors with friends and family in her spare time.

Alyssa Thompson – Speech-Language Pathology

Alyssa Thompson (she/her/hers) received her B.A. in Speech and Hearing Science at the University of Iowa. She is currently getting her master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Iowa and is an ILEND trainee. Alyssa has a passion for providing equitable supports and services to a variety of individuals receiving speech and language services. She is currently most interested in working in pediatrics. In her spare time, Alyssa enjoys spending time with family and friends, along with reading and watching tv shows.

Nadya Trinidad-Negrón – Psychology (Puerto Rico)

Nadya Trinidad-Negrón (she/her/hers) is an ILEND trainee born and raised in Puerto Rico, fluent in Spanish and English. She has a master’s degree in School Psychology from Albizu University in San Juan. She is also certified in Play Therapy and a member of the Puerto Rican Association of Play Therapy. Currently she is enrolled in graduate certificate program in Deficiencies in Development and Early Intervention at the Medical Sciences Campus University of Puerto Rico. She is passionate about helping and bringing awareness about children’s mental health and overall well-being. In her spare time, she loves exploring the island with her fiancé Anthony.

Bethany Walczak – Psychology

Bethany Walczak (she/her/hers) received her BS in Psychology from the University of Iowa. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in School Psychology at the University of Iowa and is an ILEND trainee. In addition to being a full-time student, Bethany serves as the Mental Health Director for the University of Iowa Graduate and Professional Student Government (GPSG) and works as a research assistant for American Institutes for Research (AIR) in the workforce development program. She is certified in Applied Suicide Intervention Training (ASIST), and has received training in the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2) and UCLA Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (UCLA PEERS). Bethany is passionate about working with children who have disabilities and their families. Bethany hopes to use her skills to advocate for early childhood intervention access, especially for underprivileged families. In her spare time, Bethany enjoys reading, discovering new movies, and spending time with family and friends.

Casey Wilkinson – Self-Advocacy

Casey Wilkinson has a background in public health and advocating for herself and others. She is a very observant person who can connect a variety of details together. Moreover, she is interested in epidemiology, biostatistics, and accessibility. Casey does tutoring, research, and self-advocacy. Academically and professionally, it is important for Casey to advocate for individuals who have developmental disabilities.

Makenzi Zikas – Pediatric Dentistry

Makenzi Zikas (she/her/hers) was born and raised in Papillion, Nebraska. She received her B.S. at Iowa State University in Entrepreneurship. She then received her D.D.S. at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. She is currently completing a Pediatric Dentistry Residency at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and is an ILEND trainee. During Makenzi's educational experiences she participated in various extracurricular activities and volunteer opportunities. In addition to being a full-time student, she enjoys spending time with her fiancé and golden doodle named Stanlee. Makenzi has always been passionate about serving others and strives to own her own dental practice one day. Her dream is to help improve access to dental care in rural communities and help those in disadvantaged communities through volunteer work.