Core Faculty & Staff
Dianne McBrien, MD, LEND Program Director
Email: dianne-mcbrien@uiowa.edu
I am a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, and the medical director of the Center for Disabilities and Development. I actually started my career in developmental and behavioral pediatrics as a LEND trainee, and now as program director, I am fortunate to help others access the rich educational experience that is LEND. It is an honor to watch the trainees develop into leaders, and I always learn so much from them.
Lane Strathearn, MD, PhD, LEND Research Director, and Chair, LEND Research Committee
Email: lane-strathearn@uiowa.edu
Kelly Von Lehmden, BBA, Interdisciplinary Training Manager and LEND Training Director
Email: kelly-vonlehmden@uiowa.edu
I joined the LEND program in 2006. In my role, I design and implement the training curriculum and lead the policy experience for LEND. I consider it an honor to work with the trainees and future leaders, and share the life experiences of being a parent of a daughter with a disability.
Lori Vander Velden, BBA, Administrative Services Coordinator
Email: lori-vandervelden@uiowa.edu
Phone number: 319-678-7266
I am so glad I joined the LEND team in October of 2020. I support the most incredibly passionate staff of the LEND Program. I spend my days organizing, communicating, inviting, planning and so much more. In return I am enlightened, motivated, and grateful to learn ways that we all can improve the world for people with disabilities. Please contact me with any requests or questions you may have.
Julie Temple, MLS, Iowa LEND & UCEDD NIRS Data Coordinator
Email: julie-temple@uiowa.edu
Phone number: 319-356-1511
Julie Temple has supported the Iowa LEND program for more than ten years, including her previous role as the Interdisciplinary Training Coordinator. While she is currently based in Administration for the Center for Disabilities and Development, she continues to provide support for special events and projects for the Iowa LEND program. She also continues to manage Iowa LEND data for the National Information and Reporting System (NIRS).
Iowa LEND Core Faculty
Jordan Bell, OT, Instructor (DMU), Core Faculty for Occupational Therapy
Email: jordan.bell@dmu.edu
I am a faculty member in the Des Moines University (DMU) Department of Occupational Therapy. Prior to joining DMU, I worked as a pediatric occupational therapist in various settings for ten years, supporting children and their families. I am passionate about preparing students and future leaders to serve children and families with neurodevelopmental disorders through holistic, collaborative, and evidence-based practice. I am excited for occupational therapy to join the interdisciplinary LEND team and expand the knowledge of students and providers.
Adam Connell, MHA, MSN, RN, PMH-BC, NE-BC, Assistant Director, Clinical Services, Center for Disabilities and Development, Co-Core Faculty for Nursing
As Assistant Director of Clinical Services at the Center for Disabilities and Development, the CDD at the UI Health Care, Adam Connell supports clinical operations and leads teams to improve access and overall experience of care for children with developmental and behavioral differences. His background includes inpatient behavioral health, clinical research, and ambulatory care, and he enjoys connecting day-to-day operations with education and broader system improvement. During his time in inpatient pediatrics, he helped create more inclusive care environments for patients with developmental, behavioral, and mental health needs by working alongside care teams to adapt approaches and better support each child and family. He is a United States Navy veteran and values service-oriented leadership, strong relationships, and team-based care.
Teresa Judge-Ellis, DNP, ARNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, FAANP, Co-Core Faculty Nursing
Teresa “Tess” Judge-Ellis Tess serves as Co-Core Faculty for Nursing and is a Clinical Associate Professor in the College of Nursing. She is dually board certified as a Family Practice and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and has a strong commitment to the integration of primary care and mental illness in the care of complex individuals. Dr. Judge-Ellis currently practices through the College of Nursing Faculty Practice in partnership with local community non-profits on site at Cross Park Place, and the 501 projects, initiatives of Shelter House, and with Chatham Oaks, a residential care facility for people with serious mental illness after exacerbation of their illness. She currently serves on the NAMI Iowa board.
Edward Esbeck, Self-Advocacy Coordinator, Core Faculty for Self-Advocacy
Email: edward-esbeck@uiowa.edu
As a former self-advocate ILEND trainee, I was given the opportunity to go back to Uganda to see where I come from, learn about disabilities there, and see how I can help people with disabilities in other parts of the world by sharing my story and experiences. As a self-advocacy coordinator for Iowa’s UCEDD, I’ve learned to work with other organizations that serve people with disabilities in the community. ILEND helped me to grow my leadership and advocacy skills, and that’s why I love the LEND program. I also love working with and mentoring new self-advocate trainees to help them grow their own leadership and advocacy skills through LEND.
Laura Fisher, MA-CCC-SLP, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Communication Sciences and Disorders Program, Core Faculty for Speech-Language Pathology
Dawn Graber, BA, Parents as Mentors (PAM) Coordinator, Self-Advocates as Mentors (SAM), Co-Core Faculty for Family
Email: dawn-graber@uiowa.edu
I am a former LEND Family Trainee, the Parents as Mentors Program Coordinator, and the mother of two children with complex special healthcare needs. My family has spent countless hours at the Center for Disabilities and Development and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Now as a member of the LEND staff, I have the opportunity to connect LEND trainees with families of children with special healthcare needs for a unique learning opportunity for connection and understanding. My vision is for family-centered care to be the standard in healthcare and education through the leadership and advocacy of our LEND trainees in partnership with families.
Karen Hammar, MHA, MOT, OTR/L, FACHE, Clinical Assistant Professor, and Director, MHA Program, and Co-Core Faculty for Health Administration
(319) 335-2669
Shelby Hert, LMSW, Core Faculty for Social Work
Email: shelby-hert@uiowa.edu
Cheryll Jones, ARNP, CPNP, FAANP, ILEND Title V Coordinator for Community Based Experiences
Email: cheryll-jones@uiowa.edu
Phone number: 641-682-8145
I provide evaluation, diagnosis and care coordination for children and youth with special heath care needs and their families. In my work, I have the privilege of working with Family Navigators who are so essential in providing services to our families. Working with LEND is a great opportunity to work with our future leaders in the area of disability services.
Erica Kaldenberg, PhD, Core Faculty for Education
Email: erica-kaldenberg@uiowa.edu
Phone number: 319-384-0525
I am an associate research scientist for the UI REACH Program. In my role, I oversee data collection processes within our program evaluation and research efforts, efforts aimed at maximizing student success and outcomes. My research interests include postsecondary education programming for students with intellectual and cognitive disabilities including transition planning and career preparation. I have been supporting individuals with disabilities in the community and education settings for 17 years, and look forward to sharing my knowledge and experience with LEND trainees.
Katie Laubscher, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy, Core Faculty for Physical Therapy
Email: katie-laubscher@uiowa.edu
Phone number: 319-356-1173
I started my career after PT school as a LEND trainee at the Child Development and Rehabilitation Center at Oregon Health and Science University. That experience spurred my commitment to interdisciplinary teams, family-centered care, and simultaneous involvement in teaching, advocacy, and evidence-informed practice. I consider it an honor to be able to touch on all of these aspects in my current work – listening to and providing assessment and recommendations for a family with an infant with developmental concerns on one of our clinical teams, working with a family and other providers to justify and advocate for coverage of medically necessary adaptive equipment, or participating in clinical research with physical therapists around the country to help inform efficacy of potential medical treatments. With each of these activities, students at varying stages of learning work to absorb clinical knowledge, but also to understand and appreciate the perspective of patients and their families. My hope is that I can use my knowledge and experience to guide and empower children and their families to optimize engagement in life activities, as well as to help encourage a mode of collaborative practice for students preparing to work with children and their families.
Amy Lesch, DDS, MS, Clinical Assistant Professor in Pediatric Dentistry, Core Faculty for Pediatric Dentistry
Email: amy-lesch@uiowa.edu
I am a faculty member at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and the associate program director for the pediatric dentistry residency program. As a pediatric dentist who sees patients at the Center for Disability and Development, I am grateful that I had the opportunity to participate in Iowa LEND as a trainee during residency. The experiences and knowledge that I gained as part of this program have been invaluable.
Dayrin Lovan, BA, Community Outreach Coordinator, Co-Core Faculty for Family
Email: dayrin-lovan@uiowa.edu
I work as a local congregational pastor and have worked for IC Compassion. I graduated from Iowa’s Leadership Education in Neurological and related Disabilities (LEND) program, and I served as a second year fellow. I am also a 2021 Iowa Family Leadership Training Institute graduate. I have two sons and my youngest son has ASD. LEND gave me the privilege to create bridges of opportunity for our community with disabilities that I love and respect. My hope is to build bridges together that bring resources and supports to our communities. I feel very blessed to be part of this amazing team of hard workers at the UCEDD, LEND, and CDD.
Rohit U. Nair, BDS, MDS, Clinical Associate Professor of Preventive & Community Dentistry, and Core Faculty for Dentistry
319-335-8471
Rohit Nair is a Clinical Associate Professor of Preventive and Community Dentistry at the University of Iowa, and serves as the Graduate Program Director for the Certificate Program in Geriatric and Special Needs Dentistry. Dr. Nair serves as LEND Core Faculty for Dentistry for adults with special health care needs. He is a former LEND trainee and has formal training in prosthodontics, geriatric, and special needs dentistry. He has been awarded fellowships from the Special Care Dentistry Association (SCDA) and International College of Dentists (USA Section) and currently serves as Vice President of SCDA’s Academy of Dentistry for Patients with Disabilities. Dr. Nair is actively involved in community-based care and is a volunteer provider at the Free Medical and Dental Clinic of Iowa City, where he regularly delivers dental services to underserved and medically complex populations.
Nichole Nidey, PhD, Assistant Professor Epidemiology, Core Faculty for Public Health
Email: nichole-nidey@uiowa.edu
Matthew O’Brien, PhD, BCBA-D, Core Faculty for Psychology, ABA and Research
Email: matthew-j-obrien@uiowa.edu
Phone number: 319.384.9827
I am a psychologist and behavior analyst, involved in both clinical and research work in severe and challenging behavior. I am also involved in educating future healthcare providers on disability-related issues. I have benefitted greatly through my involvement in LEND, both as a trainee and now as a discipline director.
Caitlin Owens, LMSW, Iowa UCEDD Director, Core Faculty for Social Work
Email: caitlin-owens@uiowa.edu
Phone number: 319-356-7023
I am the Director of the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities at the Center for Disabilities and Development. I have worked in the field of mental health and disability services for over fifteen years, and have experience in both direct clinical and macro-level practice. I am a former LEND trainee and credit the experience with much of the success I have had in my career, and certainly, with the depth of knowledge I have about disability, policy, and leadership. I love working with the LEND program and mentoring social work students.
Yaniz Padilla Dalmau, Ph.D., BCBA-D, President and Owner Flamboyan Behavior
Marcy Rosenbaum, PhD, Professor of Family and Community Medicine
319-335-8612
Ashlee Rowles, MHA, CDD Clinical Services Director, Core Faculty for Healthcare Administration
Angie Smith, PsyD, Clinical Psychologist and Co-Core Faculty for Psychology
Email: angela-l-smith@uiowa.edu
Heidi Steinkamp, DDS, PhD, MS, Assistant Professor of Pediatric Dentistry, Core Faculty for Pediatric Dentistry
Email: heidi-steinkamp@uiowa.edu
Judy Warth, BBA, CESP, Core Faculty for Community Partners, Employment, and Transition
Email: judith-warth@uiowa.edu
Phone number: 319-936-8290
My role is employment and transition. My passion is helping people with disabilities grow into the lives they desire. I love LEND for a thousand reasons, but my secondary (perhaps primary role) is supporting the self-advocacy team and all trainees in LEND to get the supports they need, and helping them develop passion and a vision of possibilities for people with disabilities to live, learn, work and play in the communities they choose.