IDS Welcomes 4 New LEND Trainees for 2025-26

The Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program prepares graduate students, self-advocates, community members, and families to be leaders in the fields of disability education, research, advocacy, and policy. Currently, there are 60 LEND programs across the United States and its territories.

The Mississippi LEND program welcomes four trainees for the 2025-2026 program year. Program requirements include 300+ hours of direct clinical or didactic training, a leadership project, and a research project. The 2025–2026 Mississippi LEND trainees include:

* Camryn Thompson, a first year master of social work student, is from Hattiesburg, Miss. “Because social work emphasizes a holistic view, I am excited to work with a multidisciplinary team. Collaborating with professionals from different fields will broaden my perspective and strengthen my skills I can bring to my career.”

* Annie O’reilly, a first year master of social work student, is from Madison, Miss. “I am excited to grow as a person and in my profession as a LEND Trainee by learning how to work on an interdisciplinary team and learning more about various professions and resources to help better meet clients’ needs.”

* Kaylee Lenoir, a first year master of social work student, is from Sumrall, Miss. “As a LEND trainee, I am super excited to partner with a diverse team of experts and advocates, that share the same passion for enhancing the lives of individuals with neurodevelopment disabilities. Through LEND, I am looking forward to growing as a leader and gaining the necessary skills to better support these individuals.”

*Sanjuana Maria Valtierra-Pettaway, a first year master of social work student, is from Biloxi, Miss. “I would like to foster the knowledge obtained through LEND to utilize in my future career as a LCSW as well as become an emerging leader, experience clinical practice, research, and understand neurodevelopmental disabilities in Maternal and Child Health.”

The Mississippi LEND program is offered through a partnership with the Arkansas LEND Program. For more information about the Southern Miss LEND program, contact Dr. Jerry R. Alliston by e-mail at jerry.alliston@usm.edu or by phone at 601.266.5979.