At KBHN, we are thrilled to highlight the recipients of the KBHN Access Awards, a program dedicated to fostering experiential learning opportunities for the next generation of researchers and professionals. These awards support KBHN members in their pursuit of valuable learning experiences, such as internships, exchanges, and conference participation. By providing up to $1,500 to help offset costs, the Access Awards aim to enhance the development of innovative solutions that will improve the lives of children living with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families.
We are excited to share the stories of our awardees, whose diverse experiences reflect the commitment to advancing knowledge and solutions in this important field. Their journeys are a testament to the impact that hands-on learning and networking can have on professional growth and research excellence. Be sure to explore their unique experiences, available below, and see how the Access Awards are shaping the future of neurodevelopmental research.
Natasha Bruno
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Natasha Bruno says, “Thank you, Kids Brain Health Network, for making this pivotal learning experience possible and for being a key partner in my journey to drive positive change in the health care systems for youth with medical complexity. |
I had the extraordinary opportunity to attend the Systems Science for Social Impact Summer Training Institute at Washington University in St. Louis, thanks to the support provided by the Kids Brain Health Network’s Access Award. This learning experience has been nothing short of transformative, deeply influencing the trajectory of my doctoral research and shaping my future career in applied child health research.
Through opportunities like the Access Award, the Kids Brain Health Network is committed to empowering trainees working towards enhancing the lives of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Moving forward, I am deeply committed to leveraging the expertise I have gained to generate meaningful insights that will bridge gaps in health care networks.
Maude Champagne
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Maude Champagne says, “I am deeply honoured to have received the Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN) Access Award, which enabled me to present my research at the ATTTACh Conference in Denver this year. This opportunity marked a significant milestone in my professional journey as a clinical researcher and advocate for children and families affected by complex neurodevelopmental and behavioural challenges. |
The conference provided a platform to share innovative approaches that I believe will have a lasting impact on how we understand and respond to aggression toward family members and caregivers during childhood and adolescence (AFCCA).
Genevieve Currie
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Genevieve Currie says, “It was an honor to present this collaborative work on behalf of the University of Calgary, School of Public Policy and the Alberta Children’s Hospital (ACH) care coordination research teams. This conference provided an opportunity to disseminate important findings about a care coordination pilot project at ACH and the experience of families receiving this intervention who care for children with medical complexity and neurodevelopmental disabilities. |
Our study is aligned with the vision of KBHN to understand the care needs of children with NDDs and their families as well as improve their quality of life with appropriate supports so children can reach their full potential. The study was undertaken because of the lack of integrated medical, educational and social care for children with medical complexity (MC) and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD-MC).
Caregivers fill in the gaps for fragmented systems of care and are impacted with unmet care needs and lack of integrated support. There is limited understanding of the needs and impacts of caregivers who coordinate and navigate care for their children across these fragmented systems and sectors and so a study was proposed and conducted to increase understanding of these issues.
Amanda Doherty-Kirby
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Amanda Doherty-Kirby says, “The CHC conference will be in my mind as I reach out to others in my own community to share some of the information I have learned. Small actions that each of us can do add up and can make a big difference as we work towards right-sizing health systems for kids. |
I am energized by the collective energy of the attendees, the shared purpose, and the sense that I am part of the change that needs to happen. Without the support of KBHN, I would not have been able to attend and I’m sending a big thanks to them for the amazing opportunity of presenting and learning at the Children’s Healthcare Canada Conference 2024.
Manda Krpan Mesic
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Manda Krpan Mesic says, “This experience was not just about learning from others, but about contributing to my own perspective as a caregiver. It was humbling to see that organizations like KBHN are paving the way for more inclusive, meaningful involvement of families in research. My hope is that more organizations will follow suit and will value the knowledge and expertise that parents and caregivers bring to the table. We are not just passive recipients of research findings; we are experts in our own right.” |
Grateful and gratitude are the two words that summarize my experience at the 2024 AACPDM Annual Meeting in Quebec City, held from October 23rd to 26th. When I first received the KBHN Access Award letter, I was in a state of disbelief because I thought it was a mistake, so I had reached out the KBHN team and they in fact said it was true! As a parent of three children, one of whom has cerebral palsy, we have always had to prioritize resources for therapies and necessary treatments. Attending conferences like AACPDM has always been out of reach due to financial constraints, and I would find myself wishing for an opportunity to learn and contribute in person.
I leave the 2024 AACPDM Annual Meeting with a heart full of gratitude and a renewed commitment to advancing the conversation around cerebral palsy. I am excited to continue this journey, not just as a learner, but as an advocate, and I look forward to the many opportunities ahead to make a difference for my child, my family, and the broader cerebral palsy community.
Louisa Man
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Louisa Man says, “With the amazing support of Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN) through the KBHN Access Award, I had the privilege of attending the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IASSID) conference in early August, 2024.” |
Overall, IASSID 2024 was a fantastic conference with numerous networking opportunities, set against the backdrop of delicious Chicago style hot dogs (no ketchup!) and beef sandwiches.
With intentional planning, particularly guided with the discussion of intersectionality, we hope to build a context of inclusion Embodying the concept of inclusion will need to build on the existing foundation and involve deliberate planning so that voices are represented within the conference and be part of ongoing research discussions as well. I am eager in future years to see how inclusion expands and grows into the committed action of embodying intersectionality.
Karys Peterson-Katz
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Reflecting on her experience at the Children’s Healthcare Canada Annual Conference, Dr. Peterson-Katz is reminded that the work we do for children and youth is not just about providing healthcare; it is about building, supporting, and sustaining a strong ecosystem that recognizes, honours, and celebrates the interconnectedness of unique families, communities, and healthcare providers. |
As a recipient of the Kids Brain Health Network Access Award, Dr. Karys Peterson-Katz, a post-doctoral research fellow with Infant and Early Mental Health Promotion at the Hospital for Sick Children, had the privilege of attending, and presenting at, the Children’s Healthcare Canada Annual Conference in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador on October 21st, 2024.
Alongside her supervisor Dr. Chaya Kulkarni, Dr. Peterson-Katz delivered a presentation titled “Right-Sized Support for Young Minds: A New Pathway to Promote Infant and Early Mental Health.” Their presentation focused on the Infant and Early Mental Health (IEMH) Care Pathways initiative, highlighting the importance of early identification and response to mental health concerns before school-age through the development of community-based, accessible, equitable, and streamlined systems of care pathways.
