Our National Training Program enhances training for the next generation of researchers and professionals. Together we develop and implement innovations that improve the lives of children living with neurodevelopmental disabilities, and their families.
To support, promote, and acknowledge those who have shown excellence and dedication within Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN), we are pleased to congratulate the winners of the annual Outstanding Awards for 2022-23.
Each awardee receives a certificate, along with free registration and a travel award to attend our 2023 conference in Ottawa.
Outstanding KBHN Trainee Member Award
This award recognizes a trainee’s outstanding contribution and commitment to the KBHN community. This person dedicates large amounts of time and energy to our Network activities—including conferences, webinars, workshops, and more.
Vanessa Tomas completed her doctoral thesis under the supervision of Dr. Sally Lindsay, and in partnership with autistic youth. Her research explored experiences and needs surrounding the complex disability disclosure process. The result was a tangible decision-aid tool using theories and frameworks from knowledge translation.
Vanessa has shown enthusiasm through high levels of engagement and involvement, and will receive $1,500 to support her future development.
Outstanding KBHN Promising Researcher Award
This award recognizes a trainee’s outstanding research achievements, for bench or bedside research.
Jeffrey McCrossin‘s program of research is centred on the wellbeing of families of neurodiverse children, and explores how support systems can facilitate family resilience. He examines how supports for caregivers can have wider cascading benefits for the whole family, beyond the individual caregiver or child.
Jeffrey will receive $1,500 to support his future development.
Outstanding KBHN Mentor / Supervisor Award
This award is presented to a researcher or a professional who provided outstanding supervision or mentorship, with the ability to inspire KBHN trainees.
Dr. Lucyna Lach‘s research focuses a) on documenting social determinants of living a life of quality among children, youth and young adults with neurodisabilities and their families; b) on the co-construction of systems of care that promote navigation of—and access to—supports and services needed by the community.
Dr. Lach coaches and encourages others to succeed in fulfilling KBHN’s mission to conduct research in an inclusive and dynamic learning environment, and translates that knowledge into practice.
Outstanding KBHN Leadership Award in Family Engagement in Research
KBHN celebrates the important contributions of individuals with lived or living experience, and/or their caregivers in neurodevelopmental disability research.
This year, we are offering the first-ever Outstanding KBHN Leadership Award in Family Engagement in Research, for members with lived or living experience of a neurodevelopmental disability, and/or their caregivers.
Dr. Genevieve Currie is a family partner researcher, and nurse researcher focused on families’ experiences in caring for children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), and family engagement in health care and research. She is committed to mentoring, and fostering a community in family engagement in research.
Dr. Currie will receive $1,500 to support her future development.
