Each year, Kids Brain Health+ (KBH+) welcomes students from across the country to join our mission of supporting better outcomes for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDD) and their families.

This summer, five interns are contributing to key areas of our work—from business development and communications to fund development and project coordination. Their efforts support everything from research administration and digital storytelling to community partnerships and knowledge mobilization.

Working alongside KBH+ staff, our students are helping bridge the gap between research and real-world application. They are gaining hands-on experience in a collaborative environment while contributing to systems-level change for children and families across Canada.

Working alongside KBH+ staff, this year’s students are contributing to high-impact projects that support cross-functional collaboration, advance organizational priorities, and support programs and initiatives that serve children and families across Canada.

“Bringing students into KBH+ gives us fresh perspectives and new energy, while also helping to build the next generation of leaders in children’s brain health,” said Kim van der Hoek, Chief Operating Officer at KBH+. “Their contributions extend beyond daily tasks, as they’re supporting work that drives meaningful change for everyone impacted by childhood NDD across Canada.”

Student Profiles:

Andy Liu — Research Support Officer – Business Development, KBHN

Andy supports strategic initiatives that focus on early intervention and family support, contributing to the implementation and commercialization efforts of KBH+. For Andy, being part of a national network that turns research into programs, influencing policy and bridging gaps between systems is fulfilling. Following his internship, Andy will lead Western University’s largest entrepreneurship club, W5, helping students take their first steps into the startup world.

 

Noor Akrawi — Fund Development Administrative Assistant, KBHF

At KBHF, Noor supports corporate sponsorship research and fundraising communications. She also manages the Foundation’s social media presence by creating engaging and creative content to showcase KBHF’s impact, and shine a light on the Brighter Futures Fund. At KBH+, Noor is excited to support knowledge translation that connects research to real-world impact. Noor was recently accepted into the Ontario Legislature Internship Programme, where she will work closely with Members of Provincial Parliament this fall.

 

Rayna Naik — Communications Specialist, KBHN

As part of KBHN’s communications team, Rayna helps develop digital content and strategic communications that share research findings and amplify the voices of families and communities in the NDD space. Rayna is excited to support the network’s knowledge mobilization efforts and help ensure lived experience is reflected at the heart of what we communicate. In the fall, Rayna will begin a Master’s in Health Informatics, with a focus on how artificial intelligence is changing the health care landscape.

 

Rowan Apps-Brown — Fund Development Administrative Assistant, KBHF

Now in her second summer with KBHF, Rowan supports grant coordination and our fundraising efforts. With a personal understanding of the impact that support, resources, and advocacy can have for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families, Rowan is proud to contribute to community-driven work. During her time with KBHF, Rowan supported the Sound Sensitivity Solutions team on a successful major grant application—an experience described as a highlight of her time with us.

 

Zerin Hasan — Project Administration Officer, KBHN

Zerin supports national research and project coordination efforts across KBHN. Her connection to neurodevelopmental disability through her personal experience has shaped her understanding of the gaps families face and the urgency for better supports. During her time at KBHN, Zerin has contributed to international research with Solutions for Kids in Pain (SKIP), where she supports work improving pediatric pain management in hospital settings—a highlight of her journey to date.

We thank our 2025 summer interns for their leadership and dedication, and we look forward to seeing how their work will continue to shape the future of children’s developmental health in Canada.