Period of Transition and Renewal
Dear Kids Brain Health Champions,
As we step into a vibrant new season, I’m excited to share some significant updates and developments happening within the Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN). This spring brings with it a flurry of activity, from fresh investments to staff transitions, along with invaluable learning opportunities for our community.
First, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the departure of two esteemed members of our leadership team. Dr. James Reynolds, our Chief Scientific Officer, is stepping down after years of dedicated service, leaving behind a legacy of impactful contributions to our national network and the broader neurodevelopmental-disability community. Likewise, Nicky Lewis, has transitioned from her role as Chief Executive Officer. Together, Dr. Reynolds and Nicky have steered KBHN through significant milestones, and we’re confident that the foundation they’ve built will continue to support our mission in the years to come.
On the theme of transitions, KBHN is poised for continued success, and was excited to announce that we were successful at attracting a substantial new investment from the federal government’s Strategic Science Fund (SSF). This funding injection will play a pivotal role in sustaining and expanding our critical work, enabling us to further our mission of helping children and their families live their best lives.
As we transition from the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) program to this new phase under the Strategic Science Fund, our focus remains steadfast: to advance, scale and spread innovative solutions and supports and bring them to fruition, ensuring they reach the families who need them most.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to our advisory committee members including those on the Research Management Committee (RMC), the Research Training Committee (RTC), the Policy Advisory Research Training Committee (PART). I was privileged in my first two years on the board to participate in the RMC meetings, and the work they have done over the years has been instrumental to the integrity and success of the many projects selected for funding. These committees are comprised of our dedicated researchers, program partners, and Network members, whose unwavering dedication to science is matched only by their compassion and commitment to improving the lives of children and families affected by neurodevelopmental disabilities.
In addition to these developments, I am thrilled to announce that the Kids Brain Health Foundation has a generous new grant from the Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation for one of our programs. Their support will further bolster our efforts to advance support services for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families.
As we embark on this new chapter, I invite you to join us in embracing the opportunities for growth, collaboration, and impact that lie ahead. Together, we will continue to build a better future where all children can live their best lives.
Warm regards,
Geoff Pradella
Interim CEO of KBHN |
