STAY CONNECTED
Here at CA-LEND, we see the value in everyone. We want to be a catalyst for positive change, and since our beginnings in (year), we’ve been driven by the same ideas we initially founded our Non-Profit Organization upon: support, empowerment, and progress. Learn more about our mission, our vision, and how we go about making the changes we want to see. Click the button below to be connected to the CA-LEND Alumni Networking Group
WHAT OUR ALUMNI ARE UP TO NOW
ANIL ARORA, MSW (SOCIAL WORK) CLASS OF 2019
Post LEND, I moved to Colorado and I am working evenings as a relationship therapist at a private practice to collect hours towards licensure. I am also working at Health One Hospital as a social worker providing psychoeducation groups for adolescents through adults. Another project that I am working on with a group is creating a holistic nonprofit for Veterans and their families while applying for a PhD in Social Work to do research in best practices with Veterans.
When working with LEND take advantage of the opportunities that staff can provide from research, to conferences, to meeting with them to learn more, or even finding mentors. Lend gives you the opportunity to network locally, nationally and internationally, do not pass that up!!!
SAMANTHA KUCAJ, PSY. D. (PSYCHOLOGY) CLASS OF 2019
I graduated from postdoctoral fellowship in clinical psychology at CHLA on September 1st, 2019. A few months before graduation I accepted a job in the department of pediatrics at UCLA in their Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics department. My official job title is: Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics Psychologist. I work with Developmental Behavioral Pediatricians to assess children where there is concern of developmental disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and oppositional behaviors. I also provide therapy and consultation. I am also part of 2 different grants: one grant is from the Cerebral Palsy foundation and has me working in the High Risk Infant Followup Clinic with a medical team, giving families an early diagnosis of CP. The other is a trauma grant that has me working with 1st year pediatric residents on how to provide trauma informed care to their patients.
CATHERINE YOUNT, MPH (PUBLIC HEALTH) CLASS OF 2018
I am currently an Evaluation Coordinator at the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research. I manage two projects: an assessment of secondhand smoke exposure in multi-unit housing in Los Angeles, and an evaluation of the State of California Tobacco Control Program Priority Populations Initiative. At this time, I don't know of any job openings, but I will pass along any that come up. I am also serving as a member of the MCHB Trainee Ambassador Group (TAG) as a former LEND trainee and will continue to serve in the 2020 cohort. I would be happy to share more information with trainees who may be interested in participating in the TAG in the future. I have applied for PhD programs in Epidemiology for fall 2020 with the intention of doing research on the etiology of complex health conditions and neurodevelopmental disorders. LEND was a big motivating factor in deciding what type of research I want to pursue. Now I just have to wait and see if I am accepted!
JASMINE MERCADO, MPH (NUTRITION) CLASS OF 2019
Since this summer, I successfully passed the accrediting exam for dietitians and am now a Registered Dietitian. I have also recently started working as an Inpatient Dietitian at UCLA-Olive View Medical Center, where I see and assess the nutritional status of children on the pediatric floor along with the general adult population.
CRYSTAL GARCIA CF-SLP (SPEECH AND LANGUAGE) CLASS OF 2019
Since completing LEND in May, I obtained my California state license and national accreditation to practice as a Speech Language Pathologist. I also accepted a position at CHLA working in the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit. In the Inpatient Rehabilitation unit, I work with patients who have suffered a brain injury either through a traumatic or non-traumatic event and who now due to this injury have impaired cognitive or communication skills. Through my role, I have the opportunity to work alongside Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Social Workers, Dieticians, Child Life Specialists, and Doctors. I feel very fortunate to be part of an amazing team and organization. I am also thankful to have the opportunity to use many of the skills I acquired through LEND on a regular basis.