The Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities (MCDD) is excited to welcome several new trainees to its formalized preservice training program. This program aims to increase the number—and enhance the expertise—of individuals interested in integrating disability knowledge into their future careers and lives. Through the MCDD’s core programs and projects, trainees engage in a range of mentored experiential and educational activities.
Kate Jones is a senior at Towson University majoring in public health with a minor in community health promotion. She developed an interest in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through her involvement in the Best Buddies program during high school. Jones is eager to deepen her knowledge of health education and strengthen her advocacy skills for individuals with IDD. After completing her undergraduate degree, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in social work to further develop her expertise in patient advocacy.
Aryn Watson is a senior at Towson University majoring in public health. She developed an interest in working with people with disabilities through an internship where she gained experience supporting children with developmental disabilities. At the MCDD, Watson is expanding her knowledge by contributing to several projects and programs, including People On the Go Maryland. She is particularly interested in conducting research to better support individuals with disabilities and in strengthening her advocacy skills, while building her foundation in health education. After completing her undergraduate degree, Watson plans to attend nursing school so she can continue working with and advocating for people with disabilities and their families.
Simon Younes is a final‑year graduate student at the University of Maryland, College Park, pursuing a Master of Arts in international relations. His interest in disability advocacy began through his work as a student advocate, where he helped improve accessibility within his community. During his internship with Project HEAL (Health, Education, Advocacy, and Law), Younes hopes to gain broad exposure to the organization’s work, including supporting families and patients through legal and professional guidance. He looks forward to learning how to effectively represent the needs of people with disabilities in practice while building on his knowledge of public health and law. After completing his master’s degree, Younes plans to continue researching and writing on international relations topics, informed by a deeper understanding of disability issues and inclusive policy.
Additionally, Project HEAL recently hosted three fellows of Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Residency Program for their advocacy rotation: Alizah Patterson, MD; Sara Shakin, MD; and Jasmine Sondhi, MD.