The Georgia Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (GaLEND) program welcomed its 2025–2026 cohort of 24 trainees and fellows from 14 academic and advocacy-related disciplines with an engaging alumni panel discussion that set the tone for a year of growth, collaboration, and leadership.
The panel included GaLEND alumni Tais Keyser, Lindsay Flax, Ashley McGee, Mitchell Blount, and Sheryl Arno, who shared their perspectives on leadership, identity, and the lasting impact of the LEND experience. The discussion was facilitated by Darien Todd, LEND Self-Advocate Faculty, who guided panelists through a thoughtful conversation on the program’s legacy and its role in shaping future leaders.
The conversation was focused on the importance of LEND identity, the sense of belonging that comes from participating in the program. Panelists emphasized that GaLEND is more than a year-long training; it is a shared experience that fosters invaluable connections, both personal and professional. These relationships often extend far beyond the program itself, creating a network that supports alumni throughout their careers.
The panelists discussed the vision of Dr. Daniel Crimmons, founding director of GaLEND, who once compared the program’s network to a “secret handshake.” These two words describe the bond that instantly connects members of this close-knit community. The GaLEND alumni shared personal stories that highlighted the program’s impact, including chance encounters with professionals who had completed LEND years earlier, showing the depth of the network.
“Our program’s alumni are still typically one of the most powerful testimonies of the impact of the experience and the network,” said GaLEND Training Director Mark Crenshaw. “They continue to show up as leaders in healthcare, public health, and advocacy who continue to strengthen the system of care with children, adults, and families with autism and related disabilities for years to come.”
As the 2025–2026 cohort begins its year-long journey, the reflections of our alumni remind us that the GaLEND identity is deeply rooted in connection, legacy, and leadership.
