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 diverse range of mentored experiential and educational activities.
Alexia Moreno is a senior at the University of Maryland, College Park, majoring in public health science. During her internship at the MCDD, she hopes to gain valuable experience and deepen her understanding of the healthcare system while advocating for individuals with disabilities. After earning her undergraduate degree, she plans to attend nursing school, where she will continue her commitment to supporting and advocating for people with disabilities and their families.
Sharon Oladipupo is a senior at Towson University majoring in public health with a minor in family and human studies. A job experience inspired her interest in supporting individuals with disabilities and for her to pursue advocacy in healthcare. During her internship at the MCDD, she hopes to gain hands-on experience by contributing to various programs and projects, including the community and professional development training program. She looks forward to learning how to translate scientific evidence into practice and advocate effectively for individuals with disabilities while expanding her knowledge of health education. After earning her undergraduate degree, Oladipupo plans to attend graduate school for nursing, where she will continue her commitment to supporting and advocating for people with disabilities and their families.
Kayla Velez is a senior at Towson University majoring in public health. Her interest in supporting individuals with disabilities was sparked by coursework on adaptable instructional teaching methods for all people. During her internship at the MCDD, she hopes to gain hands-on experience by contributing to various projects, including the community and professional development training program. She looks forward to learning how to translate scientific evidence into practice and advocate effectively for individuals with disabilities while expanding her knowledge of health education. After earning her undergraduate degree, Velez plans to obtain her Certified Health Education Specialist and program management certifications to advocate for people with disabilities and their families.