Parents as Mentors

A key feature of the ILEND program is the Parents as Mentors (PAM) experience, which matches each trainee with a family who has a child with special needs. In the PAM program, parents become the teachers and provide insight into family life and family perspectives as they spend time with the trainees in their homes and communities. Contact Kelley Von Lehmden at 319-356-1172, or by email at [email protected].

"The ILEND program has increased my awareness of other health care disciplines, which will enhance my future clinical practice. I have become more aware of the issues faced by families and children with special needs." - ILEND Trainee

"I wanted our trainee to understand the difficulties of navigating through the system of health care and other resources, and that my priorities as a parent may be different than those of a professional." - Parent