Reflections
As part of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center's 50th anniversary celebration, families, researchers, staff, trainees, and others shared their reflections. View a sample below, and select "more" to view additional comments.
| A reflection from a family |
 | It is through the VKC that I caught the vision and was inspired to follow my daughter with autism’s North Star—that of a life-long pursuit and successful career in art. Leisa Hammett - Parent See More... |
| A reflection from a trainee |
 | As a Postdoctoral Fellow, I was a trainee with LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities]. This experience was invaluable to my current work as a clinical psychologist who specializes in diagnosing very young children with autism. My LEND training enhanced my abilities to understand families’ perspectives, to collaborate across disciplines, and to maintain cultural competence, all of which helps me provide better care to children and parents at a very difficult moment in their lives. Amy Weitlauf - VKC Member and Former LEND Trainee See More... |
| A reflection from a researcher |
 | I am fascinated by the connections between neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration. My research focuses on how functional changes in genes and vulnerabilities to environmental factors beginning very early in development can lead to degradation of normal neurological function later in life. By learning how genes and environmental factors acting throughout life influence the development and maintenance of human health, we may be better able to identify key early steps critical for functional development and long-term health. While access to world-class resources and services is fundamental to my research, it is the people of the VKC who are at the heart of why I became a member. Whether it is its highly collaborative principal investigators, or its dedicated support staff, or the integrated and meaningful connections with families and friends of the VKC–I have experienced and benefited firsthand from the dedication and zeal of those around me. Aaron Bowman, Ph.D. - Neurology See More... |
| A reflection from a professional |
| I was introduced to the Kennedy Center in 1975 when I was an undergraduate at Peabody College, now Vanderbilt University. It changed my life, and set me on my career path. I left as a graduate, and I came back for graduate studies. And I work in disability and I still count on the Kennedy Center every day. Carol Westlake - Tennessee Disability Public Policy Advocate See More... |
Submit your reflection here