Former NH-LEND Trainee Appointed to NH Department of Health & Human Services

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services recently announced the appointment of former New Hampshire Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental & Related Disabilities (NH-LEND) trainee Elizabeth Collins, RN-BC, MS, as the Director of Special Medical Services for Children with Special Health Care Needs (NH's Title V program). Liz participated in the NH-LEND program during the 2004-2005 academic year and received her master’s degree from the University of New Hampshire in Nursing Leadership, with a focus on Health Planning and Advocacy for Special Populations. With more than 15 years of experience as a New Hampshire state employee combined with her leadership training, Liz was the perfect candidate for the position.

Reflecting on the impact of her experience with the NH-LEND program, Liz noted that as a nurse, she had entered the program with a holistic perspective on working with individuals. The NH-LEND program provided an opportunity to actualize this perspective for children with special health care needs. Listening to families' stories, understanding what services they were receiving and what they needed, and appreciating that families are the true champions for their children was critical.

Liz reflected that being a NH-LEND trainee required her to "set aside some of my preconceptions and sit back and listen. To fully participate, I needed to realize that it was not about my past experiences, but about incorporating what I learned and heard into my own body of knowledge. Also, being a NH-LEND trainee gave me the opportunity to do things that I might not have otherwise done on my own. I learned I could get into a wider arena, speak cogently, and meaningfully."

Liz advises that current and future trainees should "ensure that your body of work within the NH-LEND program be based on your passions. Take advantage of all of the opportunities, especially those to explore and understand policy and politics. As leaders, we all need this understanding to influence the direction of the field. Many leaders state that they are uncomfortable with the title of 'leader' and yet we all have the ability to make a difference. That's what leadership is!"

For more information on the NH-LEND program, visit www.mchlend.unh.edu.