University of Rochester LEND

01/23/2026

Meet Caroline Spink, a Nursing trainee. At the beginning of the year, we asked our trainees questions to get to know them better. Here are some of Caroline’s answers:

What book or series did you wish you could live in?
The Millennium Series – Stieg Larsson

What is something that people would never guess just by looking at you? I’ve flown an airplane before

Would you rather meet your ancestors or descendants? Why? I would rather meet my ancestors because I have always heard stories about how wonderful they were and never got to meet them. They also shaped my family into what it was, which was the reason I had the upbringing I did.

What is the weirdest fact you know? Octopuses have three hearts.

What does true leadership mean to you? True leadership means helping everyone thrive and be their best self.

01/16/2026

Meet Mary Javier, a Dental trainee. At the beginning of the year, we asked our trainees questions to get to know them better. Here are some of Mary’s answers:

What is something that people would never guess just by looking at you?
I really enjoy baking and I love finding new recipes to try

What word do you want to be added to the dictionary, and what is the definition?
Scrollapse – the mental shutdown that happens when you stop thinking critically as you scroll

What would you sing at Karaoke night?
Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond

What aspect of your discipline do you enjoy most?
I really love the moment when a patient is excited to smile for the first time in a long time.

What do you wish you knew more about in the Disabilities world?
I want to know more about the options we can provide patients or caregivers of patients who are on the wait list for operating rooms or treatment.

01/09/2026

We’d like to introduce you to Rebekah Roll, a Medicine trainee. At the beginning of the year, we asked our trainees questions to get to know them better. Here are some of Rebekah’s answers:

What book or series did you wish you could live in?
Books Lovers by Emily Henry

Would you rather meet your ancestors or descendants? Why?
Descendants because I think it would be wonderful to see how your legacy has shaped the lives of those who came after you.

What advice would you give your 12-year old self?
Keep your kindness – it’s what people love most about you.

If you could use magic to do one mundane task for the rest of your life, what would it be? (Bonus question: What would you name the spell?)
Definitely doing (and hanging) the laundry!

What aspect of your discipline do you enjoy most?
I enjoy being able to put play and joy at the center of every interaction I have with my patients as a developmental pediatrician in training!

01/01/2026

12/12/2025

This is Erin Donahoe, an Occupational Therapist trainee. At the beginning of the year, we asked our trainees questions to get to know them better. Here are some of Erin’s answers:

What is something that people would never guess just by looking at you?
I like bouldering (rock climbing without a rope), but I’m afraid of heights.

If you could use magic to do one mundane task for the rest of your life, what would it be? (Bonus question: What would you name the spell?)
To mount tubeless tires on my bike! It’s a bit of a bear. Perhaps set-o bead-o?

What would be the tagline to the sitcom of your life?
“Well, we tried”

What does true leadership mean to you?
You have to show up for others if you expect them to show up for you.

What is your aim for this year?
I’m looking forward to the opportunity to interact with so many different trainees from different disciplines. Interprofessional collaboration is the backbone of the health and human service professions, and it’s an incredible opportunity to have the designated time and space to engage in these conversations with others of different backgrounds.

12/05/2025

This is Kristin Boerman, a Physical Therapy trainee. At the beginning of the year, we asked our trainees questions to get to know them better. Here are some of Kristin’s answers:

What book or series did you wish you could live in?
Bridgerton.

What word would you want added to the dictionary, and what is the definition?
Destinesia: When you get to where you want to go but forget why you were going there..

Would you rather be the funniest or smartest person in the room? Why?
Funniest, we are lucky enough to have the world in our finger tips but you cannot teach a happy, humorous personality.

What is the weirdest fact you know?
Ketchup was once sold as medicine for people suffering from indigestion in the 1830's.

What do you wish you knew more about in the Disabilities world?
First hand experiences of those who have disabilities in a world that is not set up for them. Hearing others' experiences gives me a new perspective on things I take for granted in everyday life.

11/21/2025

We’d like to introduce you to Jenna Welch, a Speech-Language Pathology trainee. At the beginning of the year, we asked our trainees questions to get to know them better. Here are some of Jenna’s answers:

What is something that people would never guess just by looking at you?
I LOVE going to see local live music! I may not be a great dancer, but you can definitely catch me on the dance floor!

What would you sing at Karaoke night?
Since U Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson - it's always a crowd pleaser!

Would you rather meet your ancestors or descendants? Why?
I would rather meet my descendants. I would love to see what the world will look like in the future as a result of the positive changes we are moving toward.

What is your aim for this year?
This year, my aim is to make meaningful connections and continue to develop my leadership and advocacy skills.

What does true leadership mean to you?
True leadership means creating a safe, inclusive space where others feel encouraged, empowered, and uplifted. It’s about leading with empathy and intention – ensuring equity, amplifying diverse voices, and making sure all perspectives are heard and valued.

11/15/2025

Today, UR LEND fellows had the opportunity to talk with Assemblymember Sarah Clark, Assemblymember Jennifer Lunsford, and Assemblyman Josh Jensen. Our fellows had a unique opportunity to hear from these assemblymembers about their background in politics and ask questions about issues impacting us all today. We also heard about appropriate ways to reach out to our elected officials. Thank you for helping us learn how to effectively advocate to our local elected officials.

11/14/2025

This is Arinze Amanekwe, an Advocacy trainee. At the beginning of the year, we asked our trainees questions to get to know them better. Here are some of Arinze’s answers:

What would you sing at Karaoke night?
As a worship leader myself, singing has been a part of my identity. But for a Karaoke night, I would do Lean on me by Bill Withers.

What would be the tagline to the sitcom of your life?
“Faith, Focus, and a Few Surprises.”

What advice would you give your 12-year old self?
Have A LOT of fun but also be fearless to challenges and do hard things.

What does true leadership mean to you?
True leadership is service — creating space where others feel seen, valued, and empowered to grow.

What do you wish you knew more about in the Disabilities world?
I wish I knew more about hidden disabilities and tendencies that would not make students across different parts of the world not flourish like their peers.

11/07/2025

Meet Jenna Crowell, an Audiology trainee. At the beginning of the year, we asked our trainees questions to get to know them better. Here are some of Jenna’s answers:

What book or series did you wish you could live in?
Percy Jackson and the Olympians

What advice would you give your 12-year old self?
Stick with reading books, reading never gets old!!

What is the weirdest fact you know?
France's longest international border is with Brazil

What do you wish you knew more about in the Disabilities world?
Simply learning about different disabilities, there are disabilities I do not have knowledge of.

What aspect of your discipline do you enjoy most?
Activation of a hearing and/or cochlear implant – the looks on patient’s faces are so amazing. It reminds me why communication and our field is so important!