APRN Scholars Program
There is a silent crisis in the United States due to the extreme shortage of specialists who care for children with medical complexity (CMC) specifically, and Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics (DBP) and mental health in general. We are developing an innovative program to address this crucial workforce issue.
Their Futures Depend on What You Do Today
Almost Home Kids (AHK), an affiliate of Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital enrolling the next cohort of fellows into the Scholars Program in Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics (DBP), Mental Health (MH) and Complex Care (CC) for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. Nationally there are more than 3 million children with special healthcare needs and growing at 5% annually, they are among the most rapidly growing subgroups of the pediatric population. In Illinois alone, there are currently 14,000 children who are medically complex. Advances in medicine and technology are allowing children who are medically complex to live longer lives which results in an increased need for supportive services from medical the community. Parents and providers report that families face 9-12-month delays to see a subspecialist in Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics (DBP) for diagnosis and treatment interventions and the same is true for children and adolescents waiting to see a psychiatrist for mental health services. Mental Health care needs for children and adolescents have increased tremendously over the past year as they and their families deal with the pandemic and the many struggles and uncertainties it has caused families. Children with complex care needs are forced to be hospitalized longer than necessary, putting these children at higher risk for poor health outcomes due to limited availability of providers comfortable caring for them. Recognizing the need to increase the core group of medical professionals competently trained to care for these children, AHK is providing a fellowship program with a goal of educating Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN’s) in the subspecialties of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics, Mental Health, and Complex Care. With advanced training, APRN’s will be better able to diagnose, manage, co-manage, and refer as needed, children for developmental disabilities (including cerebral palsy, autism, and learning disabilities), medical complexities (including epilepsy, genetic abnormalities, neurological impairment, feeding and respiratory problems), and behavioral issues (including ADHD, anxiety, depression, and incontinence).
Here’s What You Can Expect
The APRN/PA scholar will participate in an intensive one-year, 50 week, 1-2 days, 10-16 hours per week, training program partnering with the University of Chicago’s Fellowship Program in Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics, Michigan LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disorders), the Ohio State KySS (Keep Your Child Safe and Secure) online Mental Health Fellowship, ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule 2nd Edition) training, Advocate Aurora Health Care including Illinois Masonic Developmental Center and Advocate Children’s Hospital Oak Lawn and Park Ridge, DuPage Easter Seals, Anne & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC), and Shirley Ryan Ability Lab. All learners will participate in all didactic courses, and clinical experiences via Zoom. Additionally, scholars will need to coordinate with local organizations in their area, to arrange additional clinical experiences, to be approved by program faculty.
Scholar Eligibility
A successful candidate for the Post Graduate Scholars Program in DBP, MH, and Complex Care must have a minimum of 2 years of primary care or acute care or 1-year outpatient DBP or primary care clinical practice, be licensed as a registered nurse and Advance Practice Nurse or Physician’s Assistant in their state of practice or received their APRN/PA license by the time they begin the program. Click here to link to our research findings
APRN Scholars Application Instructions
The application period will open on January 9, 2025 @ 9:00am and closes on April 30, 2025 at 11:59 pm.
- Resume/CVNP Certification/transcripts
- Copy of RN/APRN license
- A statement of interest that should be up to 1000 words and explain how the program fits into your career goals and your commitment to serve this population.
- Three reference letters-two from former supervisors.
The next program will begin on July 10, 2025. Almost Home Kids will accept up to 8 scholars in this cohort. The application dates will be from 1/9/25 – 4/30/25, payment will be required by June 1, 2025. Cost sharing of $2,000 is required (due by the payment deadline date). Scholars participating in local in-person clinical rotations are responsible for their own malpractice insurance. Please reach out to David Kruger, President and Executive Director at dkruger@almosthomekids.org or Anita Krolczyk at akrolczyk@luriechildrens.org for more information.
Scholars will receive a certificate of completion from Almost Home Kids as well as certifications for training in ADOS-2 Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – Second Edition, KySS Mental Health Training Program, LEND Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Program. Up to 300 CME credit hours can be earned for participation in the program (exact number TBD) as well as 45 CEU’s from completion of the KySS Program.
Scholars will not receive any compensation for participating in this program and as applicable, must secure professional liability insurance with limits of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence, $3,000,000 aggregate to participate in clinical rotation at AHK, Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, Advocate Aurora sites if in-person, (Christ Medical Center, Illinois Masonic Medical Center & Lutheran General), DuPage Easter Seals, and DSCC.
Applicants belonging to underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. Almost Home Kids is committed to fostering and promoting a culture of diversity in the nursing workforce. We are inviting Top Talent from all communities to come join us!
The 2024 APRN Scholars Program application process will open 1/9/2025, please email David Kruger, President and Executive Director at dkruger@almosthomekids.org for more information.
Credit Designation Statement
The Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 300 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Accreditation Statement
The Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
American Board of Surgery Continuous Certification and Self-Assessment Program[s]
Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the learner to earn credit toward the CME and Self-Assessment requirement(s) of the American Board of Surgery’s Continuous Certification program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit learner completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABS credit.
- APRN Scholars Application Instructions
- APRN Scholars Frequently Asked Questions
- APRN Scholars Informational Flyer
Our Team
Career Benefits to Scholars
The DBP-APN Advanced Training Program will provide the scholar with varied clinical and educational opportunities to prepare them for autonomous practice. Upon completing this program, APRNs will have the depth, breadth, volume, and intensity of foundational knowledge coupled with appropriate clinical experience to independently manage children with the conditions served by DBP clinicians. Graduates of this APRN Advanced Training Program will be well positioned to be thought leaders in the field.
APRN Nurse Practitioners Post Graduate Scholars Program Curriculum
Scholars will participate in case-based discussions and journal club. The scholar will be provided opportunities for the following during the Advanced Training Program:
- understand the complex developmental processes of infants, children, adolescents and young adults, in the context of their families and communities
- understand the biological, psychological, and social influences on development in the emotional, social, motor, language, and cognitive domains
- understand the mechanisms for primary and secondary prevention of disorders in behavior and development
- analyze pathophysiology for various disease processes
develop diagnoses, formulate treatment plans and evaluate patient response to treatment - utilize evidence-based practices in delivering quality, cost-effective care
- educate patients and families about disease process and prevention
develop organizational skills vital to effectively managing patient caseloads - develop effective communication and presentation skills essential to work with an interdisciplinary team
- develop an age-appropriate treatment plan for mental health problems based on biopsychosocial theories, evidenced-based standards of care, and practice guidelines, including differential diagnosis for mental health problems.
- demonstrate behaviors that reflect a commitment to continuous professional development, ethical practice, an understanding and sensitivity to diversity and a responsible attitude toward patients, profession and society
- evaluate the relationships among access, cost, quality, and safety and their influence on health care
- demonstrate critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning skills in clinical decision making
- understand the care of children with complex needs including those who are ventilator dependent, have tracheostomies, require suctioning, and receive nutritional support via of a feeding system
- APRN Scholars Application Instructions
- APRN Scholars Frequently Asked Questions
- APRN Scholars Informational Flyer
Current APRN Scholars
Martha Ague, DNP, NNP-BC
I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join the Almost Home Kids Scholars program for the 2023-2024 term. I firmly believe that this experience will not only expand my knowledge and skills in caring for the pediatric population but also provide me with valuable exposure to other healthcare providers in the industry. I am eager to learn from their expertise and contribute to the well-being of the children under our care.
Swaranijit Gill, DNP
My name is Swaranjit Gill, and I doctoral prepared nurse practitioner (DNP) holding dual board certifications in family practice and psychiatric mental health. I joined the APRN Scholars Program to enhance learning for diagnosing and co-managing children with developmental disabilities, behavioral issues, and medical complexities.
Junita Luna-Greene, RN, CPNP-CP, IBCLC
The scarcity of providers in the developmental and behavioral (DB) field is a barrier and obstacle for patients seeking care. In the entire State of Alaska, only four DBP accommodate the needs of children with disabilities. Two DBP and myself (pediatric nurse practitioner) serve the Alaska Native and American Indian (AN/AI) community. Participating in the scholar program that Almost Home Kids offers will help me be better prepared and be a more knowledgeable clinician specializing in Developmental-Behavioral practice. The Scholar Program provides an exceptional training opportunity that merges structured online education with one week of hands-on training in this field. Some other programs offer in-person training with university credits, yet, this would mean leaving my family, job, patients, and coworkers until completion of the program. This program is the first one I have discovered that offers a set “curriculum,” established requirements, CME, and certifications of completion through a university. In addition, as an officer of the U.S. Public Health Service, our mission is to protect, promote, and advance the health and safety of our Nation. I am committed to becoming part of the effort to alleviate the crises that children with developmental disorders face by continuing to serve the AN/AI population.
Nicole Brody Metcalf, MSN, CPNP, RN
I am an experienced Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner working in rural Maine where it is very hard to see developmental and mental health providers. I enrolled in the APRN Scholars Program with the goal to manage patients right in their medical home and also learn and grow from this excellent group of professionals.
Thao Tran, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, AMB-BC, PHN, CHISP
Infants, toddlers, and children with complex medical needs and/or developmental disabilities often do not receive the care they deserve, especially adequate mental health services and supports in the educational system. This program fills in the void I have in wanting to develop a holistic view of the systems in place and how we providers can shift our focus to viewing our children from a positive, strength-based lens. The diversity of thoughts from my colleagues and the fascinating experiential learning through case studies have strengthened my love for doing whatever I can to support this highly vulnerable population.
Nicole Wilson, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
I am a Family Nurse Practitioner dedicated to addressing health disparities in minority communities. My goal is to increase my ability to assess, diagnose, and develop treatment plans to improve the current gaps in developmental- behavioral pediatric care. The APRN scholars program provides clinical knowledge and resources that I will utilize to enhance my clinical practice and improve overall healthcare outcomes.
APRN Scholars – 2023 Graduates
Sue Beach, MSN, FNP-C
As a rural healthcare provider for children with complex medical needs and neurodevelopmental conditions, I desire to provide high-quality care that improves their daily lives. By coordinating care & collaborating with allied health professionals, as well as medical specialists, children will have the opportunity to reach their greatest potential in development and health. The knowledge gained from the APRN Scholars Program will provide valuable knowledge and resources to achieve these goals.
Teri Brown, CPNP-PC
I have been interested in behavioral and developmental pediatrics for over 3 years and have been wanting to be part of this program for the same number of years. I hope to learn more about how to care more meaningfully, compassionately, and thoroughly for all children and their families, no matter where they are in life.
Laura Forcella, FNP
I am joining the APRN Scholar program to provide the best possible care in developmental and complex pediatrics. Living in Montana, we can be limited in our medical resources, so I am really excited to be helping expand access to high-quality care in these important specialties.
Alysia Huber, DNP, CPNP-AC
I have had the honor of spending the past decade working in Pediatric Critical Care. I have taken a special interest in pediatric patients who have survived critical illness or injury but have ongoing functional and neurodevelopmental recovery needs. I look forward to being able to integrate these educational components to better understand and advocate for current patients, provide anticipatory guidance, and acknowledge long-term post-PICU care needs.
Katie Nelson, DNP, CPNP-AC/PC, PMHS
I joined the AHK APRN Scholar program to expand my clinical expertise in developmental-behavioral pediatrics, mental health, and complex care. I look forward to offering children with complex needs more opportunities to receive care close to home.
APRN Scholars – 2022 Graduates
Betsy Becker MSN, CPNP, PHMS
I joined the AHK Fellowship because it is my goal to become a trusted developmental/behavioral pediatric nurse practitioner who makes a significant difference in the vast majority of my patients’ lives. I hope that I can better the quality of life for my patients and their families, ease some burdens, remove anxiety, and help kids be their best selves.
Stephanie R. Brancheau DNP, PNP
This program has expanded my knowledge of available resources for families whose children have complex medical needs. I have strengthened my ability to facilitate care coordination and ensure that I am providing the highest level of quality care to my patients.
Vanessa Correia, APRN, CPNP-PC, CLC
It’s essential at this point to be able to provide quality mental health care to our patients. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from and with providers passionate about addressing complex pediatric needs and am already putting what we’ve learned to practice within my own FQHC community!
Jennifer Hernandez, FNP-MSN AANP
My goal for enrolling in the Scholars program is to use the tools learned and implement them in both urban and rural settings. I would love to help develop programs to implement, particularly in the rural areas.
Evelyn Hughes BSN, MSN, APRN-BC
As a PPCNP working in Miami-Dade, I work with children who lack medical insurance or have complex care needs and are lacking a medical home. In this role I am required to provide medical care for children with both physical and developmental disabilities. By becoming part of AHK fellowship I hope to learn more about the Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics (DBP), complex care and mental health so that I can better serve my community. I am also looking forward to collaborating with other medical professionals who feel as passionate as I do about advocating for those who lack resources or aren’t receiving all the services that they require
Rhonda Heschel, MS, MSN, RN, C-PNP, PMHS
I am passionate about improving access to developmental and behavioral pediatrics and mental health care. The APRN Scholars program is a great fit for me. Through didactic and clinical education, I am gaining a depth of knowledge that will allow me to expand my skills and ensure that I provide the highest quality care for my patients. It’s a fantastic opportunity!
Megan Leser DNP, MSN, FNP-C
I joined the APRN Scholars Program to increase my understanding and ability to care for individuals with developmental and behavioral differences. I see there is a large need to increase primary care providers’ knowledge and skill in this area. I hope to one day have a practice that is accessible and comfortable for all.
APRN Scholars – 2021 Graduates
Michelle Appelbaum, Ph.D, FNP, PNP, PMHS
Participating in this program greatly added to my knowledge about developmental disabilities, mental health problems and children with complex medical concerns. The content is varied and presented in interesting ways that enhance clinical practice. I highly recommend this in-depth program.
Heather Momberg, DNP, PNP
I obtained further education in developmental-behavioral pediatrics and mental health. It is a unique opportunity and will be incredibly valuable to my practice within the Indian Health Service network.
Hillary Mueller, MSN, RN, CPNP-PC, PMHS
I am thankful to have been a part of the APRN Scholars program. The program provided timely and informative education to fill a critical knowledge gap. During the program, we had the ability to ask experts in the field questions and have those answered in real time. The program is comprehensive and interdisciplinary. This has introduced me to public policy, advocacy opportunities, and available resources I was not previously aware existed. I am excited about the ability to apply my new knowledge to improve the lives of the children and families in my community.
Jennifer Hernandez, FNP-MSN AANP
My goal for enrolling in the Scholars program is to use the tools learned and implement them in both urban and rural settings. I would love to help develop programs to implement, particularly in the rural areas.
Emily Schadt, DNP, CPNP, PMHS
I was so excited to have been a part of this wonderful program! Nursing education is always evolving, and this program helped me better provide for my patients by ensuring I’m up to date on the most relevant information available. I already gained a wealth of knowledge that I can implement in my current practice. Thank you for the opportunity to further assist in my professional growth.
APRN Scholars – 2020 Graduates
Bertia Jennings, DNP, PPCNP, PMHS, BC
I took this journey to increase my knowledge and understanding of children with special health care needs. I was excited, intrigued and honored to have been a scholar in this program. I gained a wealth of knowledge and established new relationships that lend support to my professional development and practice.
Zoe Lasky, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC
I was honored to have been chosen to participate in this program. Not only did this program provide me with increased knowledge that empowered me to provide greater and more holistic care to my current patient population but also has enabled me to become a greater asset to caring for children during a time where there is such an extreme shortage of specialists who are educated and able to manage care of patients with complex healthcare needs. What excited me most about this scholar’s program, is that “the sky is the limit,” and my eyes are opened to so many new and exciting opportunities.
Elizabeth Limberakis, MSN, APRN, PCNP-PC, PMHS
I was thrilled to be able to learn more about how to manage the mental health and behavioral issues that so many of my patients struggle with. Additionally, I’m able to utilize my new knowledge to better assist all children and families with special health care needs.