Emory University School of Medicine
Emory University School of Medicine
Department of Pediatrics

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Department of Pediatrics

Behavioral Support Project

Mission

The Behavioral Support Project of the Developmental Progress Clinic at Emory University was created in October 2015. Our goal is to apply evidence-based strategies to address behavior problems and promote emotional well-being in children 0- 5 years of age who have a history of requiring neonatal intensive care.



Vision

Our program aims to decrease the incidence and severity of behavioral and emotional problems among NICU graduates by providing early and appropriate support to patients and their families.

 

Team Members

Angela Leon Hernandez, MD FAAP Assistant Professor, Emory University Department of Pediatrics

Areas of interest and expertise: Developing strategies that support emotional social and language development in children affected by early biological adversity secondary to prematurity and other neonatal conditions.

Sheena L. Carter, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine.

Areas of interest and expertise: Infant emotional development, supporting optimal development after NICU discharge, parent-infant interaction.

Amy Sanders, Psy.D. Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine.

Dr. Sanders is particularly interested in the impact of sleep habits and positive parenting strategies on behavioral outcomes of children with history of prematurity.

Traci Williams, Psy.D. Assistant Professor of Pediatrics. Emory University School of Medicine.

Area of interest and expertise: Socio-emotional and academic needs of school-age children formerly cared for in the NICU. She is also interested in the implications for parents’ mental health after having a premature child.

Sandra Moore- Pope. ACSW, MSW. Social Worker

Areas of interest and expertise: Developing strategies to improve family support and parental education during and after the NICU stay. 

Keisha Reneé Callins, MD, MPH Assistant Professor of Community Medicine at Mercer University School of Medicine

She serves as an OB/GYN in Jones and Twiggs County through Community Health Care Systems, Inc. Particular interest in women’s health and well-being, early learning and literacy, and population health.

Kathi Frankel, MS Early Intervention Consultant.

She has a BS in Physical Therapy and MS in Educational Psychology from Georgia State University. She is certified in the NIDCAP methodologies as developed by Dr. Heideliese Als and the NBAS developed by Dr T Berry Brazelton.

Programs

Let’s Read a Book Today Shared Reading for NICU Babies

Resources