Every infant, toddler, and family who comes into our early intervention (EI) system has a point of transition. In most cases, the family is preparing for the child’s next adventure beyond EI. The family has to learn about and adjust to the idea of a different support system. They may feel sad to be leaving what is familiar, but also excited (and a little nervous) about what’s to come because it means their child is growing and ready to move forward. They need to learn about where they are going while saying a fond goodbye to their EI family.
That is exactly how I feel right now.
I have a big transition ahead of me. I have accepted a faculty position as an assistant professor of early childhood special education at Old Dominion University so I will be leaving my VEIPD team at the end of July. I am super excited about my next big adventure and am doing my best to prepare for it, knowing that my support system will change and I have much to learn. I definitely feel sadness about leaving what is familiar – I’ve worked with the VEIPD team for 12 years and I love my colleagues. I’ve had amazing opportunities to develop this blog, create resources for EI practitioners doing the most important work of supporting families, facilitate training where I learned alongside participants, and connect with EI practitioners and leaders all over the country. Where I’m headed is built on the foundation of where I’ve been, much like how EI provides a foundation on which families transition. It is with much love and gratitude that I make this transition, even if it hurts my heart just a little (ok, maybe more than a little…).
This Is Not Goodbye…
I have decided to approach my transition without saying goodbye. Instead, this is a big “see you later!” because I may be leaving the VEIPD team (although I consider myself a lifetime member), but I’m not leaving what I love. I love early intervention. I love learning with others. I love sharing new knowledge, building resources, and helping others learn and grow. I am so fortunate to have been a part of this team and so excited to take what I’ve learned and share it with new colleagues and students who will be the future of the EI workforce. Great things are coming!
Again, with lots of love and gratitude, I wish all of you, our subscribers, the very best! Thanks for reading, commenting, and sharing your brilliance here on our blog!
See you later! 🙂
After July 22, 2022, I can be reached at Old Dominion University at dchildre@odu.edu.
Please reach out to Cori Hill (cfhill@vcu.edu) or Lisa Terry (lmterry@vcu.edu) if you have questions about the blog or any other resources from the VA Early Intervention Professional Development Center.
Dana, wishing you all the best in this new season and sending a heartfelt thanks for creating amazing resources that have been so helpful in my work supporting early interventionists! See you later! 🙂
Thanks so much, Amy! Knowing how well you use the blog with interventionists has always made my heart smile!
Wishing you all the best!
Thank you for all of your passion aimed at helping us EI professionals move the field forward!
Thanks so much Kirsten and you are so very welcome! I hope to keep doing exactly that through research and teaching in my new position! 🙂
I can’t even. Not yet. But, I have a few bags of birthday cake goldfish at the ready to bribe you for future opportunities to collaborate, just saying.
Seriously though, so excited for you!
Thanks for the well wishes, my friend! You know you don’t have to bribe me to get together with you. (With that said, I’m always up for bags of birthday cake anything!) I’m sure we’ll find ways to continue to work together and stay in touch!
Thank you for all the times you helped me. You are truly taking ‘early intervention’ literally as you begin your new job teaching future early interventionists!
See you later!
Thanks Lynne! I hadn’t thought of it that way but I love it! Such a great way to think about who we can reach early, right? Wishing you all the best too!
I am so proud of all you have done-all you have accomplished. I am so excited for you! Love, Karen (aka Penny)
Hey, it’s so sweet to see your name on here! Thank you! Sending lots of love to TX!
ODU students (and faculty) are extremely lucky to have you as part of their educational team. I will never forget your assistance with my doctoral capstone. Academic science has been fascinating, and grueling at times but with so many growth experiences. My very best to you, Dana!
Thanks so much, Pam! It was my pleasure collaborating with you on your capstone! I’ve heard the very same about academic research. I’m looking forward to diving in! I wish you all the best too. 🙂
Wishing you the very best and continued success as you transition to ODU. You will take them by storm with your ideas and energy! Thank you for coaching me through my ToT -a milestone for me professionally and for all the wisdom regarding all things EI. Be well! You’ve got this!
Thanks for the encouragement, Colette! I’m a little nervous but looking forward to a new adventure. I enjoyed our collaboration on that webinar series – you’ve got so much expertise to share. I wish you well too!
Best of Luck on your new Chapter and role in Early Childhood Special Education! I have always enjoyed reading your blog posts Your responses are always thoughtful and enlightening. I felt very lucky to participate in the Adult Learning Course in 2020. It was a difficult time for all of us working from home during the pandemic. You’re warm and positive personality was truly a pleasure. I appreciated the knowledge and empathy you brought to each meeting. Enjoy your next journey : )
Thanks so much, Lisa! It’s so nice to see your name on here! It really was a pleasure getting to know you in that course. I hope you are doing well and that our paths cross again sometime. 🙂
So thrilled for you and your next chapter. You have touched so many lives and we have been fortunate to have had you share your expertise with us on many occasions. Best of luck!