Supporting Students: ADHD, Autism, LD & Brain Injury

Dr. Daniel Nicklas is an Assistant Professor and the Director of Primary Care Education for the Pediatrics Residency at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, as well as the Co-medical Director for the Pediatric Call Center at Children's Hospital Colorado. With a medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and a robust background in pediatrics, he has dedicated his career to enhancing pediatric education and care delivery. Dr. Nicklas has a strong focus on health technology and informatics, as well as developmental and behavioral pediatrics, which informs his teaching and clinical practice. He has been recognized for his contributions to medical education, receiving the Gary Way Award for Outstanding Teaching in 2016. In addition to his academic responsibilities, Dr. Nicklas actively engages in research, contributing to numerous publications that address critical issues in pediatric primary care. His commitment to training future pediatricians is evident through his mentorship of residents and students, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the challenges of modern pediatric healthcare.

Eve Kutchman is a strategist and exercise psychologist specializing in school health programs and behavioral health initiatives. She is affiliated with the University of Colorado System and the Child Health Advocacy Institute, where she focuses on promoting healthy practices within educational settings. Kutchman has developed a range of courses aimed at equipping educators and healthcare professionals with the skills to manage various health conditions in schools.Her courses include Healthy Practices: Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Community and Family Participation, Managing ADHD, Autism, Learning Disabilities, and Concussion in School, Managing Asthma, Allergies, Diabetes, and Seizures in School, and Providing Social, Emotional, Behavioral, and Special Education Services in School. These courses are designed to help participants understand and implement effective strategies for supporting students' health and well-being in school environments.Kutchman's work emphasizes the connection between health and academic success, advocating for comprehensive health management strategies that address both physical and mental health challenges faced by students. Through her educational initiatives, she aims to foster healthier school communities that enhance learning outcomes for all

Dr. Lauren Welch is a Pediatric Resident Physician with a focus on providing comprehensive care to children. She has developed and teaches several courses aimed at enhancing the understanding of health practices in educational settings. Her courses include Healthy Practices: Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Community and Family Participation, Managing ADHD, Autism, Learning Disabilities, and Concussion in School, Managing Asthma, Allergies, Diabetes, and Seizures in School, and Providing Social, Emotional, Behavioral, and Special Education Services in School. These courses are designed to equip educators and healthcare professionals with the necessary skills to support children's health and well-being in school environments.Dr. Welch completed her medical education at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and has been actively involved in pediatric care at institutions such as Children's Hospital Colorado. Her work emphasizes the importance of integrating health education into school curricula to foster healthier communities. Through her teaching and clinical practice, Dr. Welch aims to bridge the gap between medical knowledge and practical application in everyday settings, ensuring that children receive the best possible care and support for their diverse needs.

Karen Hecker, BSN, RN, NCSN, is a dedicated nurse consultant in the School Health Department at Children’s Hospital Colorado. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Michigan School of Nursing in 1987 and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, with an expected completion date in December 2018. Karen became a Nationally Certified School Nurse in 2013 and has spent over 11 years focused on school health after two decades in large children's hospitals.Her MPH work emphasizes addressing pediatric health disparities and understanding the impact of social determinants on health access and education for youth. In her role, Karen provides consultation services to four childcare centers in Aurora, Colorado, and is actively involved in professional development for school nurses throughout the state. She serves as a Regional Nurse Specialist for the Denver Metro Area through the Colorado Department of Education's Health and Wellness Unit.Karen is also a member of the Colorado Alliance for School Health, where she works to enhance collaboration between healthcare and education sectors. She participates in teams under the Healthy Schools Successful Students initiative and is involved with the legislative committee of the Colorado Association of School Nurses, advocating for student health and safety across various domains.