2026 - 2027 Trainees
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Hazem Attal
Dentistry
Hazem Attal
Dentistry
Hazem Attal is a third-year graduate student at the WVU School of Dentistry. Originally from Charleston, WV, Hazem earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from WVU, graduating summa cum laude with a minor in Arabic studies. During his undergraduate studies, Hazem developed a strong interest in neuroscience and biomedical research. His research focused on the role of serotonin receptors and their involvement in neurological pathways, contributing to a broader understanding of the mechanisms underlying neural signaling and brain function. Hazem’s academic journey reflects his commitment to scientific inquiry and healthcare. Through his experiences in research and dental education, he continues to build upon his interest in the intersection of biomedical science, neuroscience, and clinical care.
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Melyn Bachinski
Audiology
Melyn Bachinski
Audiology
Melyn Bachinski is a graduate student from Follansbee, WV studying to become an audiologist. She graduated from WVU with a Bachelor of Science in communication sciences and disorders and a minor in medical humanities and health studies. Her goal as a LEND trainee is to learn how to better work with families and professionals from different disciplines so she can provide the best care possible for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
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Chloe Bonifacio
Pharmacy
Chloe Bonifacio
Pharmacy
Chloe Bonifacio is a pharmacy student with interests in neurology, dermatology, and women's health. She graduated from University of Maryland, College Park with a BS in mathematics-statistics and worked for three years before continuing her graduate education. In pharmacy school, she has served as a pharmacy mentor, an ambassador, as fundraising chairs for the Industry Pharmacist Organization and Student Society of Health-System Pharmacy, and completed research in areas of stroke and brain metastatic breast cancer. Her goals are to provide better resources to her community for individuals with ADHD, autism, and other neuro-developmental disabilities.
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Janella Camp
Physician Assistant
Janella Camp
Physician Assistant
Janella Camp is a physician assistant student at WVU and a native of Parkersburg, WV. She earned her undergraduate degree in biology with a minor in psychology, spending two years conducting research through the AGE-ADAR program. She is currently in the final year of her master’s degree, participating in the AHEC Scholars Program, and gaining clinical experience across a variety of medical and surgical specialties, with a particular interest in serving rural and minority communities.
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Tyler Coney
Psychology
Tyler Coney (non-LEND)
Psychology
Tyler Coney is an undergraduate student attending WVU majoring in psychology with minors in forensics and criminology. He is from Essex Country, NJ and currently lives in Reston, VA. Through work in many different programs, he hopes to gain a deeper understanding of disabilities, and learn how professionals can better support individuals with disabilities. He is especially interested in exploring how his background in psychology and forensic science can be used to improve interactions between individuals with disabilities and the criminal justice system.
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Jacob Estep
Dentistry
Jacob Estep
Dentistry
Jacob Estep is a graduate student from Wheeling, WV studying at the WVU School of Dentistry. He graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH with a BS in biochemistry, where he was actively involved in undergraduate research. His goals for the LEND program are to improve his knowledge of individuals with disabilities and the difficulties they may face when receiving healthcare. He hopes his experience with LEND will assist him in providing more comprehensive and compassionate care in his future practice.
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Ryan Garland
Physical Therapy
Ryan Garland
Physical Therapy
Ryan Garland is a graduate student from Roanoke, VA studying to become a physical therapist. He graduated from WVU with a BS in exercise physiology with an emphasis in aquatic therapy. His goals in the LEND program are to learn how to best work with families of children with disabilities and individuals with neurodevelopment disabilities, and how to build skills working with an inter-disciplinary team.
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Ahleeyah Jackson
Physician Assistant
Ahleeyah Jackson
Physician Assistant
Ahleeyah Jackson is a graduate student at WVU pursuing a Master of Physician Assistant Studies. Originally from Huntington, WV, she earned her BS in exercise physiology with an emphasis on health professions from WVU, where she was also a member of the WVU Dance Team. During graduate school, she has served as the Diversity Chair for her PA class student government and as a member of AHEC. Through the LEND program, Ahleeyah hopes to strengthen her ability to advocate for and provide compassionate, patient-centered care to individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families. She is particularly interested in learning how interdisciplinary collaboration can improve access to care and health outcomes for this population.
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Cheyann McQuain
Social Work Mentor
Cheyann McQuain
Social Work Mentor
Cheyann McQuain is the program director at the Disability Action Center in Fairmont, WV. She graduated from WVU in August of 2026 with a Master of Social Work and has an undergraduate degree in psychology from Fairmont State University. Cheyann is a former LEND trainee and is now a Social Work mentor with the program.
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Trysten Moss
Law
Trysten Moss
Law
Trysten Moss is a third-year law student from Charleston, WV, pursuing a career as a litigator. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from WVU with a minor in law and legal studies and was a member of the Health Sciences and Technology Academy award. In law school, Trysten is a W.E.B. DuBois Fellow, serves as President of the Black Law Students Association, is a member of the Marlyn Lugar Trial Association, and serves as a student ambassador for the law school. Her goals in the LEND program are to learn about disabilities and their intersection with the legal system, particularly within the criminal law context. She is also interested in studying neurodevelopmental disorders and how medical treatment can help manage symptoms.
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Sarah Murphy
Occupational Therapy
Sarah Murphy
Occupational Therapy
Sarah Murphy is a graduate student pursuing a degree in occupational therapy at West Virginia University. She graduated from Gonzaga University with a Bachelor of Education in special education. She currently serves as the Internal Relations Officer for the Student Occupational Therapy Association at WVU. Through the LEND program, her goals are to expand her knowledge, understanding, and experience in working alongside individuals with disabilities and their families while developing the skills and leadership qualities needed to be a strong advocate.
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Eliana Paterra
Physician Assistant
Eliana Paterra
Physician Assistant
Eliana Paterra is a graduate student in WVU’s physician assistant master’s program. She earned her bachelor’s degree from WVU in sport and exercise psychology and was involved in the WVU Physician Assistant Student Society. Her experience as a substitute teacher and her close friend’s experience living with multiple sclerosis have strengthened her commitment to disability accommodations, accessibility, and person-centered care.
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Ava Pippitt
Criminology
Ava Pippitt
Criminology
Ava Pippitt is an undergraduate student from Jarrettsville, MD majoring in criminology and minoring in forensic science. She hopes to work in the field of cybercrime, specifically working with victims. She has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and ADHD. Her goal in the LEND program is to learn about various disabilities and how they affect the daily lives of individuals and those around them.
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Haley Plume
Speech-Language Pathology
Haley Plume
Speech-Language Pathology
Haley Plume is a graduate student from Kingwood, WV studying to become a speech-language pathologist. She graduated from WVU with a BS in communication sciences and disorders. Her goals in the LEND program are to grow her disability knowledge, learn more about how she can treat her patients, and explore how she can best create a fun and safe environment for both her patients and their families.
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Cass Stewart
Occupational Therapy
Cass Stewart
Occupational Therapy
Cass Stewart is a graduate student from Nitro, WV, pursuing a doctorate in occupational therapy. She graduated from WVU with a BS in fashion, dress and merchandising with a minor in disability studies. She continued as a Hazel Ruby McQuain Graduate Scholar and earned an MS in design and merchandising with a certificate in university teaching. Outside of the classroom, Cass advocates for herself and others for disability justice. Cass is a Project Sleep Rising Voices trained speaker, where she shares her patient story of living with Type 1 narcolepsy. She is also passionate about breaking stigma around ADHD and OCD. Her goals in the LEND program are to learn more about building relationships with caregivers, navigating resources for rural families, and continuing to grow as an advocate for people with disabilities.
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Chloe Telgkamp
Occupational Therapy
Chloe Telgkamp
Occupational Therapy
Chloe Telgkamp is a graduate student from Cincinnati, OH, studying occupational therapy. She graduated from WVU with a BS in health and well-being. Her goals in the LEND program are to learn more about disability medicine in rural communities, gain experience and skills to become a leader and advocate for future patients, and learn how to incorporate child- and family-centered care during patient treatments.
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Reagan Wilkinson
Nutrition and Dietetics
Reagan Wilkinson
Nutrition and Dietetics
Reagan Wilkinson is a graduate student from Bruceton Mills, WV studying nutrition and dietetics. She graduated from WVU with a BS in human nutrition and foods. She has worked with athletics in nutrition and has focused much of her path on sports nutrition. Reagan joined the LEND program to gain experience in different areas of study. Her goals with the program are to learn more about nutrition and how it relates to disabilities, as well as learning how to educate on nutrition in the best way possible.
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Mone'y Williams
Law
Mone'y Williams
Law
Mone'y Williams is a third-year law student at the WVU College of Law. She is from Bluefield, WV, and graduated from Marshall University with a bachelor’s in business management, with a concentration in human resources and organizational behavior. In law school, she participates in the Lugar Trial Association and the Black Law Students Association, while serving as a Student Attorney for the General Litigation Clinic. She also interned at the Law Offices of William H. Harding, a personal injury law firm. Her goals in the LEND program are to deepen her understanding of disabilities to better advocate for the people in her community who have been injured and have sustained temporary or permanent disabilities because of the actions of others.
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Tia Wooding
Occupational Therapy
Tia Wooding
Occupational Therapy
Tia Wooding is a first-year occupational therapy student. She graduated from Marshall University with a bachelor's in health science. She is one of four children and is from Huntington, WV. In undergrad, Tia served as the secretary in her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. During her free-time, Tia enjoys crocheting, scrapbooking, and anything craft related. Her goals in LEND are to learn more about health literacy and mental health in children and adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities.