Devereux’s Amy Kelly selected to join American Academy of Pediatrics committee

Amy Kelly, MBA, MNM

Devereux National Director of Family Engagement Amy Kelly, MBA, MNM, was recently selected to serve as family liaison on the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics’ executive committee.

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health National Director of Family Engagement Amy Kelly, MBA, MNM, was recently selected to serve as family liaison on the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Section on Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics’ (SODBP) executive committee.

Kelly was named to the newly created position as a result of her 17 years of personal and professional experience in navigating the world of autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), advocacy and special education. In 2004, her daughter, Annie, was diagnosed with autism and I/DD, and later began receiving services through Devereux Pennsylvania.

“I am thrilled and honored to serve in this position. Since Annie’s diagnosis, I have realized the importance of family collaboration and partnership with pediatricians and specialists, particularly when a child with special needs is involved,” said Kelly. “Working together and problem-solving can increase the likelihood of successful outcomes for the child in all areas – medical, educational and behavioral. This also helps the family learn to advocate and follow through on treatments and services. The AAP SODBP is invested in ensuring the family voice is incorporated across all of its work, from leadership to the pediatricians who see children and families every day.”

Supporting children, families

As family liaison on the AAP SODBP’s executive committee, Kelly’s responsibilities will include:

Expressing family viewpoints and issues concerning developmental/behavioral disorders and conditions;
Reviewing and commenting on proposed AAP policies and practice standards, educational resources/programming and AAP documents; and
Attending in-person and virtual meetings. Note: The committee meets in-person twice per year and virtually every other month.

Kelly says joining the committee will benefit Devereux and the individuals and families served by the organization.

She noted, “My role will allow me to understand and convey important pediatric policy, education, advocacy, research and service needs to our Devereux leadership and staff. This will assist us as we strive to continue to provide the best possible care and support for the children and families we are privileged to serve.”

About the SODBP

The mission of the SODBP is to strengthen collaboration between primary care pediatricians, developmental and behavioral subspecialists, and families to ensure children receive comprehensive high quality developmental and behavioral pediatric care.

To achieve this, the SODBP works to optimize the relationship between primary care and subspecialists; provide education and disseminate strategies to support quality clinical practice; and advocate on behalf of children and providers to improve the quality and accessibility of developmental and behavioral services for children.

Learn more about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.

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