Honor bestowed on Leandra Godoy, PhD
Children’s National Hospital named Leandra Godoy, PhD, as the A. James & Alice B. Clark Distinguished Professor of Early Childhood Intervention and Advocacy.
Dr. Godoy is a clinical psychologist and the co-director of the Early Childhood Behavioral Health Program and the Community Mental Health Collaboration, Outreach, Research and Equity (CORE) team.
The big picture
Dr. Godoy joins a distinguished group of Children’s National physicians and scientists who hold an endowed chair. Children’s National is grateful to generous donors who have altogether funded 51 professorships.
Professorships support groundbreaking work on behalf of children and their families. They foster discoveries and innovations in pediatric medicine. These appointments carry prestige and honor that reflect the recipient’s achievements and the donor’s commitment to advancing and sustaining knowledge.
Why it matters
Dr. Godoy leads teams that care for young children from birth to age six. Innovation plays a key role in advancing care. Her research aims to improve access to optimal mental healthcare for children and families.
“Funding from this professorship will give my team the flexibility to respond to specific behavioral health needs,” Dr. Godoy says. “These resources will fuel strategic investments so we can help kids get the best start in life.”
Moving the field forward
The A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation established this professorship as part of its historic investments in the Clark Parent & Child Network. Founded in 2020, the network aims to create the best possible health outcomes for parents, infants and young children.
“The Clark Foundation’s enduring vision and generosity will enable Dr. Godoy and future holders of this professorship to launch bold new initiatives that meet the health needs of young children in the Washington, D.C., region,” says Elizabeth Wells, MD, MHS, executive vice president, chief clinical officer and physician-in-chief.
Dr. Godoy’s work has fueled improvements in care, including reducing wait times for autism evaluations in primary care clinics. She also fosters online support groups for parents of children with behavioral health challenges and leads several citywide initiatives, such as the DC Autism Collaborative.
