Cindy Ellis, MD is Director of Developmental Medicine at the Munroe-Meyer Institute at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) where she is the Director of the LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities) Program.    She is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry at UNMC and Clinical Service Chief for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at the Children's Hospital and Medical Center in Omaha, NE.  She is also an at-large member of the Board of Directors of AUCD.  Dr. Ellis is board certified in Developmental/Behavioral Pediatrics and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities.

She has over 25 years of experience in the field of developmental disabilities, including interdisciplinary clinical practice, teaching and mentorship of graduate students, medical students and residents, and research.   Dr. Ellis has a strong history of collaboration across disciplines and professions and has been involved in community partnerships and collaborative networks at the local, state and regional levels, involving health care and education professionals and family advocates.  She has served as the medical director for several public school and interdisciplinary community-based programs, and has been appointed to a number of leadership positions on committees, boards, and task forces, including the Nebraska Department of Education's Special Education Advisory Committee.  She is active in state advocacy and planning efforts related to children with disabilities and special health care needs. 

Education and Training

• University of Nebraska-Lincoln,  Lincoln, Nebraska, 1977-1981 (BS)
• University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, 1981-1985 (MD)
• Resident in Pediatrics, Children's Medical Center, Medical College of Virginia/VCU, Richmond, Virginia, 1985-1988
• Fellow, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Virginia Treatment Center for Children, Medical College of Virginia/VCU, Richmond, VA, 1988-1990

 Professional Experience and Appointments

• UNMC Academy of Educators Advisory Council, Institutes Representative (2015-present)
• Association of University Centers on Disability, Board of Directors (2014-present)
• Nebraska Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Executive Committee (2014-present)
• Nebraska Regional Council of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Executive Committee (2014-present)
• UNMC Women's Mentoring Program Steering Committee (2015-present)
• The Concord Mediation Center, Omaha, NE, Board of Directors (2010-present)
• Nebraska Special Education Advisory Council, Nebraska Department of Education (Member 2009-present; Executive Committee, 2012 - 2014; Council Chair, 2015 - present)
• Nebraska State Autism Collaborative (formerly the Nebraska Act Early State Autism Team, Team Leader (2008-present)