Dr. Applequist has sixteen years of experience as a faculty member in the Educational Specialties Department and is the only faculty member who specializes in early intervention and early childhood special education.  She is responsible for all classes and programs in this area.  As a member of two multi-site national research teams she participated on projects focused on culturally and linguistically diverse students with disabilities. She has experience with children having a wide variety of disabilities including ASD and has worked with many families and children who are Native American including members of the Apache, Hopi, Navajo, Walapai and Havasupai tribes living both on and off the reservation.  Dr. Applequist has been actively involved in the IDEA Part C program, developing the program standards and has been affiliated with the AzUCD since its creation. As Training Director she is responsible for developing and managing all training activities and was instrumental in creating the Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate in Disability Policy and Practice.  She conducts an annual seminar focusing on interdisciplinary practice, family-centered care, cultural and linguistic diversity and other topics critical to the field. Dr. Applequist is committed to be an effective member of the AZLEND core faculty and possesses the knowledge and experience that will enable her to fulfill her responsibilities