The Fall 2026 Leadership Institute

Presented in partnership with the New Mexico Health Care Authority Developmental Disabilities Supports Division

Date:

Nov 15, 2026

 – Nov 20, 2026

Location:

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Cost:

$2750 (More Details Below)

Details

Join us in Santa Fe, the ‘city of different’, to learn how others from across the country are doing things in new and innovative ways!

If you work in the IDD field and believe that better leadership leads to better outcomes for people with IDD, the National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities (NLCDD) Fall Leadership Institute is for you. The Leadership Institute, brings together IDD sector professionals from across the country to build practical skills, deepen their thinking, and connect with a network of peers who understand the work.

This flagship multi-day intensive program brings together expert speakers, interactive exercises, leadership assessments, and a structured leadership challenge. You’ll gain clarity on your leadership style, build actionable plans with practical tools, and join a community of practice that provides ongoing support long after the program ends.

  • 93% of graduates report that attending the Leadership Institute contributed to their personal impact as a leader
  • 91% report that attending contributed to changes that improve their organizations and the lives of people with disabilities

Dates

November 15-20, 2026
Starting 4:30 pm MT on Sunday, November 15th
Ending 12:30 pm MT on Friday, November 20th

Cost

Tuition: $2,750 (includes all training materials and supplies and most meals. It does not include travel or hotel accommodations)

If you belong to, work for, or your organization belongs to one of our national partnering organizations you have a special rate of $2,550!

Scholarships

We are proud to share that we have two scholarship opportunities available for this Institute:

  • NLCDD Scholarship: for a leader with a disability
  • NADSP Scholarship: for a current Direct Support Professional

Scholarships cover tuition, hotel, and up to $500 travel reimbursement. If you qualify, please consider applying for a scholarship when you complete the Leadership Institute application

The scholarship deadline for the Fall Leadership Institute has past. Check out future Leadership Institutes if you plan to apply for a scholarship.

Deadlines

Applications are due October 1, 2026.

The class is limited to a select group of emerging leaders, offering an opportunity to collaborate and build an enduring network of support. Approximately 32 people will be accepted, with participation limited to a maximum of four people per organization.

Location

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Accommodation and Travel

Participants will be responsible for their travel, hotel reservations, and associated costs. The Institute will have a competitively priced room block close to the meeting space. Information will be provided to confirmed attendees.

Facilitators

  • Caitlin Bailey

    Caitlin Bailey, Ph.D.

    Caitlin Bailey, PhD is Co-Director of the National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities, where she has been a driving force since 2010. She leads research and evaluation efforts, oversees technical assistance, and supports organizations and leaders across the disability sector. Caitlin also co-guides NLCDD’s strategic planning initiatives with Kristen Loomis Greenidge.

    With deep expertise in research, facilitation, and leadership development, Caitlin has supported the development of leaders in the disability service sector, federal government, and more. She is constantly exploring the intersection of what it means to be a leader and what it means to be human, and is passionate about supporting leaders to understand what makes them great at both.

    Caitlin has had the honor to serve on the boards of the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals and the Alliance for Citizen Directed Supports, and currently advises NAQ.

    (Contact Caitlin Bailey at cbailey@natleadership.org)

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  • Kristen Loomis

    Kristen Loomis, MBA

    Kristen Loomis Greenidge, MBA is the Co-Director of the National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities. In partnership with Caitlin Bailey, Kristen leads and oversees the strategic development, coordination, and implementation of all NLCDD programs, services, products, and activities.

    Kristen has worked with NLCDD since 2012. Her work has focused on developing and coordinating training and technical assistance for leaders across the intellectual and developmental disabilities field.

    Kristen received her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services and her Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Strategic Leadership from the University of Delaware. (Contact Kristen Loomis at kloomis@natleadership.org)

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More Information

Learn more about our Leadership Institutes below!

Sponsorship: Sponsors open the Leadership Institute to more leaders at every level by covering scholarships and funding program costs, so together, we can improve the lives of people with IDD. 

  • Thanks to our Planning Partner: New Mexico Health Care Authority Developmental Disabilities Supports Division

  • Learn more about sponsorship opportunities