by Keith Hautala 

(Nov. 25, 2013) — Ashley Candelaria Alumbaugh, a fifth-year predoctoral intern in the University of Kentucky school psychology program and a longtime research assistant at the UK Human Development Institute, received some special recognition at a national conference last week. 

Alumbaugh received the prestigious 2013 Anne Rudigier Award from the Association of University Centers on Disabilities at the group's annual conference in Washington, D.C., held Nov. 17-20. The award recognizes an outstanding student who has demonstrated a commitment to supporting people with developmental disabilities and their families. 

Alumbaugh graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a bachelor's degree in psychology before earning a master's in educational psychology at UK in 2010. Her research interests include childhood bereavement, with a special interest in school-based support for students' social and emotional support.

Ashley has been a research assistant at the Human Development Institute and has completed practicum and internship placements in Fayette and Jessamine County Schools, the University of Kentucky's Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, and the Hospice of the Bluegrass. She is currently serving as the school psychology program's CASPER (Center for Autism Spectrum Evaluation, Service and Research) clinic intern and assistant director for the 2013-2014 academic year.