By Nadine Kasparian PhD MAPS and Cynthia Ortinau MD
CNOC Steering Committee Co-Chairs

CNOC Steering Committee Co-Chairs
Hello and welcome to our Spring update! We’re excited about sharing news from the Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Outcome Collaborative (CNOC).
Introducing a New CNOC Task Force
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of a new CNOC Task Force, led by Erin Beckemeier MEd, and Chetna Pande MD. This initiative is focused on expanding and enhancing the information and resources available to patients and families affected by pediatric and congenital heart disease through CNOC. Erin and Chetna hope to make it easier for patients and families to access evidence-based information about congenital heart disease. If you’re passionate about improving how we share and disseminate information within our community, we invite you to get involved in this meaningful work. Please reach out to Erin and Chetna for more information.
Now Open: CNOC Investigator Award Applications
We’re pleased to open the call for applications for the CNOC Investigator Award! This award provides funding to support innovative research using our clinical registry data, with the goal of improving neurodevelopmental, psychosocial, and quality of life outcomes for individuals and families affected by CHD. Learn more and apply here: Investigator Award
Nominate a Colleague for a CNOC Award
It’s time to start preparing your nominations for CNOC’s two prestigious awards:
- The Newburger-Bellinger Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Award
- The Cardiac Neurodevelopment Advocacy and Engagement Award
These awards honor individuals making exceptional contributions to our field, and recipients will deliver a keynote address at CNOC’s 13th Annual Scientific Sessions. Nominations are due May 15. Click on the links above to learn more about each award and see the inspiring past recipients.
Call for Abstracts: CNOC’s 13th Annual Scientific Sessions
We’re eagerly anticipating this year’s Scientific Sessions, happening September 17–19 in Denver, Colorado! The call for abstracts is now open, with submissions due May 28. Start preparing your abstract and join us for what promises to be an incredible event, hosted by Children’s Hospital Colorado. Stay tuned and check our website for the latest updates: Scientific Sessions
Welcoming a New Special Interest Group (SIG)
Please join us in welcoming CNOC’s newest SIG: the Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Data Coordinators and Data Entry Specialists, led by Stacie Boyle MSN, and Julie Gardner MSN. This group has set inspiring goals for its first year, including:
- Mapping the roles of CNOC data coordinators and entry specialists
- Building a strong support network for those performing vital data entry work
- Identifying key priorities for enhancing resources and materials for this community
Interested in learning more or joining the group? Visit their page: SIG Info
As you can see, 2025 is off to an exciting and productive start. We are continually inspired by the dedication of our CNOC community as we work together to improve neurodevelopmental and mental health outcomes for individuals with pediatric and congenital heart disease through clinical care, research, and quality initiatives.
Thank you for all that you do!