In/Tend
In/Tend is a vibrant ecosystem of
dreamers, doers, and change-makers
who push the boundaries of
imagination in adolescent health.
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Human-Centered
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We’re on a mission to enhance the sexual and reproductive health of all young people. To do this, we’re cultivating teams who’ll use participatory research and design to sow and scatter the seeds of innovative solutions to real-world challenges.
We believe in uplifting doers, dreamers, and change-makers with wide-ranging lived experiences—particularly those prepared to get their hands dirty, try new things, and adapt to evolving conditions on the ground.
The application for Sprout: A Design Challenge has closed. However, you may want to apply for our next opportunity, coming Spring 2026, when we open In/Tend Incubator Hub applications for Innovation Development Teams!
Make sure you’re on our email list to be the first to hear the latest from In/Tend.
We’re on a mission to enhance the sexual and reproductive health of all young people. To do this, we’re cultivating teams who’ll use participatory research and design to sow and scatter the seeds of innovative solutions to real-world challenges.
We believe in uplifting doers, dreamers, and change-makers with wide-ranging lived experiences—particularly those prepared to get their hands dirty, try new things, and adapt to evolving conditions on the ground.
Ready to roll up your sleeves? The next Sprout: A Design Challenge is happening March 9-12, 2026, in Providence, RI. The application portal will open on December 8th.
If you already know and enjoy human-centered design and feel it’s your thing, Sprout likely isn’t the best match for you. However, you may want to apply for our next opportunity, coming Spring 2026, when we open In/Tend Incubator Hub applications for Innovation Development Teams!
Make sure you’re on our email list to be the first to hear the latest from In/Tend.
Join the Incubator Hub
Get your hands dirty with human-centered design!
Are you passionate about transforming adolescent sexual and reproductive health? Do you want to use human-centered design to address real-world challenges? If so, the In/Tend Incubator Hub is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.
Human-centered design is a creative problem-solving approach that begins by understanding the experiences of the people you’re designing for, leading to solutions tailored to their unique needs.
The Incubator application is now closed because the deadline has passed for the current cohort. Be on the lookout for when applications open for the next cohort in Spring 2026.
A community garden...
The In/Tend Innovation Resource Library is a growing collection of tools, guides, and inspiration to help you explore, practice, and lead innovation in adolescent sexual and reproductive health. Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to deepen your expertise, you’ll find resources to spark ideas and support your work.
Have a resource others could benefit from? We’d love to include it! Submit a resource and help expand our library of innovation tools.
Join Sprout: A Design Challenge
March 9-12, 2026, Providence, RI
Are you passionate about making life better for adolescents and young adults? Do you want to use an interesting method called human-centered design to do it?
Human-centered design is a creative problem-solving approach that starts by understanding the needs and experiences of the people you’re designing for, resulting in solutions truly tailored to their needs and preferences. If this approach sounds like something you’d like to learn, we have the opportunity for you!
Join us for a hands-on four-day workshop, where you will learn to use human-centered design methods in a welcoming environment.
We’re selecting up to six teams, with three members each, who are new to human-centered design but really care about improving adolescent sexual and reproductive health.
Over four days, with the support of our expert coaches, teams will learn to use human-centered design methodologies. They will engage with a challenge, crafting fresh and innovative solutions while witnessing human-centered design in action. Our goal is to show newcomers how human-centered design works and help them feel confident using it.
Notes from our garden
In/Tend Incubator Hub Office Hours
April 4, 8, 14, 18, 23 | Virtual
Thinking about applying for the incubator program? Do you have questions? Join us at one of these office hours to learn more about the incubator program application process and what you can expect if you are accepted into the program.
Sprout: A Design Challenge Media Kit
July 11, 19, 22 | Virtual
Please help us spread the word and invite people to apply to Sprout: A Design Challenge. We’ve prepared this mini media kit to make it easy to share. Feel free to adapt the content for your audience!
Made to Belong
October 5-7 , 2026
We’ll be in the exhibit hall giving out swag and answering any questions you might!
Our Team
Christy Altidor, MPH, CPH
Senior Manager, Innovation & Research
Healthy Teen Network
I’ve spent the last decade in sexual and reproductive health, with a focus on adolescents and young people, equity, and overall well-being. Learn more about Christy…
Monique Davis
Coordinator, Finance & Operations
Healthy Teen Network
With over 25 years of experience in operational support, I’m dedicated to creating organized and effective workflows. Learn more about Monique…
Arianna de la Mancha
Designer, Communications
Healthy Teen Network
I’ve been featured as a sex educator in a Them article and helped design vibrators and lubricants for a start-up. Learn more about Arianna…
Gina Desiderio, MA
Director, Communications
Healthy Teen Network
Over the past 20 years, I’ve had quite the range of experiences—from being a high school English teacher to working as a sexual violence outreach coordinator. Learn more about Gina…
Maria Isabel Garcia Diaz
Freelance Designer
Over the past ten years, I’ve worked at the intersection of research, design, and policy in mission-driven spaces. Learn more about Maria Isobel…
Milagros Garrido, MS, PMP
Director, Innovation & Research
Healthy Teen Network
I’m passionate about turning chaos into order and finding solutions to complex challenges that make a real difference in people’s lives. Learn more about Milagros…
Laura Lloyd, MS, MPH
Design Research Consultant
L.V.Lloyd Consulting
Over the past 25+ years, I’ve built a career at the intersection of research, design, and technology development, all aimed at improving public health. Learn more about Laura…
Cristina Leos, PhD
Innovation Strategist
Independent Consultant
My approach to innovation blends behavioral science (why people do what they do), design thinking (how we solve problems creatively), and entrepreneurship (how we build something that actually lasts). Learn more about Cristina…
Taj Morgan, MPH
mHealth Project Manager
Sentient Research
I’m a Carolina NinerHeel (Idk, I’m coining the UNC-Charlotte-to-UNC-Chapel-Hill student pipeline) with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Systems Management and a Master’s degree in Public Health. Learn more about Taj…
Patrcia Natalie, MA
Design Researcher, Innovation & Research
Healthy Teen Network
I’ve always been drawn to artsy and design-y things, but things clicked when I learned that design could be used for social impact. Learn more about Patricia…
Rebecca Skinner, MSPH
Project Coordinator, Innovation & Research
Healthy Teen Network
After earning my master’s degree (MSPH), I worked as a public health research coordinator for studies that focused on the health and well-being of young people in Baltimore City. Learn more about Rebecca…
Nick Sufrinko
Senior Manager Creative Direction & Brand, Communications
Healthy Teen Network
I’m a designer and storyteller with perhaps too many years of experience in sexual and reproductive health. Learn more about Nick…
Allison Tomai Felsen
Senior Manager, Communications
Healthy Teen Network
I’m a proud graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park (Go Terps!). Learn more about Allison…
Brittany Wearing
Community Investment Manager
Fact Forward
With over a decade of experience in adolescent health, curriculum development, and human-centered design, I thrive on blending community collaboration with innovative ideas. Learn more about Brittany…
Subject Matter Experts
Sarah Axelson, DrPH(c), MSW
Senior Director, Innovation, Training, & Technical Assistance
Power to Decide
Mary Foyder
Designer, Strategist, Founder
MF Design Collaborative
Jenn Maer
Co-Founder and Creative Director
Harmonic 55
Denise Shanté Brown, MA
Care Pod Lead
Design Justice Network
Arielle Simoncelli, MPH
Senior Consultant
Arielle Simoncelli Consulting
Evaluators
Lisa Kim
Senior Research Analyst
Child Trends
Hannah Rackers, MPH
Research Scientist
Child Trends
Program Area Director & Senior Research Scholar
Child Trends
Julia Tallant
Research Analyst
Child Trends
Innovation starts here
The Healthy Teen Network In/Tend Incubator Hub is supported by the Office of Population Affairs (OPA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $1,886,783 with 100 percent funded by OPA/OASH/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, OPA/OASH/HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit opa.hhs.gov.