In/Tend
In/Tend is a vibrant ecosystem of
dreamers, doers, and change-makers
who push the boundaries of
imagination in adolescent health.
Human-Centered
Design
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.
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.
Meet Our Innovators
Innovation takes many forms. Across two In/Tend cohorts, teams from diverse organizations and communities are using human-centered design to explore challenges, test ideas, and develop solutions that support adolescent sexual and reproductive health and well-being.
Each team’s journey is unique. From uncovering community insights to prototyping and refining solutions, innovators document their process, discoveries, and lessons learned along the way.
Discover how Cohort One teams approached complex challenges through their Innovation Journey books, and meet the Cohort Two innovators as they develop and test their own solutions.
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 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.
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 have!
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
Denise Shanté Brown, MA
Care Pod Lead
Design Justice Network
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.