Respite Care for Families of Children with Disabilities: A University/Faith Community Model

Amy Bigham¹, Jill Cunningham, Kristen Johnston

• ¹Amy Bigham, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, is an associate professor at the Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama, and a practicing family nurse practitioner. Amy has been an active participant in the respite care program since its inception. Jill Cunningham, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, is an associate professor and department chair at the Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing. Jill has many years of experience with patients with developmental disabilities. She is the founder and director of the respite care program. Kristen Johnston, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, is an assistant professor at the Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing. Her doctoral work addressed parental stress and respite care.