Lynn E. McClannahan, daughter of Vincent McClannahan and Eleanor Stouffer McClannahan and sister to Paul McClannahan, was born in 1940 and died at home on September 18th. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Linda McClannahan, nephew David McClannahan his wife, Brenda McClannahan, great niece Amanda McClannahan, great nephew Jared McClannahan his wife Heidi McClannahan, niece Heather Schager her husband Matthew Schager, great niece Eleanor Schager.
Her childhood was spent in Mitchellville, IA. Later, she earned a bachelors degree from Drake University, a masters degree from the University of Wisconsin, and a Ph.D. from the University of Kansas. For more than 35 years, she and her partner Patricia J. Krantz served as Executive Directors of the Princeton Child Development Institute, a research and intervention program for children and adults with autism, in Princeton, New Jersey. Her research on behavioral interventions, accountability systems, and program evaluation was recognized by the Senate of the State of New Jersey, the National Teaching-Family Association, Developmental Disabilities Services Managers, the American Psychological Association, the New Jersey Association for Behavior Analysis, the Second International Conference on Special Education in Marmaris, Turkey, and by the Department of Applied Behavioral Science, University of Kansas, to name a few. She and Dr. Krantz developed an intervention model that is used in the U.S. and abroad. They also co-authored many journal articles and two books: Activity Schedules for children with autism: Teaching independent behavior and Teaching conversation to children with autism: Scripts and script fading, eachdesigned to share well-researched procedures with parents and teachers, enabling them to effectively participate in intervention.
As a result of many years of cutting-edge research and program evaluation that demonstrated the progress of young people with autism, Lynn received international attention. She was invited to give addresses and workshops in England, Canada, Australia, France, Norway, Belgium, Russia, Spain, Turkey and Poland, and she supported the development of new, science-based programs in other countries.
A natural born leader and role model by all accounts, Lynn was a champion for+
underprivileged children. After retirement Lynn and Pat returned to their IA roots. Dr. McClannahan remained committed, continuing to tutor and mentor, write and advocate, always with a nurturing spirit.
People were important to her. She was a devoted partner, daughter, sister, aunt and friend and held several lifelong friendships, including her one true love of 56 loyal years.
Her absence is felt deeply by many relatives and non-relatives alike but knowing Lynn and Pat’s legacy will continue to help children, instructors and parents around the world brings great peace. But knowing Lynn and Pat’s legacy will continue to help children, instructors and parents around the world brings great peace., but knowing Lynn and Pat’s legacy will continue to help children, instructors and parents around the world brings great peace.
A celebration of Lynn and Pat’s lives will be held at a later day. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Lynn E. McClannahan to the Animal Rescue League of IA.
Animal Rescue League of Iowa Inc.
Attn: Donations
5452 NE 22nd Street
Des Moines, IA 50313-2528
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson