In Memory of Dr. Susan Dandes
The clinical director of the University of Miami’s Child Protection Team was “one of the fiercest advocates for children in our state.”
The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine mourns the passing of Susan Dandes, Ph.D., a former associate professor of clinical pediatrics and clinical director of the University of Miami Child Protection Team.
A Miami native and graduate of Palmetto High School, Dr. Dandes’ ‘Cane roots ran deep. She was the daughter of David Kraslow, a respected journalist who served as the first editor of IBIS, the University of Miami’s magazine, and was a member of the UM Board of Trustees. A fellow trustee said of Kraslow, “David was a giant. He cared about the downtrodden, oppressed and needy.”
His daughter exhibited those same, laudable traits. Dr. Dandes earned her Ph.D. from UM and, though perhaps she didn’t know it at the time, found her professional home.
“Dr. Dandes was my first graduate student when I joined the faculty in 1985,” said colleague Daniel Armstrong, Ph.D., professor of pediatrics and director of the Mailman Center for Child Development at the Miller School. “I was able to recruit her to the Mailman Center and Department of Pediatrics faculty when she completed training, and she immediately demonstrated the early-career leadership characteristics that led to her outstanding professional contributions to the prevention, identification and treatment of child abuse and neglect and her lasting impact on systems of care for these children.”
Dr. Dandes oversaw a Child Protection Team that works with law enforcement and the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) to supplement investigation activities in cases of suspected child abuse and neglect. Dr. Dandes specialized in forensic psychological evaluations of children and caregivers impacted by child maltreatment and frequently served as an expert witness in court cases. She published extensively on the topic, including an exploration of physical abuse substantiation thresholds and biases in Children and Youth Services Review.
“Her greatest clinical skill was the ability to quickly analyze the facts that had been gathered by the team and pinpoint the salient issues of safety and risk,” said Walter Lambert, M.D., associate professor of clinical pediatrics and medical director of the Child Protection Team. “She frequently worked into the late evening, reviewing staff reports prior to them being sent out to DCF and the police. Because of her insistence, no CPT report is sent out prior to being reviewed by a clinical supervisor.”
Dr. Dandes brought an incredible sense of calm to the most difficult situations, helping families and colleagues feel secure and supported.
Dr. Jason Jent
“Dr. Dandes was one of the fiercest advocates for children in our state,” said Jason Jent, Ph.D., associate professor of clinical pediatrics at the Miller School who interned with Dr. Dandes when he first came to Miami. “Through her strategic state and local initiatives, Dr. Dandes transformed child safety practices across our communities, protecting tens of thousands of children from potential harm.”
The Child Protection Team worked closely with the Kristi House Children’s Advocacy Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to treating and preventing child sexual abuse, trafficking and other childhood trauma. Dr. Dandes was a founder and board member.
CEO Amanda Altman worked with Dr. Dandes for the entirety of her six years at Kristi House. She said Dr. Dandes’ professionalism and dedication steadied a field that could be difficult to navigate.
“She really just was the heart and soul of the Child Protection Team,” Altman said. “I was in awe of how she worked with her team. She somehow managed all of the complexities with such grace. It was incredible to watch.”
“Often times, there is a sense of chaos, fear, trauma and uncertainty when child maltreatment is being evaluated,” said Dr. Jent. “Dr. Dandes brought an incredible sense of calm to the most difficult situations, helping families and colleagues feel secure and supported.”
Dr. Dandes long wanted to house the Child Protection Team and Kristi House in the same building, a vision that came to fruition last September. Altman said the last touches of the renovation are approaching complete.
“We concocted this whole plan to move them into this space so that we could all be in one area and offer the absolute highest standard of care to our clients,” Altman said. “And I’m so incredibly grateful that she experienced it. I know she would just be really, really proud.”
“Dr. Dandes was truly a community builder,” said Dr. Jent, “both within her family and within the workplace. The community she created will forever be her greatest achievement.”
Dr. Dandes’ funeral service will be held at Riverside Gordon Memorial Chapel at Mount Nebo on Sunday, May 25 at 10 a.m. A reception will follow at 5 p.m. at the University of Miami’s Lakeside Pavilion.