FSN - Grief Support for Parents/Caregivers who have lost someone with WS
Fri, 05/16/2025 - 12:00 am UTC
Joel Liestman lives in Maple Grove, MN, with his wife, Jennifer, and their son, Bennett (WS). After an unpleasant diagnosis meeting and the initial stress of months in the NICU, Joel decided to get involved with advocacy groups for the developmentally and cognitively disabled. Before joining the WSA staff, he was the chairperson for the Upper Midwest region and a multifaceted volunteer coordinating Walk events, social media content, and even bridge lighting events to raise awareness of WS. Currently, he serves on the Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Disability Advisory Council (through the MN Secretary of State's office). He is a Partners in Policymaking™️ graduate. Most recently, he served as a Parent Support Navigator and Social Media Specialist with Family Voices of Minnesota. He would connect parents with one-on-one peer support and county/state resources, facilitate webinars and support groups (including a group for dads with kids with disabilities called “The Dad Joke Experience”), and manage social media content. He also produced, directed, edited, and hosted their annual fundraising benefit. He also served as a Board Member for Partnership Resources, Inc., a Twin Cities-based service organization for adults with developmental disabilities. Joel has been an actor and singer for over 30 years and loves having ties to an exciting and supportive arts community in the Twin Cities. You can find more information about his advocacy and performances on joelliestman.com.