Support Groups

For Parents/caregivers of children with WS ages 4 and under

• The first years with Williams syndrome are a whirlwind. Some families have piles of hospital trips and surgeries, while others juggle different therapies and family drama. This meeting is the monthly video chat for parent/caregivers of a child age 4 or under Williams syndrome. We will gather as parents/caregivers to discuss experiences, share thoughts, and offer support.

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Host:
Melissa Hunt: bio coming soon

For Parents/caregivers of Adults with WS with Anxiety

• Anxiety and Williams syndrome seem to fit together like a hand in a glove. However, anxiety can quickly build and take over the life of someone with WS. This meeting is the monthly video chat for parents/caregivers of adults with Williams syndrome and anxiety. We will gather to discuss experiences, share thoughts, and offer support. 

  • Thursday, June 26th at 8:00 PM ET

Host:
Melissa Hunt: bio coming soon

For Parents/caregivers of children with feeding issues and/or complex communicators

• Some individuals with WS take a bit longer to develop speech, muscle tone for feeding, and listening and speaking skills. However, these individuals still eat and have ideas and opinions to share! The Complex Communicators and Feeding Challenges (CCFC) Family Support Network is where parents and caregivers of individuals with WS who are non-verbal, have speech or feeding issues or use non-traditional methods of communication can share ideas, support each other, and meet with professionals.

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Host:
Bianca Corozzo (CCFC) is a NYS Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with over 23 years of experience in the field. In addition to her credentials in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, she holds a NYS School Building Leader Certification, demonstrating her commitment to educational leadership. Throughout her career, Bianca has held various roles, including Speech Therapist, Assistant Principal, Speech Evaluator, and Consultant. Her expertise lies in diagnosing and treating speech, language and behavioral challenges in both preschool and school-age children.

For Any Parents/Caregivers of Individuals with WS

• Do you like to Sew-cialize with other WS parents/caregivers? Are you hooked on crochet? Are you up for a soap-er fun time? Scrap on over to the Craft and Convo Group! ALL KINDS OF CRAFTING WELCOME! Learn a new skill! Show off what you're working on! Ask questions about WS, crafting, or anything! Spend an hour with other parents and caregivers de-stressing from the daily chaos. Sometimes we all needle little help!

  • Monday, June 30th at 8:00 PM ET

Want to start crafting, but not sure what you want to do? Check out this handy list and start exploring!

Host:
Christina Fitzgerald (Craft and Convo) is a Williams Syndrome mom, bonus mom, and grandma.  My crafts of choice are: counted cross stitch, wire-wrapped jewelry, and knitting.  My mother taught me counted cross stitch when I was in grade school.  I studied jewelry design and fabrication in high school and college, and I taught myself to knit in 2005 from the time-tested book, “Knitting for Dummies,” wherein I discovered the hard way that knitting through the back loops (TBL) and just plain knitting (K) are not, in fact, the same thing – turns out deciphering two-dimensional images is just as hard as doing math in public.

…attempted crochet, but my left hand got jealous.  And using my sewing machine is just as challenging as remembering how to play gin rummy and dancing the 2-step – someone has to re-teach me every time I try it.  Let’s craft!

Melissa Davis is the Director of Communications and Social Media for the WSA. She is also an expert in Junk Journaling.

Jen Chaplin is newer on the crafting scene, but is all in on many different types of crafts.

For Grandparents of individuals with Williams syndrome

• Grandparents walk an exciting and wonderful tightrope: you love and care for your grandchild with WS, and you also want to help support your kid trying to parent the child. If you're a grandparent/caregiver of a child with Williams syndrome, join our WS Grandparent Family Support Network. This group will discuss experiences, share thoughts, and offer support. There will also be opportunities to talk with experts about navigating complex family dynamics where a person with Williams syndrome is involved.

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Host:
Julie Oglesbee (Grandparent) is a Family Support Specialist in Ohio and has been a long-time WSA volunteer at camps, national conventions, and regional WS awareness events. She is the grandmother to Grayson (WS) and a passionate supporter of the community.

For Parents/Caregivers of an individual with WS preparing to transition from High School.

• Some have described life after High School for people with WS as falling off a cliff. This support group hopes to create a softer landing by discussing tools, resources, and opportunities for families.

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Host:
Michelle Self (Transition to Adulthood, 'Think College' Programs) has worked for over 20 years with families of students with Williams syndrome to help them access an appropriate education and achieve their full potential. She started her career as a Materials Engineer in quality assurance, and then she opted for a career change and completed a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Special Education. She has worked as an adjunct professor at Bowling Green State University teaching junior-level students how to assess all types of learners, to write effective IEPs, and to assist in students’ transition from high school. At the same time, she regularly consulted with hundreds of families across the country. She is also one of the primary educational consultants for the WSA.