Support Groups

Are you looking for ways to connect with other parents/caregivers? A cornerstone of the Family Support Network is our Virtual Support Groups. Our topic-specific networking groups allow parents and caregivers of people with Williams syndrome who have a specific need to meet and discuss challenges and strategies. Our support groups gather virtually monthly to discuss experiences, share thoughts, and offer private "peer-to-peer" support. The groups are facilitated by a WSA staff member, Family Support Volunteer, or professional in the specific area of focus. Groups are created based on the needs in our WS community.

If you would like to join or lead one of these networking groups or request that a specific support group be formed, go to our volunteer page, or email familysupport@williams-syndrome.org.

Current Groups (In Alphabetical Order):

4 & Under Group

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.
- Tuesday, August 5 @ 8:00 PM ET

Host:
Melissa Hunt: bio coming soon

Adult Sibling Group

For Adult siblings of individuals with Williams syndrome

We recognize that siblings share the concerns and successes of their loved ones with Williams syndrome. This group will be a place where adult siblings can gather to share fears, frustrations, and ideas as they navigate this life-long, ever-changing journey.
- Sunday, August 17th at 8:00 PM ET

Host:
Varun Indugula (Adult Siblings) is a student at UNC studying neuroscience and developmental disorders, who lives with his family, including his brother Prannoy (WS)

Anxiety in Adults Group

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, August 28th at 8:00 PM ET

Host:
Melissa Hunt: bio coming soon

Anxiety in Kids Group

For Parents/caregivers of Children (18 & under) with WS and 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 children (18 & under) with Williams syndrome and anxiety. We will gather to discuss experiences, share thoughts, and offer support.
- This group is on hold due until we are able to find a host/moderator. If you are interested in leading this group, contact Joel Liestman at joel@williams-syndrome.org

Host:
TBD

CCFC: Complex Communicators and Feeding Challenges Group

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.
- Monday, August 18th @ 8 PM ET

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.

Challenging Behavior Group

For Parents/caregivers of adults with challenging behaviors and/or moods

There is no "one way" to have Williams syndrome. Williams syndrome is a spectrum with lots of amazing victories and often some extremely difficult challenges. This meeting is the monthly video chat for the parent/caregiver of an adult with Williams syndrome exhibiting challenging behaviors and/or moods. We will gather to discuss experiences, share thoughts, and offer support.
- This group is on hold due until we are able to find a host/moderator. If you are interested in leading this group, contact Joel Liestman at joel@williams-syndrome.org

Host:
TBD

Craft and Convo Group

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, August 25 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.

Dual Diagnosis Group

For Parents/caregivers of children and adults with a dual diagnosis of Williams syndrome and Autism

There is no "one way" to have Williams syndrome. That is especially true when WS is paired with Autism. This meeting is for parents/caregivers of individuals with Williams syndrome who have also been diagnosed with Autism. We will gather to discuss experiences, share thoughts, and offer support. Periodically, a medical advisor experienced with adults with Williams syndrome who have also been diagnosed with ASD will join the discussion.
- Thursday, August 21st @ 8 PM ET

Hosts (Rotating):
Dr. Elizabeth Barnhardt (WS & Autism) is a Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician and Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University. She currently serves as a Co-Director of the Williams Syndrome Clinic at Nationwide and has a special interest in supporting children with both Williams syndrome and ASD and their families. She is also interested in medical education and is engaged with the Ohio State University College of Medicine as the Director of Competency in Interprofessional Collaboration and the Interprofessional Education Champion. She also has a passion for collaboration with primary care providers regarding the care of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and is engaged in several projects related to developmental screening and primary care provider training to care for children with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Dr. Bonnie Klein-Tasman (WS & Autism) is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She has conducted research about the development of children with Williams syndrome about common behavior challenges, anxiety, personality, and also about overlaps in behaviors with autism spectrum disorders.

Dr. Rebecca (Becca) Lyren, PhD (WS & Autism) is a licensed psychologist in integrated primary care at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. She also is part of the Williams syndrome clinic team at Nationwide Children’s. In both roles, Dr. Lyren aims to improve access to quality care for children with disabilities and their families.

Grandparent Group

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.
- Thursday, August 7th @ 8 PM ET

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.

Grief Support for Parents/Caregivers Who Have Lost Someone with WS

Grief Support for Parents/Caregivers Who Have Lost Someone with WS

Throughout the grief journey, many parents/caregivers find value in coming together with others who can understand and appreciate the intense grief of losing a loved one with WS. This is an opportunity to join with others who understand how difficult loss can be. Sometimes just being present in such a setting can be comforting. There is no pressure to talk — we understand the value of simply gathering together.
- Thursday, August 14th at 8:00 PM ET

*Right now, we are only offering this to Parents and Caregivers. A grief support group for individuals with WS who have lost loved ones is currently in the planning stages.

Host:
Lana Hughes is a longtime WSA volunteer who began her grief journey in 2022 when her son, Spencer, passed away suddenly. She continues to be a fierce advocate and remains close to the adult WSA community.

NEW GROUP – The Open Discussion Group

NEW GROUP! Open Discussion Group for ANY AND ALL Parents/Caregivers of Individuals with WS

This virtual support group is for any and all parents and caregivers of individuals with Williams syndrome. It’s a welcoming space to share experiences, ask questions, and connect with others who understand the unique joys and challenges of raising someone with WS. Whether you’re brand new or have been on this journey for years, you’re not alone—we’re in this together.
- Wednesday, August 6th @ 8 PM ET

Host:
Joel Liestman (Open Discussion Group, WSA Director of Family Support) lives in Maple Grove, MN, with his wife, Jennifer, and their son, Bennett (WS).

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.

Transition from High School Group

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.
- Tuesday, August 19 @ 8 PM ET

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.

Support Groups

Tuesday, August 5 @ 8:00 PM ET

Sunday, August 17th at 8:00 PM ET

Thursday, August 28th at 8:00 PM ET

This group is on hold due until we are able to find a host/moderator. If you are interested in leading this group, contact Joel Liestman at joel@williams-syndrome.org

Monday, August 18th @ 8 PM ET

This group is on hold due until we are able to find a host/moderator. If you are interested in leading this group, contact Joel Liestman at joel@williams-syndrome.org

Monday, August 25 at 8:00 PM ET

Thursday, August 21st @ 8 PM ET

Thursday, August 7th @ 8 PM ET

Thursday, August 14th at 8:00 PM ET

Tuesday, August 19 @ 8 PM ET