The Williams Syndrome Assocation is people: individuals with Williams syndrome their families, and interested medical professionals and educators.
Founded by a handful of families in San Diego, CA, the WSA is a volunteer driven 501(c)(3) non-profit organization divided into 16 regions across the US and Puerto Rico. Each region works to provide social and educational opportunities for its members. The WSA also has affiliation with similar international groups.
The WSA has supported nearly 5000 families of individuals with WS since its inception.
The WSA is administered at four levels:
- National Board of Trustees
- Professional Advisory Board
- Executive Director and Compensated Staff
- Regional Chairpeople
Board of Trustees
The Williams Syndrome Association is governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees. Trustees are elected by the membership for 3 year terms, and may seek re-election. The Board establishes the direction of the association and works closely with the Executive Director and regional volunteers to carry out its goals.
Current Board Officers:
Secretary
Carol Patinkin, MSW; Wilmette, IL
Jeffrey Baer, CPA; Jackson, MO
Board Members at Large:
Karen Levine, Ph.D.; Bedford, MA
Sandy Miller; Simi Valley, CA
Catherine Norlin; Highland Park, IL
Dean Packard; Chevy Chase, MD
Michelle Self, Ph.D.; Perrysburg, OH
Anthony Vecchia M.D.; Queens Village, NY
Professional Advisory Board
Albert Galaburda, M.D.
Paige Kaplan, M.D.
Ronald Lacro, M.D.
Martin Levinson, M.D.
Daniel Levitin, Ph.D.
Carolyn Mervis, Ph.D.
Colleen A. Morris, M.D.
Barbara R. Pober, M.D.
Abraham Rothman, M.D.
Paul Wang, M.D.
Executive Director and Compensated Staff
The Williams Syndrome Association has a staff of 5 full-time employees. Led by the Executive Director, the staff handles all daily administration tasks, actively seeks funding sources for WSA programs, and carries out the vision of the Board of Trustees. The Executive Director is also the primary spokesperson for the Association.
Regional Chairpeople (and co-chairs)
The WSA is divided into sixteen regional areas across the US. Each region is directed by one or more volunteer Regional Chairpeople and several area representatives who provide local information and support to families.
All Regional Chairpeople and their contact information are listed in the WS Local Community section.