Support Groups

The end of the year and the holidays add their own unique spice to the normal stresses of life. While most of our FSN Groups take December off, we want to make sure there is an opportunity for parents and caregivers to come together to share stories, frustrations, successes, holiday tactics, or even spend a quiet hour with people who "get it." 

This meet-up will be moderated by Joel Liestman (WSA Dir. of Family Support) and a few other volunteers. Breakout rooms can be made available for specific topics, if necessary.

• Monday, December 30 at 8:00 PM ET

Host:
Joel Liestman (Only Child, Adventure Seekers, Teen/Tween) is the Director of Family Support for the WSA. He lives in Minnesota, with his wife, Jennifer, and their son, Bennett (WS). 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. In addition to his WSA duties, 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 also served as a Board Member for Partnership Resources, Inc., a Twin Cities-based service organization for adults with developmental disabilities. Joel has been a professional actor and singer for over 30 years. You can find more information about his advocacy and performances on joelliestman.com.

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, January 19th 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)

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.

  • Monday, January 20th at 8:00 PM ET

Host:
Carley Neilson (WS & Anxiety - Kids)

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.

  • Wednesday, January 15th at 8:00 PM ET

Host:
TBD

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, January 16th at 8:00 PM ET

Hosts (Rotating Monthly):
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.

Rebecca Lyren, PhD (WS & Autism)

For Parents/caregivers whose only child has Williams syndrome

• Raising an only child with Williams syndrome comes with its own set of unique challenges and rewards. This virtual support group is designed specifically for parents who are navigating this journey without the dynamic of siblings. It’s a place where you can connect with other parents who understand the joys and hurdles of raising an only child with WS.

  In this supportive space, parents can share experiences, discuss the emotional and practical aspects of raising an only child, and offer each other encouragement. Whether you're facing concerns about social interactions, educational needs, health challenges, or future planning, this group provides a compassionate environment where you can explore solutions together.

  Our virtual meet-ups foster meaningful conversations, offering both emotional support and practical advice. Join us to connect with a community of parents who understand the specific dynamics of raising an only child with Williams syndrome. You are not alone—together, we can share insights, provide support, and celebrate the milestones of your unique journey. 

  • Wednesday, January 22nd at 8:00 PM ET

Hosts:
Joel Liestman (Only Child, Adventure Seekers, Teen/Tween) is the Director of Family Support for the WSA. He lives in Minnesota, with his wife, Jennifer, and their son, Bennett (WS). 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. In addition to his WSA duties, 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 also served as a Board Member for Partnership Resources, Inc., a Twin Cities-based service organization for adults with developmental disabilities. Joel has been a professional actor and singer for over 30 years. You can find more information about his advocacy and performances on joelliestman.com.

Bill Palmer (Only Child) is the current President of the WSA Board of Trustees. He is a semi-retired engineer, and has worked for several nonprofit organizations in the building/infrastructure design and construction industry. He was executive director of two nonprofits and then spent 20 years as editorial director of a group of magazines and websites for construction contractors. Bill has also served on several volunteer boards, including the Williams Syndrome Association board of trustees, where he served and was president in the late 1990's during a critical growth period. During his term as president of his local library board, he helped raise several million dollars for a new library. Bill and his wife, Wynne live in Colorado with their 31-year-old daughter Autumn, who has WS.

For Families (Parents/Caregivers and the individual with WS

• Do you have a student with WS who wants to continue their education beyond high school, but you've always thought it was out-of-reach? The FSN Group for Families Exploring 'Think College' Programs, will explore how to look for programs around the country, discuss the financial costs, and how to know if college is the right fit for your student. We will also have students who are attending or have completed 'Think College' programs to discuss what worked and how to navigate the inevitable pitfalls. Join Michelle Self, WSA Educational Advisor, to start your journey!

  • Monday, January 13th at 8:00 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.