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.
Click links below for more information about each group and to register for upcoming meetings.
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NEW! Families Exploring 'Think College' Programs
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Hosted by Michelle Self, PhD - WSA Educational Consultant and parent to an adult with WS
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September 9 at 8:00 PM ET
- October TBA
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Hosted by Michelle Self, PhD - WSA Educational Consultant and parent to an adult with WS
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Parents/caregivers of children with WS ages 4 and under
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Hosted by Denise Callen, Director of WSA Walks
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September 10 at 8:00 PM ET
- October TBA
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Hosted by Denise Callen, Director of WSA Walks
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Parents/caregivers of tweens/teens with Williams syndrome
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Hosted by Jennifer Keeton, teen mom extraordinaire and The Starry-Eyed Podcast Host
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September 10 at 8:00 PM ET
- October TBA
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Hosted by Jennifer Keeton, teen mom extraordinaire and The Starry-Eyed Podcast Host
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Adult siblings of individuals with Williams syndrome
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Hosted by Varun Indugula, a student at UNC studying neuroscience and developmental disorders, who lives with his family, including his brother Prannoy (WS)
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September 15 at 8:00 PM ET
- October TBA
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Hosted by Varun Indugula, a student at UNC studying neuroscience and developmental disorders, who lives with his family, including his brother Prannoy (WS)
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Navigating Transition from High School to Adulthood
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Hosted by Michelle Self, PhD - WSA Educational Consultant and parent to an adult with WS
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September 16 at 8:00 PM ET
- October TBA
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Hosted by Michelle Self, PhD - WSA Educational Consultant and parent to an adult with WS
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Parents/caregivers of children with feeding issues and complex communicators (CCFC)
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Hosted by Bianca Corozzo, Speech Pathologist and WSA Consultant
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POSTPONED - September at 8:00 PM ET
New Date announced soon!
- October TBA
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Hosted by Bianca Corozzo, Speech Pathologist and WSA Consultant
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Parents/caregivers of Adults with WS with Anxiety
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Hosted by Katie Raterink, parent of an individual with WS
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September 17 at 8:00 PM ET
- October TBA
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Hosted by Katie Raterink, parent of an individual with WS
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Parents/caregivers of adults with challenging behaviors and/or moods
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Hosted by Catherine Warden,
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September 18 at 8:00 PM ET
- October TBA
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Hosted by Catherine Warden,
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Grandparents of individuals with Williams syndrome
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Hosted by Julie Oglesbee, Family Support Specialist and grandparent.
September features Special Guest Jocelyn Krebs, Geneticist, Director of the Armellino Center for Excellence for Williams Syndrome, and parent to discuss the unique role of grandparents in our community-
September 19 at 8:00 PM ET
- October TBA
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Hosted by Julie Oglesbee, Family Support Specialist and grandparent.
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Parents/caregivers of children and adults with a dual diagnosis of Williams syndrome and Autism
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Hosted on a rotating basis by Bonnie Klein-Tasman, PhD, Rebecca Lyren, PhD, Elizabeth W. Barnhardt, DO, MA(Ed)
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September 20 at 8:00 PM ET
- October TBA
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Hosted on a rotating basis by Bonnie Klein-Tasman, PhD, Rebecca Lyren, PhD, Elizabeth W. Barnhardt, DO, MA(Ed)
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Parents/caregivers of Children (18 & under) with WS and Anxiety
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Hosted by Carley Neilson, parent of a child with WS
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September 23 at 8:00 PM ET
- October TBA
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Hosted by Carley Neilson, parent of a child with WS
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Parents/caregivers whose only child has Williams syndrome
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Hosted by Joel Liestman, WSA Director of Family Support and parent to a teen with WS, and Bill Palmer, WSA Board of Trustees President and parent to an adult with WS
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September 25 at 8:00 PM ET
- October TBA
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Hosted by Joel Liestman, WSA Director of Family Support and parent to a teen with WS, and Bill Palmer, WSA Board of Trustees President and parent to an adult with WS
Coming Soon:
- Grief Support for Parents/caregivers who have lost someone with WS (relaunching soon) - to be hosted by Lana Hughes
- Dads, Step-dads, and Dad-like Caregivers Group for...y'know...dads - to be hosted by Joel Liestman
- A Craft & Gab Group for all caregivers interested in swapping stories while crafting, knitting, doing needlepoint, or any other activity. No experience necessary. It'll be a great way to Sew-cialize! Hosted by Christina Fitzgerald, Knitter and Needle-pointer and parent to a kiddo with WS.
And more on the way!
Learn more about our volunteer Family Support Network Hosts here!
If you would like to join or lead one of these networking groups or request that a specific support group be formed, please contact us or email familysupport@williams-syndrome.org.