Celebrating Maureen 

This past summer Parent to Parent staff, families, and colleagues, said goodbye to Maureen Mitchell. Maureen has been at the heart of Parent to Parent for over 10 years and has made a significant impact in the lives of families as well as being instrumental in effecting policy change that supports families who have children with special health needs. Although Maureen's new home will be outside of Vermont, we are confident that she will continue to bring the voice of families with her and will continue to make a significant contribution. Maureen, you will be greatly missed!

Nancy Abernathey - In addition to her role as FIRST Coordinator, Nancy Abernathey has assumed the role of Curriculum Developer. During the course of the next year, Nancy will be updating our Supporting Parent Training Manual as well as developing family-centered care curriculum for students and family faculty. 

Elayne Bernstein has been Parent to Parent's Fiscal Manager for the past three years. She has resigned from her role and will be leaving Parent to Parent at the end of October. We would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Elayne for all of her effort and contributions over the past three years. Best of luck, Elayne!

Kay Van Woert, who has been working since 1998 as the Public Awareness Coordinator at Parent to Parent, has added a new role. While continuing to work with the Early Childhood Work Group to promote early childhood care and education issues (including early intervention) statewide, Kay will also serve as Health Care Financing Consultant. In this role, Kay will research and disseminate health care financing information to families and professionals and monitor federal and state family support and health care financing policies and practices. In addition, Kay will help Parent to Parent partner with the national Family Voices network of families and friends speaking on behalf of children with special health care needs.

Dana Lones has capably taken Libby Ingall's place as Administrative Assistant. When you call Parent to Parent, most likely you hear her or Karen Searles' friendly voice before being directed to other staff members. ©