On December 6, 2007, Parent to Parent of Vermont and the Vermont Parent Information Center co-hosted the Partners in Care Conference. The conference, held annually by Parent to Parent for 16 years, marked the first major collaboration with VPIC, and the theme of Common Bonds was felt throughout the day. Over 200 parents, guardians, educators, health professionals and direct service providers attended the conference. The day began with a keynote by Diana Autin, Director of the Statewide Parent Advocacy Network of New Jersey (SPAN NJ). Ms. Autin’s participation at the conference was particularly timely, given that SPAN NJ is a merged organization, much like the Vermont Family Network will be, providing a vast array of supports and resources for families and professionals across the state.

The day featured 8 rousing workshops. Thank you to all the workshop presenters, who were so engaging and knowledgeable: Marsha Camp, Sarah Hobart, Shannon Kilpatrick, Cindy Seguin, Elizabeth West, Julie Peoples-Clark, Robert Brace, Al Vecchione, Hal Colston, Phelippa Marriner, Al Robinson, Kay Van Woert, Mary Kay Hill, Senator Ginny Lyons, Dr. Jill Rinehart, Dr. Deb O’Rourke, Arthur Green, Cari Kelley, Tori Cleiland, Kim Brittenham, Penny Bessom, Peggy Owen Sands and Kimberly Cookson.

Our mid-day presentation was a rousing one! After presenting the awards, we had a performance by the Awareness Theater Company, featuring 3 skits written and performed by members of the theatre community. We also had a reading of the book Super Max by its author, 10-year-old Ash Brittenham of Montpelier.

Overall, the day was an uplifting one. Parents and professionals were able to meet and mingle, network and learn from each other. We are partners on our journeys, and we need occasions like this conference to maintain those friendships and bonds. ©

Thanks to Our Sponsors:

Platinum
Vermont Department of Health, Children with Special Health Needs
Vermont Interagency Coordinating Council

Gold
Vermont Children's Hospital at Fletcher Allen
Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council

Silver
Department of Children and Families, Child Development Division
Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living
HowardCenter
National Life Group Charitable Foundation
Vermont Assistive Technology Program

Bronze
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont
Center on Disability and Community Inclusion
Pediatric RehabGym
Prevent Child Abuse Vermont

Inkind Donations for Gift Baskets: VerMints, Way Out Wax, Maple Grove Farms, Lake Champlain Chocolates, Ben and Jerry's, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters

Partners In Care Awards:
We were pleased to present our Partners in Care Awards to more recipients this year than before.
We presented awards in 4 categories:
Parent/Guardian: Nancy Osborne; Child/Youth: Matthew DiMasi; Organization: Vermont Food Allergy Organization
Professionals: Mary K. Dennison (Kids on the Block VT), Nancy Zahniser (Champlain Elementary School in Burlington), and Steve Contompasis (Director of VT ILEHP)
Thank you to Dr. Lewis First for his spirited presentation of the awards, and for his version of “My Favorite Things”!