New NWRSF President

After several years of strong leadership to the organization, Jack Bennett has stepped down from the presidency of the NWRSF. Although no longer the president, Jack will continue to be active in the organization, and we can all look forward to seeing the Bennetts at our annual meeting this summer.

Our new president is Jay Weimern. NWRSF members will know Jay and his wife Salinda as long time active members. Jay is made it his goal to continue providing an accessible and fun conference for our local families each year, as well as to spend 2010 updating our members list and reaching out to local families and professionals who treat people with Rett syndrome.

In other board news, Gary Kostenko is the new NWRSF vice president, replacing Salinda Weimern. We are also welcoming new board member Adam Cramer for the 2009-10 year.

Conference Speakers

Here are the listed speakers for our annual meeting August 6th-9th, 2009:

Rett Syndrome 101 – Dr. Mario Petersen

Rett Siblings – Kathy Schnebly

Education for the Young Child – Joey Razzano and Robyn Skupa

Transitions into Adult Living:  The Friendship Project – Denise and Glenn Lawson

Integrative Care for Rett Syndrome – Drs. Matt and Molly Brignall

Special Needs Transportation – Tammy Franks

Literacy – Rose-Marie Gallagher

Care for the Caregiver – Jocelyn Goodall and Joey Razzano

Child Care/Respite for Young Children – Joey Razzano and Robyn Skupa

Problem-Solving Car Safety – Tammy Franks

Transitions into Adult Living:  Our Journey to L’Arche – Glenn Lawson

Special Citizens’ Registration Program – Salem Police Department

Update on Current Research – Drs. Patrick MacLeod and Sergio Ojeda

Sleep Disorders in Rett Syndrome – Dr. Manisha Witmans

Respiratory Disorders – Drs. John Bissonnette and Manisha Witmans

Dental Needs and Oral Health – Dr. Peter Lax

Tone Management in Rett Syndrome – Dr. Mark Shih and Jocelyn Goodall

Emotion and Behavior in Rett Syndrome – Dr. Sudge Budden

ARC Special Needs Trust – Mitch Teal

Osteopathic Manipulative Techniques – Dr. Marc Huston

Personal Care and Training – Joey Razzano

Body Mechanics when Handling and Lifting – B.J. Peterson

Having a Rett Sibling – discussion facilitated by Kathy Schnebly

Note that this list is preliminary, and there may be minor changes prior to the meeting.