Are you the mother of a child with special needs? Have you felt isolated and lonely while navigating the unique challenges that come with raising a special child? Do you have the desire to connect with other moms in similar situations? Would you like resources that can equip you in this journey?

Then you are not alone! This conference is for you.

Three years ago we had a vision of bringing mothers of special needs children together from all over Central Ohio. Our goal is for each mother to leave feeling cared for, loved and not alone in their journey. You will also leave equipped with information that will help you live a joyful and passionate life as a mother. Please join us!

You will get to attend two breakout sessions.
During registration we will ask you for your top three choices.

Learn how to access services for your child’s education (birth through school age). We will define and explain terms relating to evaluation tools and education plans and provide a list of resources.

Geri Montel has been a school psychologist in the Hilliard City Schools since 1999. Prior to working with Hilliard, she was a school psychologist with Columbus Public and Perry Township in Indianapolis. She has an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Ball State University and a graduate degree in psychology from Indiana University. Geri has been married for 30 years and has two grown daughters.

Have you ever wondered how you are going to help your child accept their disabilities and become confident in who they are? In this session, we will answer that question. We will explore the various emotions a mother and might experience when facing the demands, sorrows, and joys of growing up with unique and special needs.

Robyn Snell has a nursing degree and her international certification in Biblical Counseling. She has experience leading parent support groups and has been a speaker and writer for Women’s Ministries. Robyn is also the mother of an adult son with special needs.

Admitting a child to the hospital can be very scary for both parent and child. This session will offer practical tips on physical and emotional preparation for admission and coping in the hospital environment. We will also discuss suggestions on how to partner with the medical team to give your child the very best care possible.

Brenda Tiffan has been an Pediatric RN for 23 years. Her work experience includes Pediatric cardiology, Clinical Education and currently she is working as a School Nurse in the Hilliard City School District. In addition to growing up with a special needs sister, Brenda's daughter has a rare genetic syndrome which affects her heart and all her muscles.

In this session, Patty will present information on the Medicaid waiver system, grants available through community foundations, and grassroots fundraising efforts. In an effort to build a community resource list, we ask that you come prepared to share information about the programs that have helped you along the way.

Patty Lyons is a founding member and program coordinator of CP Parent Columbus, a family resource group for Cerebral Palsy. Her 7-year-old daughter with CP has inspired her to educate herself about community supports and government assistance programs. She is also a board member for the Delaware County Board of Developmental disabilities.

As a parent of a special needs child you may have wrestled or are wrestling with the question, “Why?” Why would God allow this to happen?” Not only is this question normal, it is one that has been asked by every generation. The intent of this session is to provide answers to this question.

Pastor Ken Harrell has been the Senior Pastor of Northwest Bible Church for 17 years. He has two grown daughters, one grand-child and one on the way.

This session will explore the diagnosis of autism and treatment options. There will also be discussion on the resources, funding and support groups available to families with autistic children.

Michele Worthington has been married for 22 years and is the mother of 16 year old twins (one of whom is autistic). She is the Board Chairman Central Ohio Families for Effective Autism Treatment (COFEAT) and Executive Committee Chair Autism Speaks Columbus Walk Now for Autism. She is also a Special Education Advancement Counsel (SEAC) member and Nationwide Children’s Hospital Autism Conference parent advocate.

Caregiving for a child with chronic and intense needs means your abilities to care are maxed out and then more is required. We will talk about small but important ways you can be strengthened daily and your cup of compassion renewed.

Pamela Ellinger-Dixon has a PhD in Counseling Education and Counseling Psychology and is a licensed psychologist. Until 2006 she owned a counseling service where she specialized in such things as treating abuse, depression, marital issues and recovery from traumatic experiences.

Have you ever wondered what your other children are thinking in regards to your special needs child? Come join this group in a round table discussion with women who grew up with a special needs sibling.

The needs of a mother with an adult child are different than those of one with young children. This session will explore topics such as funding after age 21, living arrangements, job searching and home modifications.