Mothers with children that have Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome will be able to network with each other and learn how to handle the common issues that come up raising a child with HPS at the 24th Annual HPS Network Conference, to be held March 10 – 12, at the Long Island Marriott in Uniondale, NY. The workshop will be held March 10, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Friday is always an arrival day at the HPS Conference, so if you can’t make it by 2:00 pm then join the workshop when you arrive.
The workshop will consist of a presentation and small group discussion on the unique journey of parents raising a child with HPS. The presentation will outline the common stages parents experience while adapting to raising their child, and provide strategies and tools for parents and their families. The facilitated discussion will create an environment where parents with similar experiences will be able to learn and support one another. This time will be used to strengthen our power as mothers and open our minds and hearts so we can absorb all of the information that will be presented to us over this weekend.
The workshop is being provided to the HPS Network and community free of charge by Building Parent Connections. Sheila Adamo, LCSW, CADC will facilitate the presentation and discussion. Sheila is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with an additional certification in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling. She facilitates Mothers’ Workshops, discussion groups and teleconferences for parents of children with special needs. Sheila and her husband are raising 4 children, one of whom has albinism. She currently leads the New Parent Program for the National Organization of Albinism and Hypopigmentation, which includes a Parent Connections Program sponsored by The Lighthouse Guild International that offers support to parents via teleconference meetings. (The Lighthouse currently offers the same program for parents of those with Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome too.) Ms. Adamo has worked with many different populations in the mental health field. Her passion is working with parents to help them find the tools they need to be successful.
Building Parent Connection’s mission is to help parents build a strong authentic connection to themselves and others while raising a child with special needs. Building Parent Connections believes that providing consistent support, education and guidance throughout parenthood will empower parents to be stronger, happier and healthier individuals and parents.