The Southeast Regional Coordinator Karen Claudio of MassFamilies welcomed Family Leadership Series class 29 to the Conference and Resort of Hyannis the first weekend of October. The Family Leadership Series kicked off a six-month long training for parents and caregivers for individuals with disabilities

Participants of the Family Leadership Series were lucky enough to hear from the Massachusetts Family Leadership founder Emily Nisenbaum on the History of the Family Support Movement. Families were wowed by Emily’s passion and power and learned how ordinary parents did extraordinary things by advocating for the Family Support Bill, Chapter 171. After that amazing presentation by Emily the families were further moved by Metro Regional Coordinator Lauri Mederios on the History of the Disability Movement. Lauri’s knowledge, stories and passion really shined through and was eye opening to a lot of participants. In addition to the history, families learned about growth mindset from Southeast DDS trainers Maureen King O’Rourke and Becky Morrissey. Maureen is a fellow alumni of the series! To finish the weekend off on a high note Val Pederson from class # 26 shared her journey from a participant to a leader. Val now holds the role as Southeast Regional Coordinator for Family TIES.

It was so energizing to see a new cadre of family leaders and we look forward to our next session in November.