Greetings to our VFN Family and Friends.

We are excited to share this letter with you during a time of transition and new possibilities for VFN. This fall, we are delighted to welcome two dynamic new Board Co-Chairs: Jennifer Nachbur and Stephanie Mozzer!

Jennifer Nachbur brings nearly 40 years of experience in communications, including 23½ years as the Public Relations Director at the University of Vermont's Larner College of Medicine, where she retired in 2023. Jennifer’s connection to VFN began when her eldest child was born with a severe congenital heart defect and underwent multiple surgeries. Her deep passion for supporting families led her to serve on the Parent to Parent of Vermont board for six years, the Kids on the Block-Vermont/Puppets in Education board for 10 years, and the NH-VT Schweitzer Fellows board for 10 years.

Stephanie Mozzer is the Director of Maternal and Child Health at Visiting Nurse and Hospice for Vermont and New Hampshire (VNH), where she has been a key leader since 2019. In her role, she oversees and helps grow programs like pediatric palliative care and Strong Families Vermont. Stephanie holds a Master of Science in Nursing Leadership from Western Governors University, and before joining VNH, she led nursing teams across multiple healthcare facilities.

Jennifer and Stephanie are both deeply committed to the mission of VFN and are energized by the opportunity to collaborate and lead as Co-Chairs. Together, they will bring their creativity and passion to an organization that is close to their hearts.

We’d also like to share that our Executive Director, Jacqui Kelleher, has moved on after two years of dedicated service to VFN. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors. We are excited to announce that Michelle Kessler will step into the role of Interim Executive Director. Michelle brings a wealth of experience, including 15 years in financial, operational, and HR leadership, followed by three years of managing federal and state grants in the nonprofit sector. With a BFA from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and a BS in Management Information Systems and Finance from the University of Massachusetts Boston, Michelle is ready to build on the strong foundation of VFN’s work.

In today's world of political transition and change, Vermont families who struggle to navigate special health care needs, disabilities, educational challenges, and the transitions of their own children need stability and dependability in support and guidance more than ever. At VFN, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing critical one-on-one health and educational advocacy. We continue to connect parents with the resources they need and support families in becoming strong, confident, informed advocates for their children in both medical and school settings. VFN’s Puppets in Education program helps children keep themselves safe and happy and to appreciate each other’s differences. As always, we will closely monitor and communicate any developments in the disability world and how they may impact your loved ones and your family. We are here to answer your questions and provide guidance to the best of our ability. We promise to continue being strong advocates, regardless of the cultural climate.



As we move through this time of change, we want to reassure you that we are moving forward with a sense of continuity, purpose, and optimism. Together, we will combine our rich history of supporting families, youth and children with new ideas, fresh perspectives, and exciting opportunities for growth. We look forward to sharing our VFN journey with you as we continue to build a vibrant leadership structure and reaffirm our deep commitment to the mission that unites us all.

From the heart,

The VFN Leadership Team

Save the Date - April 8, 2025

VFN Annual Conference

Our 2025 Annual Conference will be held on April 8, 2025 at the University of Vermont

Dudley H. Davis Center.

Stay tuned for details!

VFN is Hiring!

Join our Family Support team

VFN is hiring for the following positions:

Family Support Consultant

and

Family Support Consultant – Community Outreach and Engagement

Please submit your cover letter, which details how your qualifications match the needs of the position at Vermont Family Network, and a CV or resume via email HR@vtfn.org.

Why Does VFN Send Surveys to Families?

Families who have contacted VFN family support consultants might receive surveys about your experience with us. We may ask you if we were helpful or if the information we shared was useful to your family. We may ask your opinion on a specific service. Why do we send you these surveys? We use family input to help improve our services. We are also required by our funders to conduct surveys and report the results. VFN receives funding from entities such as the federal and state governments as well as private and philanthropic entities. Funders need to see the impact of their dollars. Do their dollars make a difference? By responding to our surveys, you answer that question. We know families receive many surveys through email. We would greatly appreciate your filling out the next VFN survey you may see from us!

Contact VFN Family Support helpline at 876-5315 or info@vtfn.org if you need to talk to our Family Support Consultants.

Family Faculty

Through active participation in the Family Faculty Program, families have the opportunity to share their personal experiences and stories. By doing so, they can offer valuable insights and perspectives to future health and education providers across the state. This engagement serves to enhance the mutual understanding between providers and families, fostering a meaningful dialogue centered around family-focused care.

To learn more or become a Family Faculty Member contact: ashley.michaud@vtfn.org and donia.shirley@vtfn.org.

Transition Services and Postsecondary

and IEP Goals

Transition services for your higher schooler on an IEP are determined by the combination of your child’s post-secondary goals, corresponding IEP goals, and the supports they need to move toward achieving those goals. Transition services can include instruction, related services, community experiences, development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives, and if appropriate, learning daily living skills and provision of a functional vocational evaluation.

Watch Transition Tips for Families presented by VFN staff. For more information on transitioning to adult life, contact VFN Family Support at 876-5315 or info@vtfn.org or check out our Transition Toolkit for Youth with Disabilities.

News from the Puppets

Puppet Impact on Vermont Students

The puppets have kicked off this school year with shows in Franklin, Orleans, Grand Isle, Lamoille, and Orange counties. Children (and adults!) have seen our Anxiety and Kindness & Stress puppet programs, along with our Anxiety Workshop.

And it’s already making an impact on the kids. Students often share smaller worries, like being afraid of monsters or the dark. But sometimes, they share larger worries that they may not tell the adults in their lives:

• I worry about my mom not paying the bills.
• What do we do if all of our worry tools don’t work?
• I worry about my parents breaking up.

But for every heartbreaking share, there is also a burst of hope:

• I looooved it!
• Can I be a puppeteer?
• This was the best part of my day!
• You guys are the best. I’m gonna make you a picture!

We regularly see firsthand the positive impacts our programming makes in the lives of the students we reach. But perhaps the Alburgh school counselors said it best, “By using puppets and storytelling, the program helps children understand and express their feelings, providing them with practical tools to manage anxiety.”

If your school would like us to perform and you are able to pay for a day of shows, or if you would like to fund a day of programming at a local school, please reach out to Karen at karen.sharpwolf@vtfn.org to discuss your options.

Sibshops

Registration is ongoing for our 2024-25 Sibshops Program where we have increased capacity to serve siblings with a brother or sister with a disability or special health need.

Sibshops is a national program open to children aged 8+ who are siblings of brothers and sisters with disabilities and special health needs. All Sibshops are on Saturdays from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted at various locations in Chittenden County. Each Sibshop is facilitated by trained Sibshops Staff, which includes a fun activity, a snack, and a facilitated Sibchat. Every Sibchat has a theme that will allow participants to connect with what it means to be a “sib.” The $10 Sibshops fee covers all food and activities.

Announcing new Tweens and Teens Sibshops!!!

New in 2024-25 is a Sibshops dedicated to 11–13-year-olds! Tweens and Teens Sibshops will be offered two more times this school year: January 18th and April 5th. All sessions will be held at St. Marks Church, 1251 North Avenue, Burlington, from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. in the bowling alley and game room. Tweens and teens will not join younger siblings ages 8-10 for their activities (except for our end-of-the-year celebration at Oakledge).

Please complete the 2024-25 Sibshops Registration Form on our Get Support page and send your check to VFN to register your child for any/all of this year’s Sibshops activities. Scholarships are available. Please email info@vtfn.org with any questions.

Funding for Families

VFN has two respite funds available to families who are not currently receiving respite funding from other sources. Respite is a planned break for parents or caregivers, which allows time to spend with other children, to schedule necessary appointments, or to have an opportunity to rest and recharge.

The Vermont Family Network Family Support Fund is for Vermont families with children up to 21 years of age who have a chronic physical, medical, or developmental condition. This funding is for:

• Vermont residents from birth up to 21 years
• Have a chronic physical, medical, or developmental condition
• Requires health and related services of a type or amount beyond that required by children generally
• Children and families who earn at or less than 500% of the Federal Poverty Level

Eligible families may access up to $1,500.00 per grant year for both medically necessary expenses and for respite combined. The fund is last resort, meaning other resources would be explored first. This fund is made possible through a grant from the Vermont Department of Health Children with Special Health Needs program. Please contact donia.shirley@vtfn.org for more information.

Our Vermont Respite Support Program is for Vermont families with children up to 19 years of age who have a chronic physical, medical, mental, or developmental condition OR:

• are experiencing circumstances such as: homelessness, economic hardships, and/or DCF Family Services involvement
• are suspected of a diagnosis and waiting for an evaluation
• require health and related services of a type or amount beyond that required by children and youth generally

You may also be eligible if you are:

• a parent/caregiver with a disability that has a child (up to the age of 19) living at home
• a relative caregiver with a child(ren) living with them
• a parent/caregiver of an adopted child(ren)

Families may access up to $1000 per year through a voucher reimbursement process. This fund is made possible through a generous grant from the Vermont Department of Children and Families - Child Development Division. Please contact laurel.sanborn@vtfn.org for more information.

Genetics Corner

This month we are sharing information about, the National Organization for Rare Disease (NORD) whose mission “…advances practical, meaningful, and enduring change so people with rare diseases can live their fullest and best lives.” NORD also strives to “…elevate care, advance research, and drive policy in a purposeful and holistic manner to lift up the rare disease community.” While a rare disease is not necessarily genetic related, we wanted to share these ways to connect with others through NORD and advocate for change!

Here are some opportunities to become involved with NORD:

1. The Rare Action Network (RAN) is an advocacy network working to improve the health and well-being of people living with rare diseases. If you are interested in joining the VT coalition, please email action@rarediseases.org
2. Living Rare Study - NORD has just launched the first large-scale, long-term study in the US to quantify the evolving experiences of individuals and care givers impacted by rare diseases. Go to their Living Rare Study website to learn more and to complete the survey!

NORD also has wonderful resources around patient assistance programs, disease related information, clinical trials, and helping patients get a diagnosis. Please reach out to Ashley if you have any questions about NORD, how to get involved, or need assistance navigating anything genetic related. You can call 802-876-5315 or email info@vtfn.org.

Wellness Window

Creating Cozy Fall Moments:

A Sensory-Friendly Guide

As autumnal winds blow, ushering in cooler weather and shorter days, it can also bring sensory overload for some children. But with a few simple adjustments, you can create a peaceful, sensory-friendly fall space at home where your child can relax, recharge, and enjoy the season.

Creating a Sensory Cozy Nook

• Transform a corner of your home into a soothing "fall nest." Start with soft amber lighting like string lights or a warm lamp to create a calming atmosphere.
• Add a weighted blanket in fall colors like orange or red for comfort, offering gentle pressure that helps regulate emotions. Soft pillows and blankets in cozy textures can provide tactile comfort and a sense of security.

Sensory-Friendly Activities

• Sensory bins are a great way for your child to explore fall in a calm, hands-on way. A quiet child may enjoy running their fingers through artificial leaves, smooth acorns, and dried corn kernels. Maybe hide a small fall-themed object like a gourd deeply buried for a fun, tactile treasure hunt.
• Try making scented sensory bottles using cinnamon or vanilla, so your child can enjoy the smells of autumn in a controlled, calming way.
• If your child is sensitive to sound, a white noise machine or one that plays nature sounds like rustling leaves or soft rain, can help drown out distractions and provide a soothing background.

Every child experiences the fall season differently. You don’t need to go to a harvest festival to enjoy the magic of fall. With a cozy sensory nook and simple sensory play, you can help your child experience the season in a way that’s comfortable and enjoyable for them. These moments at home can become special traditions, allowing your family to create meaningful, stress-free fall memories.

Free Online Workshops

November 14 at 1:00 p.m. "Nurturing Wellness for Parents of Children with Disabilities"

This wellness workshop is designed to provide emotional, mental, and physical support for parents of children with disabilities or special health needs. Parenting a child with disabilities can be both rewarding and challenging, requiring parents to balance care-giving responsibilities with their own well-being. Join us for this workshop which aims to equip parents with practical tools and strategies to prioritize their own health and wellness, which in turn can positively impact their ability to care for their children.

Presenter: Kheya Ganguly - Director of Trauma Prevention and Resilience Development at the State of Vermont Agency of Human Services

November 21 at 1:00 p.m. "Digital Wellness Series - Workshop 2: Digital Etiquette and Online Communication"

"Empowering Families in the Online World" is an online empowerment series presented by Grow Digital Skills. In this second workshop we will be sharing information on "Digital Etiquette and Online Communication" which includes: Teaching children about appropriate online behavior; Dealing with cyberbullying; Promoting empathy in digital interactions.

Presenter: Emmy Hilliard - VFN Co-Director of Family Support - Health and Grow Digital Skills Coordinator

December 12 at 1:00 p.m. "Digital Wellness Series - Workshop 3: Digital Wellness for Families"

"Empowering Families in the Online World" is an online empowerment series presented by Grow Digital Skills. In this third workshop we will be sharing information on "Digital Wellness for Families" which includes: Balancing screen time with offline activities; Setting up tech-free zones and times at home; Encouraging positive online interactions

Presenter: Emmy Hilliard - VFN Co-Director of Family Support - Health and Grow Digital Skills Coordinator

January 23, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. "The Journey to Employment and Independent Living: How can CAP Help?"

This workshop is designed to provide parents, advocates, educators, and others with an opportunity to learn more about how to support youth with disabilities as they make the transition from school to employment and independent living. We will discuss the laws, programs, and services available to support their transition and how the Client Assistance Program (CAP) can help in that journey.

Presenters: Sherrie Brunelle and Andrea Smith, both Paralegals at Vermont Legal Aid - Disability Law Project

Our workshops are online using the Zoom meeting platform. 

If you are unable to attend the live presentation, you can still register and we’ll send you a link to the recording of the workshop which you can watch on your own time, unless otherwise noted.

Registrations are also posted under Upcoming Events on the landing page of our website. In case you missed our last series of workshops, you can find a full list on our VFN website. Check in regularly as we add more workshops to our schedule!

We save workshops on our website and YouTube channel.

Join our closed Facebook group specifically for parents of adult children

Join our closed Facebook group

for all parents

Contact our Helpline at (802) 876-5315 or info@vtfn.org