Submitted by Melanie Zalman, PWSA | USA’s Director of Development and mom to Josephine (living with PWS)
Dan reached out at the time his nephew “Maverick” was born with PWS. Dan’s brother and sister-in-law live with Maverick in Arizona. Dan basically said, I’m eager to help the community in any way I can. I have lots of connections and I manage a restaurant, so please let me know how/where/when I can help. Despite the distance (he’s in Pittsburgh), he made it his MISSION to connect with PWSA and to help the Development team in any ways he could from day one of his nephew’s journey. He has met with Melanie and Katie on the PWSA fundraising team countless times, offered to help get PWS-friendly/healthy food donated as an in-kind sponsor for several PWSA | USA events (including the most recent “Claus for a Cause” in his own community of greater Pittsburgh). He has donated hundreds of meals, countless volunteer hours, and even helped to engage his restaurant team in volunteering on-site at several events to include them in his work. He’s quickly become “Uncle Dan” to hundreds of kiddos with PWS — even though we are quite certain that Maverick has his whole heart!
Dan has taken so much initiative in doing this important work- wherever he can- at any level. He’s utilized his network to help secure a venue at no cost, he’s donated BJ’s gift cards and baskets to silent auctions, he’s shown up in so many ways and rolled up his sleeves alongside so many families to help make their fundraising vision a reality. Always avoiding the spotlight, never searching for any credit, “Uncle Dan” has become a real friend to PWSA and to dozens of PWS families who come together to make things happen for our community.
Dan’s selfless engagement with our community is unique. We have many parents, grandparents, and siblings who reach out and give of their time, energy and talents to benefit the community, but the relationship “Uncle Dan” has established with PWSA from the get-go has been incredibly special. He’s demonstrated that you can make a difference for our PWS community — no matter your geographic proximity, no matter your station in life, no matter your field of work. He’s prioritized involvement with PWSA in his nephew’s honor and his commitment and generosity are a shining example to everyone!
Perry A. Zirkel has written more than 1,500 publications on various aspects of school law, with an emphasis on legal issues in special education. He writes a regular column for NAESP’s Principal magazine and NASP’s Communiqué newsletter, and he did so previously for Phi Delta Kappan and Teaching Exceptional Children.
Jennifer Bolander has been serving as a Special Education Specialist for PWSA (USA) since October of 2015. She is a graduate of John Carroll University and lives in Ohio with her husband Brad and daughters Kate (17), and Sophia (13) who was born with PWS.
Dr. Amy McTighe is the PWS Program Manager and Inpatient Teacher at the Center for Prader-Willi Syndrome at the Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh. She graduated from Duquesne University receiving her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education with a focus on elementary education, special education, and language arts.
Evan has worked with the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (USA) since 2007 primarily as a Crisis Intervention and Family Support Counselor. Evans works with parents and schools to foster strong collaborative relationships and appropriate educational environments for students with PWS.
Staci Zimmerman works for Prader-Willi Syndrome Association of Colorado as an Individualized Education Program (IEP) consultant. Staci collaborates with the PWS multi-disciplinary clinic at the Children’s Hospital in Denver supporting families and school districts around the United States with their child’s Individual Educational Plan.
Founded in 2001, SDLC is a non-profit legal services organization dedicated to protecting and advancing the legal rights of people with disabilities throughout the South. It partners with the Southern Poverty Law Center, Protection and Advocacy (P&A) programs, Legal Services Corporations (LSC) and disability organizations on major, systemic disability rights issues involving the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the federal Medicaid Act. Recently in November 2014, Jim retired.