At PWSA | USA, our mission is to enhance the quality of life and empower individuals living with Prader-Willi syndrome, and achieving that mission takes a strong network of professionals, caregivers, and organizations working together. That collaborative spirit was on full display August 20–22, 2026, when more than 100 residential professionals from across the country gathered at The Kimpton Brice Hotel in Savannah, GA, for our 2nd Residential Providers Conference.
Over two full days, attendees came together to share knowledge, exchange best practices, and learn from one another, strengthening the collective expertise that helps improve outcomes for individuals with PWS.
Reflections from Our CEO
CEO Stacy Ward shared her thoughts on the conference:
“What an amazing Residential Providers Conference! I loved reconnecting with providers I’ve been friends with for more than 20 years and meeting so many new faces along the way. The PWS provider world is a small community, and opportunities like this to build relationships, learn from each other, and strengthen our network of support are incredibly valuable. Thank you to our sponsors, speakers, and attendees for two fantastic days filled with learning, collaboration, laughter, and connection. This community continues to inspire me, and I’m grateful to be part of it.”
What Attendees Had to Say
The energy and takeaways from the conference resonated with providers from across the country:
Prader-Willi Homes
“Today wrapped up two full days of the PWS Residential Providers Conference. Marguerite Rupnow, our Health and Wellness Specialist, and Elizabeth LaPinske, our Program Director, presented on the various aspects of Health and Wellness and Jenny Tilley, our Service Coordination Director, and Liz presented a Behavioral Workshop. Learning and sharing with so many providers from around the country made the conference wonderful! Shout out also to our work services partner, Pantheon Industries for joining us.”
PANTHERx Rare Pharmacy
“PANTHERx Rare was proud to attend the PWSA | USA Residential Providers Conference in Savannah, GA. Residential providers have a unique and important role in the PWS community, helping individuals navigate daily life, build independence, and maintain their health and well-being. The conference provided an opportunity for providers to learn, share experiences, and explore new ideas and resources to better support the individuals in their care. Thank you to the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA for putting this event together. We’re grateful to be a part of these meaningful conversations and to learn from professionals who are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of individuals with PWS.”
Mainstay Life Services
“The shared commitment to helping people with Prader-Willi Syndrome live full, meaningful lives with the right supports in place was truly inspiring. We’re grateful for opportunities like this to learn from others in the field and bring innovative ideas back to the people and communities we serve.” – Executive Director of Program Operations Crystal Waits
“The conference provided a great opportunity to collaborate with others from around the country!” – Associate Director of Clinical Services Jen Chapla
Thank You to Our Sponsors
This conference would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors:
Platinum Sponsor: Soleno Therapeutics, a Neurocrine Biosciences Company
Champion Sponsors: Aardvark Therapeutics, PANTHERx Rare Pharmacy, AME Community Services, and NEXUS Children’s Hospital
Relive the Moments
Want to see the conference in action? Check out our full photo gallery from the event.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in Savannah. We can’t wait to see you at the next one!
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.