PWSA | USA is excited to announce the return of the Building Our Social Skills (BOSS) program this fall. We know how important social development is for individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome, and how challenging it can be. BOSS, funded by FPWR was created to provide a supportive, structured space for participants to build communication skills, boost confidence, and connect with peers in a fun and engaging way.
BOSS is a 10-week virtual program designed to help individuals with PWS practice conversation, manage peer interactions, resolve conflict, and strengthen self-esteem. Each session is led by experienced facilitators who understand the unique needs and strengths of people with PWS. Through interactive lessons, games, role-playing, and discussion, participants learn practical skills they can use in everyday life.
The next session of BOSS begins on Monday, September 8, 2025, and will meet three times a week—Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 4:00 PM EST—for ten weeks. All sessions are conducted virtually, making the program accessible no matter where you live.
Past participants have shared how much they enjoyed the program and how valuable it was. One parent noted that their child looked forward to every session and felt a sense of routine and belonging. Another participant said they loved making new friends and learning how to talk to people better.
To submit your application to participate in the next session visit https://www.pwsausa.org/boss/ or fill in the application at the button below and send to info@pwsausa.org.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.