The Professional Providers Advisory Board (PPAB)—often referred to as the Residential Advisory Board—gives voice to those who support adults and children with PWS in residential settings. Their daily work ensures that quality care, dignity, and autonomy are realities for individuals with PWS.
Just as early pioneers forged paths in residential care, today’s PPAB members build on that groundwork, raising standards and shaping compassionate care models that nurture growth, increased independence and belonging.
Over the years, many dedicated leaders and providers have served on the PPAB, each leaving a meaningful mark on the work of PWSA | USA and the broader PWS community. The list below represents both past and present members, reflecting the ongoing legacy of expertise, compassion, and commitment that continues to shape residential care today:
· B.J. Goff
· Brittni Kliment
· Evan Farrar
· Jackie Mallow
· Jeff Covington
· Kim Tula
· Lynn Garrick
· Marguerite Rupnow
· Mark Lister
· Mary K. Ziccardi
· Nicolle Tingley
· Patrice Carroll
· Stacy Ward
· Steve Drago
These individuals bring a wealth of experience in supporting supported-living settings, group homes, and residential programs for adults with PWS
PPAB members make practical, real-world care possible through development of training modules, guidance on behavioral support, nutrition management, and policy shapes that support individuals’ independence and safety.
By sharing their first-hand experience, PPAB members influence national-level standards, ensuring that residential care remains person-centered, compassionate, and responsive to the unique needs of adults with PWS.
We are profoundly grateful to the PPAB for their tireless service behind the scenes bringing joy, stability, and dignity to individuals across living settings. Their commitment fuels our collective endeavor to build stronger, more supportive communities.
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.