Submitted by Stacy Ward
Michelle Torbert, mom to Leslie, living with PWS, has been a dedicated volunteer with PWSA | USA for more than 20 years. She has led the Florida Chapter, served as a Board of Directors member, and held the position of Board Chair for several years. If there’s a committee or workgroup, chances are Michelle has been a part of it.
Spotlighting Michelle and her volunteerism is an opportunity to honor her remarkable dedication and contributions to PWSA | USA over the past two decades. Her leadership, service, and active participation in countless committees and workgroups have left a lasting impact on the organization and the PWS community. Recognizing her efforts not only celebrates her achievements but also inspires others to step up, volunteer, and make a difference. Michelle’s story embodies the spirit of commitment and hope that drives PWSA | USA’s mission forward.
Michelle’s leadership of the Florida Chapter and her tenure as Board Chair were pivotal in advancing PWSA | USA’s mission. Her vision and strategic guidance have strengthened the organization’s foundation and outreach. Michelle’s willingness to serve on nearly every committee and workgroup demonstrates her extraordinary dedication to improving the lives of individuals with PWS and their families. More than 20 years of service is a testament to Michelle’s perseverance and passion. Her contributions will continue to positively influence the community for years to come.
We are deeply grateful for Michelle’s extraordinary service and inspired by her steadfast commitment to making a difference.
Submit a Volunteer Spotlight
Volunteers are a critical part of the work we do at PWSA | USA! We are incredibly grateful and inspired by the people who step up and offer their time, energy, wisdom, and support to help the families and individuals in the PWS community. We welcome submissions from people spotlighting someone else, or from volunteers themselves!
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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.