Parent Panels

VFN Parent Panels are opportunities for connections between families and students in healthcare and education courses at local colleges. Family Support Consultants organize panels of three parents to present their family stories in classes of 10 – 100 undergraduate and graduate students, as requested by Instructors at UVM, Saint Michael’s, and Johnson State. Parents (or family members) speak for approximately 20 minutes. each, taking questions at the end. A speaker stipend and parking are provided. Some classes meet mid-day, while a few are in the evening.

Students in nursing, education, sociology, physical therapy, and communications courses appreciate hearing families’ experiences and the importance of family-centered care. All parents have hopes and fears, challenges and joys. Many are the same as those of any parent (friends, independence, sibling issues), while some expectations, schedules, stressors, and needs differ with a child who has special needs. Parents share a unique perspective not found in textbooks. Families can have an effect on the perspectives and future practices of healthcare providers and educators. Contact  Jan.Hancock@vtfn.org.

Other opportunities are available for class presentations and connections with medical students in our Family Faculty program. Contact  Julianne.Nickerson@vtfn.org.