Pathways Center to Offer Support Group for Mothers of Children with Special Needs

Submitted by Pathways Center for Health & Wellness. Photo: Liz Reynolds, licensed clinical social worker at Pathways Center for Health & Wellness in Hinsdale.

Hinsdale, IL - Knowing mothers so often wear many hats, Pathways Center for Health & Wellness has announced plans for a Support Group for Moms of Special Needs Children.

Registration is now open for the Group, which will meet weekly for six weeks, beginning Jan. 8 from 10:30 a.m. to noon, at Pathways, located at 15 Spinning Wheel Road, Suite #402, in Hinsdale.

The sessions will be facilitated by Liz Reynolds, licensed clinical social worker with 14 years of experience in school settings, who is now in private practice at Pathways Center for Health & Wellness.

Emphasizing that it is critical for moms to take time to care for themselves, Reynolds says, “Moms need to know they are not alone, and there are research-based support strategies to support them and their children and families.”

The Support Group for Moms of Grade School-aged Special Needs Children will provide a range of benefits for participants, including:

• Opportunities to collaborate and exchange resources with others on proven, effective support mechanisms, whether with OT, PT or Speech Therapy.
• Open forum for moms to share concerns for their children and their needs based on their unique abilities. Whether on the autism spectrum, Down’s Syndrome, sensory integrative issues, anxiety or or ADHD, expressing stressors in the supportive environment with others reduces stress and anxiety.
• Availability of researched-based interventions to assist children in school and at home; participants can expect to leave each group with resources, tips, and proven strategies for the entire family.
• Comfortable, non-judgemental setting, offering empathy for those experiencing the unique struggles for siblings and other members of the family.
• Overview of support plans in the school setting, such as 504 and IEP’s, meeting preparation plans, and utilizing school support systems.

Reservations are required for the Support Group, and participation is $150 for the entire 6-week program. Mothers interested in registering can contact Liz Reynolds at 630-981-7718, or email Liz@lizreynoldslcsw.com. Reynolds specializes in children/teens, parent support and women’s health.

An Elmhurst resident and mother of two, Reynolds says she is thrilled to offer this group - in partnership with Pathways Center - to support moms throughout the process of raising children. Focusing her specialty on parent support, she brings more than 14 years of experience as as school social worker to her practice, which laid the solid foundation for her work and this supportive group.

Sessions will be held at Pathways Center for Wellness in Hinsdale, just off of I-294 and Ogden Avenue. Mothers and fathers of special needs children are encouraged to learn about the services provided by Dr. Lisa D’Eramo, CNP, DC and the Pathways practitioners. “Dr. Lisa” is a Chiropractor and Naturopathic physician who has spent her career specializing in natural healthcare and wellness.

The practice offers a wide range of services, including chiropractic, nutrition response testing and designed clinical nutrition, allergy clearing and other modalities to optimize wellness. Dr. Lisa has treated patients of all ages. In 2015, Pathways Center for Health & Wellness expanded its practice to include practitioners with training and expertise in psychotherapy, acupuncture, massage therapy and Reiki healing.

For additional information on Pathways, go to drlisaderamo.com, or call 620-323-2400.