Elevating Family Voice Summit

8:30-9:00 Check-in and Breakfast

9:00-10:00 Keynote Speaker – Eileen Forlenza

As a parent of an adult-child with disabilities, Eileen Forlenza has effectively represented the family perspective at conferences and public policy discussions at the federal, state and local level. Eileen is a passionate leader and change agent on behalf of children and families with a focus on children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN).  Eileen Forlenza, a successful motivational speaker, author and trainer has been advocating for quality systems of care for over 30 years.  Her personal experience with parenting in the midst of navigating health care, education, care coordination and insurance systems provides authenticity when speaking on the importance of family engagement. In 2010, her advocacy and support of policy development on behalf of children with disabilities resulted in an invitation from President Barack Obama to join him at the White House to mark the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as receiving the prestigious Woman of the Year Award from the National Association of Professional Women. Serving in the Colorado Title V agency, Eileen served as the first Medical Home Initiative Director, anchoring patient/family-centered care through healthcare reform in Colorado. Eileen founded the Colorado Family Leadership Training Institute, equipping over 2,000 families statewide to increase their civic engagement. Eileen has served on a myriad of state and national advisory councils, most notably as the first Family Leader elected as President of the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP). As a former utilizer of public programs, Eileen is deeply committed to authentic family engagement honoring contributions of all families.  A highly sought-after speaker, Eileen engages audiences across the country through storytelling, humor and lived experience to examine how they can turn Try to Triumph!

10:00-10:15 Break/Vendors/Q&A Keynote Speaker (Hancock)

10:15-11:15 Parent Panel

11:15-11:30 Break/Vendors/QA Parent Panel

11:30-12:30 Lunch

12:30-1:30 Organization Panel

1:30-1:45 Break/Vendors/Q&A Organization Panel

1:45-2:00 Closing Remarks

2:00-2:30 Wrap Up & Evaluation

This Summit is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award through the Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems Grant. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official view of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.

This summit is a partnership between Maine CDC, Maine Parent Federation and Maine State Parent Ambassadors.