Outreach Parent Liaisons
Outreach Parent Liaisons are available in different communities around Wyoming to:
- Offer workshops to parent groups and schools on educational topics such as standards and strategies for increasing parent engagement.
- Work with parent teacher groups on activities that help link what is happening at school to the learning at home.
- Meet with community groups to encourage a greater understanding of the role families play in their child’s education.
- Provide a voice for families in the communities and schools that they serve.
Contact the Outreach Parent Liaison in your area.
Terri Dawson, PHP Executive Director
BS Social Work-- University of Wyoming, MPA-- University of Wyoming
Terri Dawson has been the Executive Director of Parents Helping Parents of WY, Inc., since it's inception in 1991. She directs both the Parent Information Center and the Parent Education Network from the central office in Buffalo. She and her husband are the parents of three young adults-- their middle child, Ted, has Down Syndrome. At 25 years old, Ted has recently moved out and is living independently with supports, in his own single apartment, and has fulltime employment.
Terri has been actively involved in Special Education and parent involvement in education for the past twenty years. She speaks on parents rights and perspectives on Individuals with Disabilities Education Act around Wyoming and the nation. She is passionate about positive parent involvement in schools and working together to make a difference for ALL children.
Julie Heil, PHP Outreach Coordinator
BA Special Ed/Elem Ed-- University of Wyoming, MA Clinical Psych-- Vermont College at Brattleboro
Julie Heil, a Wyoming native, and has spent the last 15 years working in the Education field. She has been both an Elementary and Special Education classroom teacher, Diagnostician, Mental Health Advocate, Counselor and a Special Education Director of a residential facility. Julie has been an active member of the Wyoming Advisory Panel for Students with Disabilities for the past four years, Sheridan KARES advisory board member and a Child Protection Team participant in both Wyoming and New York. Julie has two children, one of which has a 504 plan for learning and behavior related issues. She lives in Buffalo with her children and husband Steve who is a High School Art teacher.
Betty Carmon
Betty has worked as a strong advocate for families of children for the past 20 years, 13 of them with the Parent Information Center as an Outreach Parent Liaison. Betty has three adult children, and four grandchildren. Her youngest son, Steele (22), has Autism. Betty, who resides in Powell, WY works across the state supporting families at IEPs (Individualized Education Program) and providing in-services and training on a variety of disabilities and on parents rights under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). She is a member of the Governors Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities, has been a member of the Wyoming Advisory Panel for Students with Disabilities, and was a Trustee on her local school board. Covers: Cody, Powell, Greybull, Worland, Lovell & Thermopolis
Janet Kinstetter
Janet is a Wyoming native and lives in Moorcroft. Janet has two adult sons. Greg is a graduate of the University of Wyoming and is a history teacher. Andrew is in the seminary for priestly formation for the Diocese of Wyoming. Paul, her youngest, is in high school and has autism. Janet has worked for PIC since January 2003. She loves helping families navigate the special education process and in helping them become great advocates for their own children. Covers: Gillette, Sundance, Moorcroft, and Newcastle
Michele Pena
Michele and her husband recently moved to Wyoming from Michigan and settled in Casper. They have four children between the ages of 1 and 15 years old, the oldest, Tyler, has Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS). Ever since Tyler was born, Michele has been a strong advocate and educated herself to actively pursue medical treatment and educational programs for her son. She has been involved in Special Olympics and other special education athletic programs. Michele is currently an awareness coordinator for the National CdLS foundation. Covers: Casper, Glenrock, Douglas & Lusk
Tammy Wilson
Tammy Wilson has lived in southwest Wyoming for nearly thirty years. She and her husband Allan have been married for 28+ years, and have three children and three grandchildren. She has worked in child-related fields her entire adult life: two years as a special education paraprofessional and one year as a substitute. Tammy taught preschool for 18 years, and has owned and operated a preschool and child care center for over ten years. As a parent of a child with some learning challenges, Tammy has personal experience with the frustration of navigating IEP’s and the education system, which has strengthened her lifelong passion of supporting children and families. Covers: Rock Springs/Green River
Jennifer Petri
Jennifer is a lifelong resident of Wyoming. She has personal experience with the IEP process, having received special services for speech as an elementary student. Currently, Jennifer has a daughter with a 504 plan at school for an allergic condition. Jennifer has experience with job placements as a staffing specialist, and in advertising. She has been providing advocacy for Sweetwater County for over 5 years. Jennifer has an AA in Elementary Education. She and her husband are parents of two daughters. Covers: Rock Springs/Green River
Jan Jones
Jan Jones is the parent of an adult child with multiple disabilities. She has many years of experience with the "process" of educating and providing for her daughter. With a degree in Sociology, Jan has helped people in different walks of their lives. Helping families is her present goal, helping them empower themselves in the right direction. Covers: Wheatland, Torrington, & Cheyenne
Stephanie Harris
Stephanie, a native Texan, moved to Wyoming after working for several years as a school psychologist in Utah. Stephanie is thrilled to be a part of the Parent Information Center and believes that parents are always the experts on their children. Covers: Cheyenne
