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Parent to
Parent of New York State
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This page last updated on
June 4, 2008
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Valerie Stammelman
Education Advocate
My name is Valerie Stammelman and I am married with two children ages 14 and 12. I attended Ithaca College and have a Masters degree in Education from New York University. Being a mother of a special needs child with medical concerns, my involvement and volunteer work in the special education field has led me to this wonderful position with Parent to Parent. In 1994, when my daughter, Danielle, was fifteen months old, she was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Tuberous Sclerosis. As a family, we were shocked and in disbelief. I felt very isolated and had no one to turn to. My world was turned upside down. After this shock, I became her greatest advocate. We visited various doctors and specialists until she received the right treatment and medicines. I researched the special education laws, many programs, therapies and schools to give her the best education and socialization that would be beneficial to her growth and development. I volunteered and created various programs in our local community, not only to benefit her but to pave the way for other children with disabilities and provide support to their parents. Danielle has been my biggest challenge and yet one of the biggest rewards in my life. I had to do this alone, now I feel it is my turn and responsibility to share my knowledge, experiences and accomplishments with other parents. Working at the Long Island office of Parent to Parent of NYS as an education advocate fulfills this responsibility by providing educational information and support to parents of children with special needs.
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