The Coffee Klatch
Elise
Jane is a wife and mother of seven all with disabilities ranging from Aspergers Syndrome to Cerebral Palsy. If you ask her "How do you do it" the anwer is always the same "Constantly". This amazing mother received her education at Bemidji University majoring in Performing Arts and Nursing. Jane is the multitasking soccer mom who in her spare time teaches Catechism, studies religions and embraces her Irish heritage. Her interests include outdoor activities, baking, knitting, music and nutrition. Did I mention she is a huge Liverpool soccer fan? Jane is quite knowledgeable in and educates us on technologies for the disabled.
Elise is synonymous with advocacy. Elise is a Certified College Coach for students with Asperger's Syndrome. In addition to chairing a myriad of PTA committees, she has for the past decade, been a volunteer child advocate for her community's special education committee helping children with a variety of disabilities. She was also a presenter for the Juvenile Law Center which taught middle school students their rights and obligations in society. Elise blogs beautifully about her therapies, strategies and perspectives on raising two boys, now young men, with Aspergers Syndrome. Interests also include neurodiversity, inclusion, and self-advocacy. Wife and mother of two sons.
Jane Hotvedt
Jane is a wife and mother of seven all with disabilities ranging from Aspergers Syndrome to Cerebral Palsy. If you ask her "How do you do it" the anwer is always the same "Constantly". This amazing mother received her education at Bemidji University majoring in Performing Arts and Nursing. Jane is the multitasking soccer mom who in her spare time teaches Catechism, studies religions and embraces her Irish heritage. Her interests include outdoor activities, baking, knitting, music and nutrition. Did I mention she is a huge Liverpool soccer fan? Jane is quite knowledgeable in and educates us on technologies for the disabled. 
Chuck Walley is a single father of an Aspergian teenage son. Professionally, he is an IT manager at USA TODAY responsible for integrating content between various print and production systems. Chuck finds the parallels between managing professional adults and parenting a special needs teenager amazing i.e "Strengths based leadership" and "Neurodiversity". Chuck has said that as a parent he is an expert at nothing and is in constant learning mode always looking for the right balance between his professional and personal life. Chuck brings to The Coffee Klatch two different perspectives from the rest of the team - Single parenting a special needs child and the "Dad's" point of view. Chuck blogs about his son "The Bean" and his search for the magic formula to know when to butt in and when to let go. His writings are honest, forthcoming and always entertaining. A really cool guy and a wonderful father, Chuck joins us on Wednesday evening sessions.
