Patricia Vadasy, Ph.D., is a Senior Research Scientist at Oregon Research Institute in Eugene, Oregon where she conducts research on early reading instruction. She is most interested in research to help children at risk for reading disabilities and children who are dual language learners. Patricia and her colleagues have developed programs that paraeducator tutors can effectively use to supplement instruction for beginning readers. Patricia also works with colleagues at Influents Innovations in Eugene to translate educational research findings into technology-based interventions for underserved students and families.
Don Meyer, M.Ed. is the Founder of the Sibling Support Project and creator of Sibshops. Meyer created the Sibling Support Project, a Washington State-based international program dedicated to the lifelong concerns of brothers and sisters of people with special health, developmental, and mental health concerns. Don was the director of the Sibling Support Project from 1990-2019 and has conducted workshops on sibling issues and trainings on the Sibshop model in all 50 states and in eleven countries. He is the editor of The Sibling Slam Book: What It’s Really Like to Have a Brother or Sister with Special Needs (Woodbine House, 2005), Views from Our Shoes: Growing Up with a Brother or Sister with Special Needs (Woodbine House, 1997), and Uncommon Fathers: Reflections on Raising a Child with a Disability (Woodbine House, 1995). With Patricia Vadasy, Mr. Meyer wrote Living with a Brother or Sister with Special Needs (University of Washington Press, 1996). With Emily Holl, Don co-edited The Sibling Survival Guide: Indispensable Information for Brothers and Sisters of Adults with Disabilities (Woodbine House, 2014). His work has been featured on ABC News and National Public Radio and in Newsweek, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. Don is married to Terry DeLeonardis, a special education preschool teacher and consultant. They have four children and two grandchildren.
Emily Holl, MFA, LMSW is the Director of The Sibling Support Project at Kindering, the first national program dedicated to the life-long and ever-changing concerns of millions of siblings of people with developmental and health concerns. Emily is a sibling, social worker, author, and trainer who has provided workshops and groups for siblings and families, presented extensively on sibling issues, and has conducted and published sibling research. A board member of the national Sibling Leadership Network, Emily has written about her experiences in blogs, magazines, and books such as Thicker than Water. She was a co-editor of The Sibling Survival Guide: Indispensable Information for Adult Brothers and Sisters of People with Disabilities, published by Woodbine House in 2014. Emily earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Massachusetts, a Master of Fine Arts from Columbia University, and a Master of Social Work from Hunter College at the City University of New York. Emily resides outside of Seattle, Washington, with her husband, sons, and very energetic dog.
