Cheryl Stalilonis
Discipline: Family Trainee
About:
I graduated from Anna Maria College in Paxton, MA in 1980 with a BA in Social Work, and an interest in medical social work and gerontology. I worked at several long-term care facilities, and was a strong proponent for resident rights, running the resident council forums, assisting with activities, and contributing to in-house newsletters, where I enjoyed interviewing residents and telling of their experiences. I assisted families with adjustment to age-related issues, and end of life concerns. I enjoyed working with a team to meet resident needs, and later became a hospice volunteer. After my youngest son was diagnosed with a developmental disability, I began to work in the realm of disability; providing family support through several different community programs, and learning all that I could to support my child with multiple areas of need. I have learned so much from him, and others in similar situations. I have worked with the Autism Society in Maine, and have done presentations on ASD, community outreach, and assisted families with educational and other needs. I have taught art at an adult day program, and now assist with respite care. I have become a strong advocate for my son, and enjoy close relationships with other parents, teaching about autism and related needs, and being more involved recently with organizations working within the system to affect positive change.
