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FPWR 2026 Family Conference: Deep Dive Workshops

Looking for practical advice you can use? These interactive workshops combine expert guidance with small-group discussions so you'll leave with new ideas and renewed confidence.

At this year's FPWR Family Conference, you'll find more than traditional presentations. Explore interactive workshops featuring expert guidance, practical strategies, and meaningful conversations with other families.



Session Highlight Navigating Behavior and Mental HealthBehavior and Mental Health: Ages 5 and Up

Behavioral and mental health challenges can affect every aspect of daily life for individuals with PWS and their families. In this interactive workshop, four leading experts will share practical, evidence-based strategies to address common concerns, including behavior, anxiety, and mental health. Following the presentation, you'll join small-group discussions to ask questions, share experiences, and explore real-world solutions with the speakers. (Recommended for ages 5+.)

Featured Speakers & Topics

  • Patrice Carroll, DSW, LICSW — Practical behavior strategies for home
  • Elizabeth Roof, M.A. — Research-informed behavior strategies
  • Lauren Schwartz, Ph.D. – Mental health in PWS
  • Deepan Singh, M.D. – Anxiety and current treatment approaches

Session Highlight: Early Years

Early Years: Play Workshop

Play is more than fun—it's one of the most powerful ways young children learn. In this interactive workshop, you'll discover how purposeful play can strengthen communication, cognitive, motor, and social development in children with PWS. Learn practical, research-backed strategies you can use every day to encourage meaningful play and build confidence during these critical early years.

Featured Speaker
Anastasia Dimitropoulos, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University

 



Supporting Siblings Workshop

Session Highlights: Supporting Siblings Workshop

Siblings experience the PWS journey, too. This interactive workshop explores the unique challenges, experiences, and strengths of growing up alongside a brother or sister with PWS. Hear directly from a live panel of siblings as they share their stories, then discover key insights from interviews with 25 siblings. Together, we'll explore practical strategies to help every child in your family feel seen, heard, and supported. (Recommended for all ages.)

Featured Speaker
Lauren Schwartz-Roth, Ph.D., Behavior and Mental Health Programs, FPWR

 

See all of our speaker bios here.



Ready to Join Us in Philadelphia?

From world-class experts and interactive workshops to meaningful connections with families who truly understand the PWS journey, the FPWR Family Conference is an experience unlike any other.

Register today to reserve your spot. Hotel rooms are available for just $221/night, but space is limited and the discounted rate is only available after conference registration.

We can't wait to welcome you to Philadelphia!

 2026 FPWR Conference

Topics: Parents, Family Conference

Melissa Demand

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Melissa became involved with FPWR in 2014 after her son, Kemett, was diagnosed with PWS. That year she hosted her first One SMALL Step Walk which raised over $115,000 and earned herself the honor of hosting the FPWR conference in Austin, TX in 2015. Melissa has over 9 years of fundraising and development experience and a Masters in Social Work from The University of Texas with an emphasis on Community and Administrative Leadership. Melissa will be assisting with database management and administrative duties.