Elizabeth Joseph is a scholarship recipient who traveled from Kongiganak to attend the 2019 Annual Parent Conference: Transforming Challenging Behaviors into Meaningful Communication, to learn some useful information on how to manage the challenging behaviors of her two children. Stone Soup Group interviewed her following the 2019 Parent Conference. Here is what she had to say:
SSG: How old are your children?
E.J.: I have 15-year-old boy who has been diagnosed with FASD, and an 8-year-old boy with ADHD; both of whom demonstrate very challenging behaviors.
SSG: What was your general experience at the conference?
E.J.: The conference was a refreshing environment to be in. I was able to relate to most of the topics and stories that were shared by presenters and fellow attendees. Back in Kongiganak, I used to attend the annual Fascinating Families Camp, which provided me with invaluable parent support. Since the camp no longer exists, The Annual Parent Conference is an awesome way to get that same support. I really enjoyed touching base with other parents and knowing that I am not alone on this journey.
SSG: You brought your teenage son with you on the trip to Anchorage, how did he do?
E.J.: For the first time, he walked all by himself to the grocery store! I think he was motivated by a big store like Fred Meyer, we don’t have that in the village.
SSG: What was your biggest takeaway from the conference?
E.J.: The reminder that every little accomplishment, no matter how small, is a step forward.
SSG: Do you plan on attending next year’s conference?
E.J.: Yes!
Elizabeth’s boys participating in substance activities.
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