It is with pride we congratulate Valeryia Pedersen for her new position as Southeast Regional Coordinator for the Family TIES program (Together In Enhancing Supports) at the Federation for Children with Special Needs. 

Val graduated in 2018 from the Family Leadership Series in the Southeast region.  “Her positive attitude and supportive nature were evident throughout the nine-month program” states Kathleen Amaral, coordinator of the program in the Southeast.  She adds, “Val will be a wonderful resource for families in the region who are seeking information and support for their loved ones with disabilities and/or chronic health concerns.”

Born in Belarus, Val moved to Cape Cod at the age of 21.  She comes to her work fluent in Russian and English, as well as the ability to speak some Spanish and German.  Val made her way to Mass Families Organizing for Change a couple of years after her daughter, Ariana was diagnosed with Autism.  However, in 2018, after graduating from the Family Leadership Series, Val shares, “disability advocacy became second nature to me”. 

Val also facilitates parent and caregiver support groups in her local community. She adds, “Helping families of children like my daughter to gain access to community resources and services, to feel supported, informed, and empowered to advocate for their children’s wellbeing and equal participation in the school system and community offerings is the mission I feel most aligned within my professional and personal life.”

Way to go, Val 👏👏👏 We’re very proud of your accomplishments and can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!