Serving as the President of the Board of Directors of ATTACh has been a significant highlight of my career. While I hope that my contributions have been beneficial, it is I who have gained immensely from the opportunity to work alongside internationally respected experts, talented clinicians, an amazing ATTACh staff, and dedicated parents and caregivers. It has truly been an enriching experience.

I assumed the role of President of the Board on January 1, 2020. The first reported case of Covid-19 in the United States occurred three weeks later. Approximately three months after that, lockdowns began, leading to remote work, the use of Zoom, and discussions at ATTACh about managing our conference. Being an organization focused on relationships and personal connections it was challenging to consider holding a conference without physical gatherings. However, the conference is a significant source of revenue for the sustainability of the organization; further, it was important for our members and friends to feel supported during those uncertain times.  For these reasons, under Mary McGowan’s leadership, we made the enormous pivot to host our 2020 Annual Conference virtually.  It was a challenge, but the team was able to make it work; we provided support and education to hundreds of participants, some of whom participated from their home countries.

Due to the pandemic, ATTACh faced financial challenges like many other organizations. As responsible stewards of your membership dues and contributions, we closed our office location, reduced staff, and transitioned the remaining team to long-term remote work, which continues today.

One of my roles as President involved doing the annual evaluation of our Executive Director, Mary.  The members of the Board are sent surveys touching on a variety of tasks involving her position and then I compiled the results to share with the Board and with Mary.  She consistently retained the full support of the Board, and her vision, passion, and leadership were routinely acknowledged as pillars of this organization.  It has been an honor to serve alongside Mary and her stellar team, especially Stacey Notch, who tirelessly works to keep the gears moving.

When the conferences resumed in person, it was a breath of enormous fresh air.  Hugs, laughter, eating together, and sharing heartfelt stories – all with the common thread of loving and caring for children – were again part of our connectedness.  How cool was it to hang out with Dr. Stephen Porges, or Jules Alvarado, or Dr. Ruth Lanius?  ATTACh conferences provide incredible opportunities for all of us!

One of the most touching experiences as President of ATTACh was hosting debriefing sessions for parents at the end of conference days. These meetings allowed parents to reflect, support one another, and share their emotions. Creating this safe, judgment-free space was profoundly impactful and inspiring. It was an honor to be with them.

I could not fully express my gratitude to my fellow Board Members for their love, direction, expertise, and passion for this cause.  Perhaps the best way to do so would be to state that beyond being colleagues, they are my friends, and I love them.

I will forever be fan and supporter of ATTACh.  Our cause is of the highest worthiness.  Please continue to spread the word about the good that ATTACh does – teaching the world to heal.