Home > Special Insights Archive > December 2002 - January 2003 > Meet the Trainer: Jennifer Zolnowski

Jennifer Zolnowski believes that her position as a Parent Instructor with the Parent Network of WNY is like a dream come true. Married for seven years and the proud mother of two children, life hasn't exactly led her down the road as she planned.

Jennifer's educational background includes a B.A. in Psychology from Canisius College and an M.B.A. in Human Resources Management from the University of Buffalo. But it was in 1997 that a profound change occurred in her life. Her first child, son Patrick, was born with Down Syndrome. After the initial shock of having a child with a disability, Jennifer made it her mission to find out all that she could on the subject of raising him to be the best he could be. Patrick became involved in Early Intervention and Jennifer and her husband became members of the Down Syndrome Parent Group, for which Jennifer has served as co-president since 1988.

Jennifer's second child, Laura, was born in 2001. And although Jennifer loved her time as a stay-at-home mom, she decided it was time to move forward.

Energized by her new role as Parent Trainer, Jennifer has dove into her work which includes Binder Training, Testing Accomodations and IEP Development, with gusto. In addition, she has recently signed on to act as an article gatherer for future issues of Special Insights.

With a background to succeed and an enthusiastic approach to match, there is no question that Jennifer is very good at what she does: helping others help themselves.

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