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Parent to Parent Ellen McHugh The following link(s) will open in one new tab or window. Should you have any questions regarding this article, please follow the specific contact information provided.
Parent to Parent Coordinator and Assistant Director: Ellen McHugh Ellen has worked for Parent to Parent of NYS at the Metro-NY office for 15 years.
Ellen can be contacted at: Ellen resides in Brooklyn and is married to John McHugh. She has three sons, Ruarc, Ryan and Nolan. What characterizes me that I would like to make sure other people know about me and remember me by? A sense of humor, a positive approach and welcoming heart. Why is Parent to Parent important to you? I believe that there is nothing like talking to someone who has been there and done that. It’s a relief to know that you are not alone, that you can talk freely, to another parent who will listen respectfully. Another parent who can share experiences and knowledge in a sometimes confusing, conflicting and overwhelming world and can provide a person with an understanding heart and ready ear is a gift. Did you contact Parent to Parent when your son was younger? Parent to Parent wasn’t around in 1980 when my son received his diagnosis, but I did receive a call from a parent who had a child with a hearing loss. That was the gift that kept on giving. To this day I can remember the sweeping sense of relief I had when we talked. When Parent to Parent of NYS was introduced to New York City in 1994 I knew it would be a success and I hoped to part of it. How does the opportunity to connect with other parents benefit families? Parents are given the opportunity to create a unique and supportive community. That community will grow in an almost miraculous way. One day you are alone, dealing with issues for which you were unprepared and suddenly, your world has expanded. You are not alone. It may not be the world you imagined, but it is a world that can offer support and comfort when you need it. What happens when a parent speaks with another parent and receives support from another parent? There’s a sense of relief and a sense of community where information can be shared openly, where questions, no matter how many, can be answered. Support parents provide a safe haven for the parent who is going through a period of adjustment. It’s as if you were having tea with a friend and a spoonful of empathy as a sweetener What qualities do I look for when recruiting parents as supporting parents? Common sense, self confidence and most importantly a sense of humor. The support parent should also have patience...to listen, to soothe, to provide information takes time and patience. What kind of information, referrals, or community connections are families looking for? Parents want information about specific issue concerning their child, referrals to good medical staff, referrals to good school programs, referrals to supportive religious communities, referrals to barbers and hairdressers, sports programs and libraries. The list is endless and sometimes surprising. Was there a time when someone went above and beyond all expectations to help you with your child? There was a local basketball coach who was famous in the community for his temper and tantrums during games. When Ruarc was selected for the team we were both more than just a little frightened. I took him to practice all set to ask for a switch when the coach knelt down to talk to Ruarc, to get closer to Ruarc. He said, “We’re ready to play. And I am glad you’re here.”
March 2010
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August 2010 Contact Us
Phone: 1-800-395-3372 Upcoming DDPC Meetings August 2010:
8/9/10 - Chilodrens Issues Committee Meeting *Notice* Open Government and the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC). All DDPC meetings are held in Albany, NY unless otherwise noted. Under law, the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC) meetings and DDPC Standing Committee meetings are open meetings. If the public wants to attend, they can attend as observers. Participants may be asked to leave during breaks in the deliberations and when the meeting goes into executive session. If more information, please contact the DDPC directly.
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