Avon Lake Residents Honored by Connecting for Kids

Westlake, Ohio…Connecting for Kids will honor three Avon Lake residents who have helped fulfill the organization’s mission to provide education and support to families with concerns about their child at its Annual Fundraiser on February 24, 2017. The honorees include Meghan Barlow, PhD, Jackson Bolognia and Tom Kuemerle.

Board Member of the Year: Meghan Barlow, PhD, Pediatric Psychologist, Meghan Barlow and Associates

Dr. Meghan Barlow is a Pediatric Psychologist specializing in children with autism spectrum disorders, anxiety disorders, Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders, depression, behavioral concerns, developmental issues, and chronic medical problems. Even with a thriving business in Rocky River, she still finds time to volunteer, serving on the Connecting for Kids Board of Directors and as a member of the Program and Family Recruitment Committee. Her insight and wisdom is invaluable for helping to determine the programs that are offered each year and identifying speakers that will be of interest to our families. Dr. Barlow was also instrumental in designing and implementing the Connecting for Kids Beyond the BenchSM Training Program and has volunteered to train thousands of students in compassion and conflict management skills as part of the program. She is passionate about educating and supporting families, having presented at numerous Connecting for Kids Speaker Series programs as well as other speaking events in the community. Dr. Barlow is always willing to go above and beyond to do whatever is necessary to further the mission of Connecting for Kids.

Beyond the Bench Award: Jackson Bolognia and Tom Kuemerle

This is an award given to a child under 13 years of age who demonstrates the characteristics of the Connecting for Kids Beyond the Bench Training Program including kindness and compassion. The winners,
Jackson Bolognia and Tom Kuemerle, helped a peer who was having a difficult time in school navigating social interactions. Bolognia and Kuemerle met up with this student and his pediatric psychologist. They
listened to his questions and concerns with respect, thoughtfully considered their responses and answered with sincerity. They shared that they, too, had trouble joining groups from time to time. They practiced role play scenarios with him to become more comfortable in social settings. Bolognia and Kuemerle even agreed to meet up with him at a pool to demonstrate how to join groups and hang out with other kids. This was a life changing experience for this peer, helping him enter a new school with these positive interactions and a feeling that he does belong.

About Connecting for Kids

Connecting for Kids (CFK) provides education and support to families with concerns about their child. We serve all families, including those children with and without formal diagnoses. CFK offers educational programs, support groups, a Parent Match Program and numerous resources.

For more information about Connecting for Kids, visit: www.connectingforkids.org, email: info@connectingforkids.org or call: 440-250-5563.