PWS NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2025

Thank you to everyone who attended the 2025 PWS National Conference on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at The Kingbridge Centre in King City. FPWR Canada and OPWSA were thrilled to partner for this incredible event.

The conference will be comprised of three distinct programs:
Family Conference for parents and guardians
Friends and Fun Club for individuals with PWS of all ages and their siblings
Professional Providers Day for agency staff, educators and other professionals that support individuals with PWS.

It was a great day of learning, information sharing, networking, peer support, and fun including wonderful programming for individuals with PWS of all ages and their siblings.

Family Conference

The conference featured presentations from experts in the field on such topics as behaviour, research and financial planning. The conference also provided ample time for parents and caregivers to connect.

Agenda
Presenter Bios

Research and Clinical Trials Update

This recording includes two presentations.

The Latest in PWS Research: Progress and Possibilities

Moderator: Rob Pividor, OPWSA Co-Chair

Sibling Panelists: Kate MacKinnon, Catherine Rinaldi, Noah Cordeiro

Hear from siblings as they share their honest and heartfelt stories about growing up with a brother or sister with PWS. This session highlights the ups and downs of the sibling experience - the challenges, the joys, and the ways it has shaped who they are today.

Slides

Understanding and Supporting Behaviour in Prader-Willi Syndrome

Patrice Carroll, LICSW, Ph.D., Director of PWS Services, Latham Centers Inc.

Slides

Financial Planning & Strategies

Cathy Rulli, CPA, CGA, Specialist in Disability and Family Financial Planning

Navigating the financial side of caring for a child with Prader-Willi Syndrome can feel overwhelming. In this session, Cathy guided families through key financial resources, including acting as a representative with the CRA, the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), Canada Disability Benefit (CDB), Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and Henson Trust. To get in touch with Cathy, visit: www.rulicpa.com

Slides

Understanding the Sibling Experience with PWS

Moderator: Rob Pividor, OPWSA Co-Chair

Sibling Panelists: Kate MacKinnon, Catherine Rinaldi, Noah Cordeiro

Hear from siblings as they share their honest and heartfelt stories about growing up with a brother or sister with PWS. This session highlights the ups and downs of the sibling experience - the challenges, the joys, and the ways it has shaped who they are today.

Slides